Transitioning from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to remote working

Remote working is not only a great way to create work-life balance - it’s the springboard to make a major career move. Employees who have successfully made the transition from in-person to remote working or freelance working may find that they are not only more productive but also creative.

That being said, the transition to remote working isn't always easy. It is just as nerve-wracking as asking for a raise. 

Making the transition from working in an office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to working remotely can be a significant change for many people. It requires a shift in mindset, as well as some logistical adjustments.

Here are some tips to help you make your transition to remote working as smooth as possible:

Set up a dedicated workspace

It's important to have a designated area in your home where you can work without distractions. This could be a separate room or just a corner of a room.

Make sure you have a comfortable chair, a good desk, and good lighting. Remote working needs you to have a great place that is dedicated as a side office.

Establish a routine

Don't go in unprepared. Don't get me wrong, you don't need to sing before you start -unless you really have to and you don't have to change sweaters but you can have a few things that you do in the same way even when you are remote working from home.

When working in an office, you likely have a set routine that helps you stay productive. You should try to maintain that routine as much as possible when working remotely. Set a consistent schedule for when you start and end your workday, take breaks, and even schedule time for exercise or other activities.

Stay connected with your team

One of the biggest challenges of working remotely is feeling disconnected from your colleagues. Make sure you have good communication channels in place, such as video conferencing or messaging tools. Schedule regular check-ins with your team and make an effort to stay in touch even when you're not working on a specific project together.

You can answer all nonurgent texts after work thus allowing you to prioritize all work texts and emails. Ensure that you don't take long stretches on social media after work and avoid unnecessary calls.

Take care of your physical and mental health

Too much work and no play makes Jack a dull boy is a common proverb that we have all heard many times. Remote working can turn you into a dull Jack if all you do is stay in front of your PC.

Remote working can be isolating, so it's important to take care of your physical and mental health. Make sure you take breaks to stretch and move around and try to get some exercise during the day. It's also important to take breaks to relax and de-stress. Consider setting aside time for activities like meditation or yoga.

Stay organized

When you're working remotely, it's easy to lose track of what you need to do. Make sure you have a system in place for keeping track of tasks and deadlines. This could be a physical planner or an electronic tool like Trello or Asana. In my case, I use Cubo, which is a personal online office. I am able to collaborate with my clients and team remotely with ease.

Set boundaries

One of the greatest myths surrounding remote working is the assumption that remote workers are always available. You shouldn't be reviewed differently than a traditional employee based on the fact that you work remotely. Ensure that you set core working hours that your employers and colleagues understand and adhere to; you are not a robot to stay in front on your computer 24/7.

It's important to set boundaries when working from home, especially if you live with other people. Make sure everyone in your household understands that you are working and that you need quiet and privacy during certain hours. If you have children, consider setting up a schedule or hiring a babysitter to help with child care.

Stay focused

Working from home can be a major distraction, especially if you're not used to it. To stay focused, it can help to eliminate as many distractions as possible. Turn off your phone or social media notifications, close unnecessary tabs on your computer, and try to work in a quiet space. This will allow you to finish up all the work on time thus allowing you to get time to take care of your physical and mental well-being.

Take advantage of the flexibility

One of the benefits of working remotely is the flexibility it offers. If you have a task that requires deep focus, you may be able to complete it more efficiently by working during a time when you are normally less productive, such as early in the morning or late at night.

Making the transition to remote work can be challenging, but with some planning and discipline, it can also be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. By setting up a dedicated workspace, establishing a routine, staying connected with your team, taking care of your physical and mental health, staying organized, setting boundaries, and staying focused, you can successfully work remotely and achieve your goals.

When working remotely, it's easy to become overwhelmed and drained by work stressors. As new-age digital nomads, we can all breathe freely when everything seems irrefutable. It helps to remember that we are all in this together.

How can Cubo help implement a remote working environment?