How to Thrive in Remote Work

Mention ‘remote work’ and most people start thinking of the pandemic-driven world, where you’re in pajamas, in your bed attending the zoom meeting, pretending to work 24/7 but in reality, you’re just getting by.

Sure, the pandemic did make a lot of us work remotely. But not everybody started working remote since 2020. Some people have been doing it wayy before it was common.

Most of us didn’t try to sit and learn “How to work” when the world shifted to remote.

But that’s an important part. We all have been watching people around us work. We all have been accustomed to the current way of working.

This way of working has been evolving ever since its inception in the last century.

We go to the office, sit in a cubicle, follow the clock’s ticking hands, and work throughout the day (with occasional breaks in between). The routine was set, the structure was laid out — almost like working on autopilot.

But when you’re on your own, you need to be more mindful. Suddenly, the cubicle walls vanish, and the clock seems less imposing. You’re in the driver’s seat now. You have to design the day. No more buzzing office spaces; it’s just you and your goals, face to face.

Remote allows you a freedom to design your own work lifestyle. Your workspace, your environment, your habits, now everything is in your control. While it’s a task to manage them, the reward is the freedom and flexibility.

So, Let’s delve into practical strategies for thriving in remote work:

1. Routine:

Routines work magically. When in office, you had a routine; Show up at 10AM, go for lunch at 1:30pm, and so on.
These don’t need to fully go away in remote.

Bonus point is you can change them according to your own.

So develop routines and make it easy for yourself, rather than relying on will-power.

2. Open Communication:

Establish clear boundaries with family or housemates to respect your dedicated working hours, nurturing an environment conducive to focus and productivity.

3. Set Clear Expectations:

Clarity is the King; Whether it’s with your boss, your team, or even yourself — set those expectations straight. What’s expected during work hours? What are the deadlines? Lay it all out.

It’ll save you from unnecessary headaches down the line.

4. Create a Clear Boundary Between Work and Life:

You know what’s a game-changer? A designated workspace.

Yeah, carve out a spot solely for work. When you step into that space, it’s go time. And when you step out? You’re free to do anything without the feeling of guilt.

This prepares your brain to do everything better — be it work or relaxation. It’s a foolproof way to avoid burnout.

5. Plan Out Ahead of Time:

Plan your day, your week, heck, even your month. Knowing what’s coming down the pipeline can help you prep and dodge any curveballs.

6. Use Productivity/Management tools to your advantage:

Task lists, productivity apps — these aren’t just fancy buzzwords. They’re your support system to be more efficient.

Write down tasks, organize them, and watch your productivity soar.
Create a process for yourself and double your productivity.

7. Balanced Breaks:

It’s easy to forgo breaks with home and office intertwining.

Step away, breathe some fresh air, or engage with others at home.

When you sit back to work, you’ll have even better productivity. This is the first point in the book of avoiding burnout.

8. Focus on your Health:

While home convenience can be a boon, it can also lead to unhealthy habits. Opt for a balanced lifestyle with optimum activity and sleep. Create good eating habits and feel good throughout the day.

Remote work isn’t just about sending emails in your PJs; it’s about crafting a lifestyle that works for you.

Remote work is more than just productivity; it’s about finding equilibrium. It’s about leveraging technology, structuring your day, fostering connections, and creating a haven within the confines of your home — a haven that breeds creativity and productivity alike.