Gone are the days of working in an office five days a week, for some people at least. Now, you can work for anyone and from anywhere with the right skills.
Whether you're working at home for a company 10, 100, or 1,000 miles away, remote work isn't always easy. The amazing benefits you get often have some downsides attached. Use these five tips to help make your remote job a success for you and your employer.
Keep Your Systems Safe and Secure
Your employer might help with this if they provide laptops and other tech for your work. But if you rely on your equipment as a freelancer or contractor, you'll need to take security measures.
Educate yourself on the dangers of phishing attacks and the signs to look out for. Inaccurate email addresses and strange, urgent requests are usually red flags. Also, back up your system and files securely in the cloud if you lose or break your laptop.
Be careful when using unsecured Wi-Fi networks, too. If you're working in a café, hotel, airport, or co-working space, connecting to a public network can leave your activity and data vulnerable. Connect to a VPN service to shield your devices and data while out and about, and even while you're working at home. A VPN makes your internet safer and more private. It scrambles your online activity and sends it through a secure server, hiding your IP address.
Create a Dedicated Workspace
The right environment makes remote working more sustainable. Sitting hunched over your kitchen table can lead to physical fatigue and mental errors. You need somewhere comfortable for long-term remote work. Assign a room to be your home office, or at least find a corner to set up a desk and chair.
Some people find they're more productive in cafes or co-working spaces. Try these out and see if they work for you. Changing up your location now and again might keep things fresh.
Make an Effort to Switch off Outside of Work Hours
Finding work-life balance can be challenging if your home and professional lives are in the same building. Set clear rules around closing your computer and not checking emails once work stops. Scheduling breaks as you would when working in the office helps you focus on your tasks.
The more you disconnect from work in your spare time, the more refreshed you'll be when you return to it. This is key to longevity and productivity.
Make Full Use of Communication Platforms
You might not share an office with co-workers. But those relationships are just as crucial when you work remotely – if not more so. Use collaboration platforms as much as possible, whether it's to have a casual chat or a team meeting.
Don't be afraid to keep people updated with what you're doing and any challenges you face. You don't need to feel isolated while working remotely. Reach out to people for help.
Make WFH Work for You
The opportunity can give you more time, freedom, and money to invest in other areas of your life. Take the necessary precautions to ensure you can continue working remotely for as long as you want to.
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