A few remote working tips from twenty experts with 100+ years experience working remotely

get a great chair and desk

An ergonomic chair and an electric sit + stand desk are essential

Nobody wants back pain and it’s impossible to do great work for a long time without them

understand async working

Asynchronous work is the super power of remote work. It empowers everyone to do deep focussed work without distractions

This allows you to maximize the benefits of remote, have more control over living, and do the best work you have ever produced

always over-communicate

Ensuring everyone knows what is happening and where things stand takes concentrated effort remotely

Over communicating helps keep everyone on the page

ask for help regularly

Not being able to turn around and ask for advice or feedback from a teammate like you would in office often stops new remote workers doing it

Ping a team mate any time you need something, especially if there is no documentation that solves your problem

go to lunch with people

I regularly go out for lunch with friends, family and colleagues

Social time is critical, we are social animals, and doing remote work right means you get far more of it and far more that is higher quality as well

pick up an active hobby

Get out, keep fit and healthy, and get some fresh air

Nothing enables you to break away from the grind of work more than planned daily excercise

travel as much as you can

You’re no longer handcuffed to an office in a fixed location so take advantage of it

Working holidays where I continue to produce what is expected while also vacationing are priceless

have a great work setup

Being as safe, comfortable and productive at home as in an office means you need the same tools and equipment

Get a good keyboard + monitor and setup at the proper heights to prevent neck, arm and back pain

learn when to finish the day

Work is never done as there is always something else to do

Build a habit that marks the end of the work day, even if it’s as simple as closing the laptop lid when you’re done

more time for family & friends

Remote work allows you to spend more time with the people you care about most

Take advantage of it and improve your quality of life

get a noise-cancelling headset

Critical when working in areas where you have no control over the surrounding environment like a coffee shop

Allows anywhere to be your ‘office’

block off time in your calendar

Use your calendar to schedule your day – and then be ruthless in defending those blocks of time

Lunch, deep work, excercise, etc. all have a place and treat them the same way you do other events: don’t cancel them

tave a ‘transition’ activity

For me, my work day starts when I put my shoes on. Others start their day with a 10-15 minute walk in their neighborhood

Find what works for you

document everything you do

Documentation is another super power of remote teams. It ensures knowledge is always growing inside companies instead of getting lost when people leave

Make it shareable + accessible! This lets other people get value as well

separate work & living space

It’s important to acknowledge the privilege in this, not everyone is fortunate to have it

At times in my life when I wasn’t, I split spaces psychologically, i.e. a rug on the floor in my room

Using a ‘third space’ is also key like coffee shops

take walking meetings

Every meeting doesn’t have to be a Zoom call. Get out and go for a walk while you chat

Walking meetings are the best way to do this

only attend essential meetings

The best remote teams I’ve ever known never feel the need to attend a meeting just because it’s scheduled

This is something more companies should adopt

still see your colleagues

Working remotely does not mean you never see your team mates!

Find time to meet up on a cadence that enables you to have the best possible communication and collaboration

We often see remote teams having far better relationships than office teams

remember to take breaks

Not getting enough work done isn’t a concern – remote workers are far more productive – burning out is the real problem

Well-being and mental health are incredibly important. Make sure you take regular breaks and vacations that improve them

always assume positive intent

The most important thing

Tone and nuance are almost impossible to pick up all the time in written communication

Always assume positive intent when reading messages and jump on a quick call if you are unclear on anything

Want a great hybrid or remote work experience for you or your team?

http://FirstbaseHQ.com