Remote work has been a radical change for many of us, and while it offers unquestionable advantages, It also brings with it challenges that are not always easy to handle..
Knowing “what works and what doesn't” in this modality can make the difference between a balanced day and an overwhelming one..
In this note we are going to share some tips with you, so much about what you should do, as well as what you should avoid to get the best out of this way of working.
WHAT YOU SHOULD NOT DO WHEN YOU WORK FROM HOME
One of the biggest mistakes we can make when working remotely is sacrificing the balance between personal and professional life.. Just because your office is at home doesn't mean you have to be available all the time.. It is easy to fall into the trap of extending work hours beyond what is reasonable., responding to emails outside of normal hours or staying up late in front of the screen. It is essential to establish clear limits, both for you and for others. Therefore, The first tip here is to respect your work schedules and disconnect at the end of the day! Your free time is just as valuable as the time you spend working!
Another aspect that is often neglected is the creation of an adequate workspace.. While the temptation to work from the couch or even bed can be great, This can affect both your productivity and your health in the long term.. An organized and ergonomic environment will do wonders for your concentration and prevent back or neck pain. Investing in a good chair and a suitable table is key to making your home a comfortable place to work.. Although this does not mean that on some days it is wrong for you to choose to work from bed!, just don't make it a routine!
In the world of remote work, overconnection can also arise. Always be available to respond to messages on platforms like Slack, WhatsApp or even emails can generate anxiety and a feeling of exhaustion. Don't feel like you have to be connected 24 hours a day. Let your team know when you're available and when you're not, and respect those limits. It has a great relationship with point 1, But here we mean that even if you are not working, many times you are still aware of something and it ends up being as if you were still there..
Finally, there is the danger of unnecessary meetings. Video calls can be useful, but they can also become a distraction if they become a constant routine. Before scheduling or accepting a meeting, Ask yourself if it is really necessary or if the issue could be resolved with a simple message or email. Minimize meetings to focus more on deep work.
AND NOW, WHAT YOU SHOULD DO TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE HOME OFFICE
One of the great benefits of remote work is the flexibility to organize your day. Use this to your advantage by creating a routine that works for you.. Although having the freedom to set your own schedules is wonderful, Doing it without structure can result in chaotic days. Plan your day in advance, prioritize important tasks and set specific times for breaks. Not only will this keep you on the right path, but it will reduce the stress of feeling like you never finish everything you set out to do..
Communication is also key when you work from home. Even if you don't share a physical space with your team, maintaining open and constant communication is essential. Don't be afraid to express your needs or concerns, Don't hesitate to keep your colleagues updated on the progress of your tasks. Transparency helps build trust and ensures everyone is aligned, even from a distance.
It is also important that you take care of your physical and mental well-being. Sitting in front of the computer for long hours can be exhausting., so be sure to include small breaks in your day. Get up, stretch your legs, do breathing exercises or even go for a short walk. These types of breaks not only benefit your body, but they also refresh your mind, allowing you to return to work with a better perspective.
Technology is your ally in remote work, but use it wisely. Take advantage of tools that facilitate collaboration, like Trello, Asana o Google Workspace, to keep everything organized and in one place. Nevertheless, avoid falling into the abuse of these tools. Set your notifications so they don't distract you all the time, and use virtual meetings only when necessary.
Finally, The flexibility of remote work also allows you to adapt your schedules to your best moments of productivity. Some people work better in the morning, while others find their rhythm in the afternoon or evening. Identifying when you are most productive and structuring your day around those energy peaks can make a big difference in your performance..
OTHER IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
When working from home, it's tempting to multitask, but this is rarely effective. Jumping between different tasks makes you lose focus and time. Instead, try to focus on one task at a time and finish it before moving on to the next. Productivity is built more on the quality of attention than on the quantity of things you manage to do at the same time.
The social aspect is another factor that we should not neglect.. Remote work can, sometimes, feel a little lonely. Take advantage of opportunities to connect with your colleagues, not only in a work context, but also to keep social relationships alive. Participating in virtual team activities or just having a virtual coffee with a coworker can go a long way toward maintaining a sense of community..
Remote work can be a great ally in your life, offering you flexibility and autonomy, but like everything, requires good organization and clear limits to avoid falling into disorganization or exhaustion.
Find what works best for you and your team, and above all, remember that your well-being is as important as the work you do.
Working from home is an art that combines discipline and flexibility. With the right balance, you can make your day both productive and satisfying.