8 Ways To Be Happy & Productive As a Remote Worker

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a 'future of work' prediction made over five years ago of a rise in remote work is now a reality.

The pandemic disruption has forced major business changes and it has created the need for leaders and teams to pivot to being able to work effectively with remote workers.

In a recent blog post, I wrote about what companies can do to make remote work successful. (see below)

Given the stress and anxiety that our current reality is causing many people, in this post, I want to share tips and tricks on how the individual remote worker can be happy and productive.

#1

Balance the media information you are taking in with 'good news' (see Peter Diamandis blog post below). The risk for burnout is high when faced with change (for those new to remote work) and with the negative news that we are exposed to.

#2

Social distancing is not the same as social isolation. We have the perfect opportunity to reach out to connect with the people we love. Consider having a group FaceTime with your friends and share strategies on how you are making the most of working remotely. Seek out 'feel good' stories of connection. The recent video of Italians singing from their balconies is a great example of creatively connecting with others during a challenging time. (see below)

#3

If you have not tried meditation yet there is no time like now to begin. If the very thought of meditation gives you hives (smile) you can start with maybe 5 minutes of breathing or you can use apps like Calm or Headspace. I personally use the audios from Deepak Chopra that are mantra-based meditations. (see below)

#4

Set clear daily goals - make your priority list and include self-care agenda items. For example, you may focus on completing one or two major goals and then go for a walk. Break your work into manageable 'pieces' such as finish a report then grab a snack or have a video call with client then answer emails.

#5

Be aware of the distractions that can take you off course. Ensure you have a work area where you can have minimal interruptions. If you are working on a project that requires focus and quiet put a sign on the door saying 'please do not disturb'.

#6

One of the challenges with remote work is that leaders who are used to having 'warm bodies' in seats at an office cannot be assured that remote workers are really working. As a remote worker, you can suffer from 'working from home guilt'. To combat this ensure frequent connection with your leader and teams - communicate often and with progress updates. Keep track of your accomplishments and share those with your leader.

#7

If you are a long term remote worker you will remember that the first six months of working remotely are very difficult. There is a sense of being cut off from others and it can feel as if you working in a vacuum. If you are new to remote work just know that its normal to feel out of sorts, to feel like you are not as productive and to feel like something is 'missing. Not everyone is suited to remote work. It can take time, training and coaching to be really effective at remote work. Ask for help - reach out to others who have been successful with working remotely.

#8

Consider working with a coach to help you stay motivated, focused and highly productive. If your company offers coaching internally sign up and take advantage of this opportunity. If your company does not provide coaching do some research and find a coach that you are willing to invest in and find out if your company reimburses for coaches. Some companies will reimburse workers for hiring coaches as part of the training budget.

Bonus tip:

Working remotely can create a feeling of being cut off from collaboration opportunities or having 'water cooler' discussions. Use your companies intranet or Slack channel or other resources to stay in the loop of the companies activities.