There are strong advantages to remote work that a traditional office environment usually lacks.
Current times also required us to transition into a fully remote company, so these are learnings we encountered ourselves along the way."
Here are the benefits of working remotely
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You can work wherever you want
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Environmentally friendly
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A more inclusive and diverse hiring process
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Less commuting time means more time for our families and hobbies
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Schedule your own time
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More productivity, fewer interruptions
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You can work wherever you want
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Environmentally friendly
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A more inclusive and diverse hiring process
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Less commuting time means more time for our families and hobbies
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Schedule your own time
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More productivity, fewer interruptions
There is a flip side to every coin!
In 2020, millions of people were forced to work remotely. Those who have worked in an office for many years found this as a big change.
Remote work is often seen as "more of the same, just in a different location," by many employers.
However, remote work is a very different experience from working in an office. These differences can lead to stress if they're not addressed properly.
According to Buffer's 2019 State of Remote Work survey, remote workers struggle with:
- Distractions at home
- Different time zones
- Taking days off
- Staying motivated
- Unplugging after work
- Loneliness
- Communication
In most cases, you can mitigate these problems by making a few relatively simple adjustments to your routine, even if the company you work for doesn't have remote work policies.
Stress-Relieving Tips for Remote Workers
1. Know when to unplug. Establish an after-work routine.
Remote workers' biggest problem is unplugging after work. Working remotely can easily turn into an "always-online" lifestyle.
This can be challenging and stressful. Many people find it useful to set strict boundaries between their work and private life.
Establishing an after-work ritual is the easiest way to achieve this.
Depending on what you want, this could involve exercise, listening to music, reading, or even saying a sentence out loud.
By doing so, you create a signal to your brain that work is done.
2. Take short breaks every now and then.
It’s easy to work for hours and hours at a time without stopping if you have a remote environment where you don't get interrupted very often.
You should avoid this! It is wise to take short breaks every now and then.
Standing up, stretching, and walking around every once in a while, or after switching focus, is a good idea.
Avoid checking your phone. Wandering your thoughts can help. Spend some time with the family or pet your cat/dog.
You'll be able to focus and be more productive when you return to your work following these mini-breaks.
3. Grab every opportunity to stay fit, get enough sleep, and eat healthily.
Because remote work tends to blur the line between work and life it's easy to forget the fundamental things that help you stay fit, get enough sleep, and eat healthily.
Remote work gives you a lot of freedom. Get up early on Mondays and run. Work out when nobody is around. Prepare some tasty meals. Embrace every opportunity that comes your way.
4. Stay connected with your colleagues.
Overcoming loneliness is challenging but not impossible. You should have a remote work policy in place to address this issue.
However, you can do something proactive about it to talk to colleagues on a casual basis. It can be done by having a virtual lunch, tea time, or pair call. Connect with international colleagues.
In addition to feeling closer to that person, you will also feel part of a community which will help you feel less lonely.
5. Double/ triple check if you're expressing yourself clearly to avoid miscommunication.
Don't stress other people out with your behavior. The majority of remote communication is performed in writing so read your messages carefully before sending them.
Ensure that they are clear and written in a polite tone.
It is especially helpful to use Emojis and GIFs when chatting with someone. Using them is a great way to add nuance to your messages and to avoid misunderstandings.
You will communicate with your colleagues more effectively if you use a tone that is clear and neutral.
