Remote working is increasingly becoming popular. According to the International Labor Organization, there are about 260 million remote workers globally before the pandemic. This number is expected to spike due to the COVID 19 situation. It’s also a good idea to monitor platforms such as Search Remotely to secure more remote work opportunities. To help you transition smoothly, here is a checklist of things you need to work remotely successfully.
1. A Computer
A good computer is perhaps the most critical device you will need to work remotely. It could either be a laptop or a desktop computer. The ram, storage space, hard drives, and processing speed are some of the things to look for in a computer. You might also need to own a laptop alongside your desktop. It will enable you to work from a coffee shop or a library when you get tired of your home office. Additional accessories like a printer, photocopiers, and storage devices are also necessary.
2. Reliable Internet Connection
The internet is an essential ingredient for remote working. Whether you are a blogger, an accountant, or an entrepreneur, you will need a reliable internet connection. Signal strength and internet speed are the two main elements of an internet connection you need to consider. For essential office work, a rate above 1.5Mbs (megabytes per second) is sufficient. However, if you work in game design, animation or telecommunication you will need higher speeds.
3. A Home Office
Although you will be working from home, it is still important to separate your office work from your home. It doesn’t have to be a whole room. All you need is a desk and a comfortable office chair. Ensure your working space is organized. A messy desk significantly reduces your productivity. Your workspace should have adequate lighting and is free from distractions.
4. The Digital Remote Work Tools
The secret to working from home has the right tools to help you. You will need tools for note-taking, project management, time management, and file sharing. Luckily, applications such as Trello, Todoist, and Milanote are practical at helping you stay organized.
5. Decent Clothing
Although working from home does require a strict dressing code, it also does mean that pants are optional. Your brain automatically associates certain kinds of clothing with leisure and relaxation. So maybe wearing pajamas all day might not be good. It will significantly lower your productivity.
6. A Healthy Snack
The opportunities for grabbing a quick snack are limitless when you are working remotely. The fridge, oven, and toaster are usually just a few steps away. It is easy to put on a few extra pounds in the process.
Consider stocking up on healthy snacks such as fruits, nuts, or milk.
7. Self-Discipline
Most people don’t realize how hard it is to self-monitor. There are a lot of distractions when you are not working from the office. It would be best if you came up with a routine schedule to ensure you finish your work on time. All these require a great deal of self-discipline to accomplish.
Takeaway
Remote working is similar to working from the company offices in a lot of ways. Its most significant advantage is flexibility and freedom. However, it also has its fair share of drawbacks, such as limited social interaction and distractions. Freedom comes at a price; ensure you keep your work life and social life separate.