Working remotely is still just that: work. Working by yourself or with a remote team takes a lot of discipline, organization, and dedication if you want to see any success. So, how do you set yourself up for success? The key is to set up your environment in a way that allows you to focus on the task at hand. All of that said, here are three must-haves for working with a remote team.
Set up Your Very Own Home Office
First and foremost, you need a dedicated space to work. It may seem easier to work from your bed or couch, but when it comes to productivity and focus, you’ll find that’s not the case. Plus, having your own home office set up makes you feel more like the real deal (right?)
So, find an unused room or corner of your home that you can start to make your own. Try to make it an area that you feel comfortable in but is free of distractions. Then, start by making a definitive list of your needs. Will you need a printer? A paper shredder? A file cabinet? A dedicated telephone? Then, buy the basics.
- Find a desk big enough for whatever it is that you do for work, and allow yourself space to spread out if need be.
- Invest in a good office chair to keep yourself comfortable and your back supported.
- Make sure your internet access is reliable and that your current computer is up to the task (these two are really).
Once you have the bones of your home office, you can start to make it your own. Only then can you go crazy at Staples and buy all the novelty paperclips and sticky notes your little heart desires.
Keep Your Space (And Your Mind) Organized
Keeping your desk organized and free from clutter is a must-have for working remotely. A clean desk means fewer distractions and more productivity. However, organization isn’t just about a clean space. You need to organize your space and mind according to how you work. Here’s how you can do that.
- Have what you need where you need it. This can take a little trial by error to figure out. When you work, are you always reaching for an item but end up having to dig through a drawer for it? If so, it’s time to keep it within arms reach instead. Play around with your desk layout until you find something that works for you.
- Buy some organizing containers. Everything has a place. It’s time to Marie Kondo your desk! The bottom line is, if you don’t use it or need it, it’s clutter and you should get rid of it. For the stuff you do keep, buy some nice containers to hold everything. Set these containers up in a way that makes sense to you and the way you work. We suggest looking into Amazon or The Container Store to find some great ways to organize your space!
- Keep your mind organized by using software or a journal. Some people prefer to use productivity apps like Asana or Trello (especially when working on a remote team), and others like to keep a planner or bullet journal by their side. Whichever you choose, start and end your day by organizing your tasks, writing to-do lists, and checking in on goal progress.
- Go paperless. In some professions, this can be difficult. If you can, make an effort to reduce the amount of paper you use for work. Stick to online contract signing and invoicing software. Not only is it environmentally-friendly, but it also keeps your space free of unnecessary clutter and gives you everything you need at your fingertips (without digging through a filing cabinet.)
Remember: organization is not a goal, it’s a tool that helps us reach our goals. So, set yourself up for success but don’t obsess over organization. At a certain point, it only takes time away from your work.
Keep Lines of Communication Open With Your Remote Team
Proper communication is among the most important must-haves for working with a remote team. With the surge in the number of remote workers all over the world, workplace etiquette has changed quite a bit. Since you aren’t working face to face, some things can get lost in translation.
Remote workforce communication is hard if you don’t have the right tools. Here are a few tips to help you along the way.
- Get your team on board with a good video conference software. Software like Zoom or Skype can help bridge the gap when working with people remotely. Sometimes, not everything can be said in an email or a phone call.
- Invest in communication apps like Slack or Flock – a live chat for your remote team! These chat softwares allow you to speak with your team quickly, with no need for emails or video conferences.
- Make sure you still look the part. Even if your team is completely remote, there’s no excuse to abandon all professionalism. When speaking to your team over a video call, make sure you’ve dressed appropriately, you’ve got good lighting, and you exhibit proper body language. These things will go a long way!
- Reach out every day. Make sure you and your remote team keep lines of communication open,… wide-open. You should never go multiple days without speaking to someone on your team.
- Don’t isolate yourself. If your remote team is local, try to set up occasional in-person work sessions or meet-ups. Since you don’t work side-by-side each day, meeting up once in a while can do wonders for team building (plus it’ll keep everyone from going stir crazy.)
Summary of Must-Haves for Working with a Remote Team
Working remotely can be extremely rewarding, but it’s not as easy as it may seem. The above must-haves for working with a remote team will get you well on your way to being a remote working expert. Looking for more help turning your business or remote team into a well-oiled machine? Contact us at Remote COO!