Working remotely definitely has its benefits, but it also comes with a few drawbacks. You can find some solutions for you in this article!
Working remotely definitely has its perks: no need for a morning commute, more flexibility with hours, and the ability to take work from anywhere. However, working remotely also comes with some drawbacks, which can be challenging to manage if you’re not ready for them.
This article will discuss seven strategies that help you deal with the most common challenges of working remotely. Let’s get started!
Main drawbacks of working remotely
It’s no secret that the number of people working remotely is on the rise. In fact, according to a study by Gallup, 43% of employed Americans report that they spend some time working remotely each week. While there are many benefits, there can also be some drawbacks.
The main downside of working remotely is the lack of face-to-face interaction with colleagues. It can lead to feeling isolated and lonely. Other drawbacks include:
- Difficulty concentrating;
- Feeling like you’re always working;
- Not having a dedicated workspace;
- Bad health care
- A lack of work/life balance.
Ideas on how to change the working remotely process for a better employee experience
It can be challenging to manage the drawbacks of working remotely, but some strategies can help to deal with them.
- One way to manage the drawbacks of working remotely is to clearly define expectations and goals. Employees should know their expectations and what they must do to meet those. It can help to avoid misunderstandings and frustration.
- Another way to manage the drawbacks of working remotely is to create a structured schedule. It can help employees stay on track and avoid getting bogged down in distractions.
- Moreover, set up regular check-ins. It can help ensure that employees are on track and address any concerns they may have.
- Another strategy for managing the drawbacks of working remotely is to create a support network. It can include colleagues, friends, or family members who can offer assistance and advice.
Work-from-home setup
If you’re working from home, it’s essential to have a dedicated space set up for yourself. It will help you to stay focused and avoid distractions. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just a simple desk or table where you can work comfortably. Assuming you have a dedicated space in your home for an at-home office, there are a few things you can do to make sure your environment is conducive to productivity.
- First, invest in a comfortable chair and desk setup. It will help reduce the strain on your body, which comes from sitting in the same position for long periods.
- Second, make sure your workspace is well-lit. It will help reduce eye strain and headaches.
- In addition, make sure that your workspace is free from any clutter. It will help you to stay organized and productive.
Plan your working day
Planning your working day is essential for all life spheres, especially if you are working remotely. You should be productive and focused to deal with all things and work tasks.
It will be better if you plan your time correctly to avoid overworking or procrastination. Use these several tips to do it easily:
- Establish set working hours and stick to them as much as possible. Of course, there will be days (or even weeks) when things come up, and you have to work longer hours. But in general, it’s essential to respect the boundary between work and life.
- You can also take breaks during the day to walk around or do something unrelated to work.
- Take into account timezone differences. If you have team members or clients in different time zones, plan your working day around those who will be available and responsive.
- Plan your tasks consistently, from the most difficult to the simple ones. It will help you to do the main work at the beginning of the working day when you are more productive.
- Another way to plan your day is to batch similar tasks together. It means grouping together similar tasks and working on them back-to-back. It will help you avoid context switching, which can be a big productivity killer.
Deal with interruptions while working remotely
Distractions are another common issue during working remotely. If you work from the home office, it can be easy to get sidetracked by things like laundry, dishes, family members, phone calls, or text messages. To combat this:
- Try to create a dedicated workspace in your home where you can close the door and focus on work.
- You can also try wearing headphones or working during specific hours of the day.
- Set clear boundaries with your family and friends. Let them know when you’re working and when you are available to talk.
- Turn off your phone or put it on silent while you’re working.
- Work in a quiet place if possible. If you have kids at home, try to work during their nap time or after they go to bed.
- Take breaks between tasks so you can take a few minutes to respond to messages or calls.
- Set aside time each day to check and respond to messages. This way you’re not constantly being interrupted while you’re working.
Balance communication within the company
Loneliness is a common issue for remote workers. Working remotely can make employees feel isolated from the company. To avoid this:
- Try to have more communication with your remote team members than you would if they were in the office. This way, they will feel like they are a part of the company culture and not left out.
- Try setting up weekly video calls or sending out monthly newsletters to update everyone on what’s going on within the company.
- You can also join online communities that relate to your work or hobbies.
- Create an online space where employees can interact with each other, such as a forum or chat room.
Creating a sense of community is essential when working remotely because it makes them feel the part of something bigger than themselves. When people feel like they belong to a community, they are more likely to be engaged and invested in their work.
Improve motivation during working remotely
When you work remotely, it is easy to feel disconnected from your team and your company’s overall mission. It can lead to a lack of motivation, which leads to subpar work and decreased productivity. There are a few things you can do to stay motivated while working remotely:
Find out what drives you. What is it about the work that gets you excited? When you know what motivates you, it will be easier to maintain that motivation even when working remotely.
Create a routine. Having a set schedule for your workday can help you stay focused and on track. It can also help create some structure in your day-to-day life, which can be especially helpful if you’re working from home.
Make time for breaks. It’s essential to take breaks throughout the day, even if you’re working remotely. Taking a few minutes to step away from your work can help you recharge and come back feeling refreshed.
Encourage healthy lifestyle habits
Working remotely has one big drawback, a lack of moving and health care. It is a scientific fact that physical activity improves focus and concentration, so it’s beneficial for both your mental and physical health. You should encourage remote workers to take care of their health regularly. You can do this in the following way:
- You can provide resources on your company website or blog, send regular emails with tips and advice, or even host webinars on the topic.
- Encourage your employees to develop and maintain healthy lifestyle habits. It includes things, such as eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and going outside to breathe in the fresh air.
- Another way to encourage a healthy lifestyle is by encouraging regular physical activity. It can be something as simple as taking a brisk walk around the block or going for a run before starting your workday.
And don’t forget to lead by example! If you’re living a healthy lifestyle, your employees will be more likely to follow suit.
Organize job-free time when working remotely
It can be challenging to stay motivated when working from home. To avoid this, it is essential to do the following:
- Set a work schedule that you stick to. It will help you keep a clear distinction between work time and free time.
- During your free time, take breaks and do things that you enjoy outside of work. It will help refresh your mind and body to be more productive when it is time to work again.
- Don’t forget about vacations for remote employees. Even when they work from home office, they need to have a rest from working routine as well as other workers.
Summary
The ability to work remotely has become increasingly popular in recent years. And while there are many advantages to this arrangement there are also some potential drawbacks.
Some of the challenges associated with working remotely include feeling isolated from colleagues, difficulty staying focused, and a lack of work/life balance. By being aware of these potential problems and implementing some simple strategies, you can help ensure that your remote employees are productive, happy, and engaged.
Of course, every person is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. The most important thing is, to be honest with yourself about what isn’t working and to be proactive about finding solutions that will help you be your best.
Author’s bio: I’m Peter Emmanuel Rossi, a professional hot tub designer, expert, and founder of ByRossi
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