How To Work Remotely Effectively
The pandemic has opened up a world of opportunities for professionals, particularly as businesses have had to adapt so staff are able to work remotely. Sometimes it isn’t quite as simple as choosing a café to work from though, you need to ensure your workspace is going to allow you to work productively. You will need a fast, stable internet connection and somewhere that is comfortable and not too loud. Luckily, there are lots of different ways to ensure you complete your work, no matter where you are in the world.
Think About The Lifestyle You Want
Remote working can often feel very lonely, as lots of people have realised since working from home this past year or so. It also doesn’t mean that you have to travel the globe hopping from city to city (once we are finally allowed to again). Whilst the ability to travel is often one of the main perks of remote working, the thing to remember is that you can have a flexible lifestyle. Try building your empire around your life, rather than working to live.
Make Sure You Have The Right Technology
Every job that can be carried out remotely will require some form of technology, usually a laptop. If you are just starting up a new business it may be tempting to opt for a second-hand model to keep costs low. However, if you don’t have the right tools for the job, you won’t be able to carry out the best work. It is always better to invest in something that is going to help you generate a greater return on your investment further down the line.
Here are a few ideas for how to set up your remote office:
- Use an iPad or tablet as a second screen to your main laptop.
- Look into laptop stands so that you can position the screen at a comfortable angle.
- Invest in a bluetooth keyboard and mouse.
- You may want to consider headphones if you plan to work in noisy environments (or carry out lots of Zoom meetings).
- A portable battery is always good to have on hand (don’t forget your main charger too).
- Something to carry your laptop and accessories in so they are protected.
Think About Comfort
We are all much more focused and productive when we feel comfortable. This can be quite hard if you aren’t working in a space that is meant for working (for example a coffee shop). If you plan on working on a big project for a big chunk of the day you might want to really think about where you are going to work from. A co-working space would be a much better option and will have readily available ergonomic chairs to keep you comfy whilst working.
Consider A Private Office
An alternative to coworking is renting out a private office space. As your business grows you will probably realise that an office space will allow you to add to your team, and will also provide more opportunities for networking too. If you are struggling to work from home because you keep getting distracted, a private office space could be the solution you are looking for. During current times a private office is also a great way to ensure you are working safely and sticking to government guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID.
Go Virtual
If you do decide that working from coffee shops in different locations each week is more up your street, you may want to consider having a virtual office too. Virtual office packages usually come with a registered business address and the facility to handle your mail too. Both of which are a necessity if you are travelling around the country working remotely. For more information on the virtual office packages that we offer, please call us on 01205 809222.
