REMOTE WORK: 10 TIPS FOR STAYING JOYFUL, EFFICIENT, AND HEALTHY

The rise of remote work has made professional routines more flexible, leading to the widespread adoption of working from home. With the advent of the internet, work methods have become a subject of continuous interest. Some countries have even embraced a four-day workweek, and many companies now offer flexible schedules, moving away from the traditional 9-to-5.

Remote work has quickly become one of the most favored forms of what is known as "flexible work," offering numerous benefits. In terms of productivity, employee retention, and cost reduction, working from home is essential for enhancing employee well-being and productivity. Moreover, with the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become crucial for companies worldwide to adopt this work method, which is not only effective but also straightforward and significantly reduces stress.

HOW TO MAKE WORKING FROM HOME BOTH POSITIVE AND FRUITFUL? HERE'S HOW!

1. HOW TO STAY PRODUCTIVE IN A HOME ENVIRONMENT?

Working from home, whether in an office or on a sofa, can make focusing challenging. Many believe that the absence of supervisor oversight and colleague presence makes remote work chaotic and less productive, but numerous studies contradict this notion. However, it is important to follow certain practices to make remote work effective.

HERE ARE SOME ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR MAINTAINING YOUR PRODUCTIVITY (AND MENTAL HEALTH) WHILE WORKING FROM HOME.

DRESS FOR THE DAY

Whether or not you have a video conference, dressing for work is a significant psychological act to prepare for a productive day. There's no need for heels or a suit, but showering, shaving, and dressing decently, in case a friend drops by unexpectedly, can help you avoid the lethargy often associated with nightwear. It's about maintaining a routine similar to what you had in the office.

"Establish rituals and manage your day in a disciplined manner," advises Tsedal Neeley, a professor at Harvard Business School. "Set a start and end time. Have a routine. Take a shower, get dressed, even if it's not your usual work attire, then start your activities. If you're used to exercising, incorporate it into your day."

MAINTAIN REGULAR HOURS

Although remote work offers the flexibility of not having to commute and adhere to strict schedules, to remain productive, it is advisable to maintain regular hours. This includes the breaks you would normally take at the office. For example, it's fine to take a break for household chores, but try to limit these interruptions to 15 minutes, as you would for a coffee break. Don't neglect your one-hour lunch break either - it's crucial for recharging for the afternoon and completing your tasks.

If you're used to following a schedule or a to-do list at the office, continue to do so at home. Keep an agenda on your desk to jot down your ideas. Create a mini-office at home What makes a professional office? It's a space designed for work. Try to recreate a similar space at home, with at least a desk, natural light, and a comfortable chair, like in your usual office. You can add other elements later, such as noise-canceling headphones, a coffee machine, a neck cushion, an ergonomic seat, etc. Set up at home everything that can replicate your work environment.

MAINTAIN MEETINGS

The fact that you and your colleagues are not in the same room doesn't mean you should stop collaborating, as in meetings or brainstorming sessions. The days of complicated phone conferences are over - virtual meetings via apps like Zoom, Skype for Business, and Google Hangout have simplified remote collaborative work. Don't just focus on work during these meetings, as you would in the office, insists Neeley.

"As you no longer have informal conversations around the coffee machine and people are learning to work from home, dedicate the first few minutes of a meeting to make sure everyone is doing well," she advises. "Don't jump straight to the agenda. Ask each person how they are, starting with the newest team member or the one who speaks the least. Also share things about yourself, to set an example. Then, address the key points of the meeting, and set an example in how to interact, ask questions, or use your favorite technology."

ENJOY THE BENEFITS

Productivity is important, but your mental health and well-being are just as crucial. Don't deprive yourself of the benefits of remote work, take advantage of them! You'll be happier, healthier, and more productive. Listen to the music you like, choose a playlist of natural sounds on Noisli to stay focused, take a 15-minute nap during your lunch break, and use the time saved on commuting to prepare your evening and weekly meals. Fully enjoying this experience is the best way to motivate yourself to get up and be at your workstation every day.

HEALTH: SEPARATE PROFESSIONAL AND FAMILY LIFE

As in professional offices, there should be more or less official rules of conduct in your home office. Establish rules for yourself that clearly separate work and family. If you work from your sofa in pajamas, for example, the end of your workday and the beginning of your evening won't be distinct enough, and you'll likely feel like you're continuing to work. The more you can create a "work bubble" at home, the more you'll feel the end of the workday.

Also, set up non-work-related rules. Try to get out in the sun several times a day - even just to fetch the mail, stretch, or finish a cup of tea - and make sure to have at least one conversation a day with a team member, even if it seems superfluous. These little breaks will help you stay connected to the outside world.

HOW TO RELAX AFTER WORK

Remote work can make it difficult to separate professional and private life. Just as you forget about work when leaving your office, you need to establish clear boundaries. Don't let work encroach on your evening - close your laptop, turn off notifications, and stop working at the scheduled time, no matter where you are in your tasks.

INTEGRATE EXERCISE AND BREAKS

To improve your well-being, exercise and regular breaks are essential - and they don't have to be long. Plan a 15-minute yoga session on your balcony or in your garden after your morning meeting, or insert a meditation session on Calm or Headspace during your afternoon break. You can also include kinesiology exercises (Brain Gym) in your workday to improve your concentration and learning abilities.

TECH TIPS FOR MAINTAINING COLLABORATION IN REMOTE WORK ENHANCING COMMUNICATION PROCESSES IS CRUCIAL FOR A TEAM'S SMOOTH OPERATION.

Whatever technology you choose, make sure your team is proficient in it. Use Slack for quick exchanges (like those you would have in the office), keep emails for formal communications, use Zoom for face-to-face meetings, and invest time (and money, if possible) in team tracking tools like monday.com or Trello to monitor each member's task progress.

HERE ARE SOME APPS THAT CAN HELP YOU IMPROVE YOUR PERSONAL PRODUCTIVITY:

Timeful

If you manage your tasks in time blocks, this smart app can help you plan them. It syncs with your calendar and, in case of a conflict, automatically suggests another time slot.

Noisli

If Spotify distracts you too much during work, try Noisli, an app that plays soothing background noises like a campfire or wind to help you relax and focus.

Post-it App

Prefer a more "tangible" task tracking? The Post-it app captures your brainstorming sessions and facilitates professional collaboration.

Flock

If you enjoy collaboration in your work, try this app! Conversations can be individual or in groups, with screen sharing and a bookmarking system for collaborators.

Martin Latulippe, 
Expert en Team Building