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A few remote working tips from twenty experts with 100+ years experience working remotely
get a great chair and deskAn ergonomic chair and an electric sit + stand desk are essential
Nobody wants back pain and itâs impossible to do great work for a long time without them
understand async workingAsynchronous 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 peopleI 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 hobbyGet 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 canYouâre 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 setupBeing 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 itâs as simple as closing the laptop lid when youâre done
more time for family & friendsRemote 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 âofficeâ
block off time in your calendar Use your calendar to schedule your day â 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: donât cancel them
tave a âtransitionâ activityFor 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 spaceItâs important to acknowledge the privilege in this, not everyone is fortunate to have it
At times in my life when I wasnât, I split spaces psychologically, i.e. a rug on the floor in my room
Using a âthird spaceâ is also key like coffee shops
take walking meetings Every meeting doesnât 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 meetingsThe best remote teams Iâve ever known never feel the need to attend a meeting just because itâs 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 breaksNot getting enough work done isnât a concern â remote workers are far more productive â 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 intentThe 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
