Working remotely has become part of the new normal. However, there are a lot of bumps in the road when it comes to adjusting to this new style of working. It can be helpful to be aware of these common problems so you can have a plan to work through them.
Accountability
Without a physical space to work in, it can be difficult to maintain a sense of accountability. It is much easier to get distracted or to put off work until later in the day. There are several ways you can increase accountability. One thing you can do is to set a routine and stick to it. Commit to a time you will start working, take breaks, and finish for the day. Another helpful option is to have a designated space to work. You can’t physically go to work but you can physically move to a certain spot. A final method of improving accountability is to work with your team. At the beginning of the week, inform each other what you intend to work on and regularly check in with each other.
Communication
Communication will make or break your team, so this needs to be a priority. Working remotely can lead to a lot of miscommunication and it’s possible that individuals may be left out of conversations. If something is important, make sure it is clearly communicated to everyone. One way to keep everyone on the same page is to use one channel of communication. Another good tip is to make sure you always clearly explain everything to your team members. Since you aren’t in person, any confusion won’t be quickly worked out. You need to be thorough the first time.
Technology
When working remotely, everyone may be using different equipment and have varying levels of connectivity. In fact, lack of a stable internet connection is one of the biggest issues with remote work. A spotty connection can interrupt work and even lead to things being lost. Before you start working, make sure you have the right equipment, the right location, and a strong internet connection. You may want to consider making adjustments, such as moving your router to a central location, to improve your working experience.
While there are many challenges with remote work, it is possible to work through them and still be successful. Sometimes it will take creative solutions so explore lots of ways to overcome these challenges. Remote work isn’t likely to go away, so you should learn how to make the best of it.
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