As you know, remote work has many benefits – it can offer flexibility, freedom, and save you time. But the work from home setup can be difficult if you are a female entrepreneur, mompreneur, or busy businesswoman trying to excel at business and life from one place. The lines get blurred, and you may crave connection, more productivity, or more defined boundaries between work and life.
Building a productive space at home takes work and constant tweaks. These remote work best practices and tools can help you feel engaged, productive, and balanced.
The 10 Best Practices for Remote Work
1. Create an Organized Physical and Virtual Workspace
Creating a designated workspace at home can help you separate work, play, and family. Choose a quiet and comfortable area where you can focus without distractions.
Make sure all your house members know that this is a sacred zone for focus time, meetings, and all things work-related. Organizational tools and technologies can help declutter your desk and headspace.
Recommended remote work tools and technologies: Invest in an additional monitor noise-cancelling headphones, and use accessible file-sharing applications like Google Workspace.
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2. Set a Consistent Routine
Consistency is key, and remote work is no different. Without consistency and routine, you could run from one task to another without clear focus or direction, leading to ineffectiveness and even burnout.
One of the remote work best practices is working hard, day in and out. Establish a schedule that aligns with your most productive hours and stick to it. Use your calendar wisely, and habitually schedule and block time, from lunch breaks to focus time.
Recommended remote work tools: Google Calendar
3. Communicate More Meaningfully
The key to business success is communication, teamwork, and a people-first approach. Remote work requires extra effort on this front. Instead of always reverting to email or Microsoft Teams, get on a call or schedule a meeting.
If you have Zoom fatigue, try using more text-based communication. Always aim to feel synchronized and use a communication method that effectively conveys the complexity of your message. You may need to keep adjusting and use a mix of tools to find your happy medium.
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Recommended remote work tools: Slack, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams.
4. Dress for Success, Even at Home
It may seem fitting to work from home in your pajamas, but it might not be the most productive approach. Dressing well is more than just an everyday activity – it can help create a professional mindset and is even a confidence-building exercise.
Recommended reading:15 Effective Confidence-building Exercises for Women
5. Practice Self-Care Diligently
Remote work can blur the lines between personal and professional life. A well-nurtured self is more equipped to work productively and feel more fulfilled. There are many ways to practice self-care, from being more mindful to finding time to exercise. These practices promote well-being and can positively impact your professional life by helping you find balance and focus.
Recommended tools: Headspace, Calm, and the Nike Training Club.
Here are some more tips on work-life balance for women and how you can find focus and fulfillment.
6. Set Clear Boundaries
When your home doubles as an office, it is important to set boundaries. Clearly communicate your working hours to family members or housemates, and learn to say no to non-urgent requests during work hours. Use a project management tool that allows you to keep track of your work, manage your workload, and prioritize your tasks so you know when to say no.
Recommended remote work tools: Trello,Asana, and Monday.
7. Embrace Flexibility
One of the best perks of remote work is flexibility. Embrace it by finding a work schedule that suits your lifestyle. Experiment with different approaches, and find the best times for your personal and professional needs. Some tools can help you manage your flexible workplaces and be aware of your team or teammate’s movements.
Recommended remote work tools: Officely.
8. Create and Nurture Connections
Remote working can be a lonely business, especially for female entrepreneurs starting out. Combat feelings of isolation by staying connected with your colleagues. Schedule virtual coffee breaks, engage in casual conversations, and participate in online team-building activities. Remember to celebrate your wins with colleagues – this can also be a bonding and uplifting experience. There are a lot of virtual tools that encourage connection, engagement, and community.
Recommended remote work tools: HeyTaco, HiBob, and Leapsome.
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9. Look for Continuous Learning Opportunities
When working remotely, it is important to continuously learn, focus on self-improvement, and challenge yourself. Invest time in acquiring new skills, attending virtual workshops, and reading business books for women. This not only enhances your professional development but also keeps your work engaging in the physical absence of people.
Recommended online learning platforms: LinkedIn Learning and Udemy.
10. Reflect and Evaluate Always
Regularly assess your remote work experience. Reflect on what’s working well and what can be improved. Use feedback from colleagues and personal reflections to refine your approach and ensure continuous growth and adaptation. Many tools and practices, such as goal-setting, productivity assessments, and journaling, can help you reflect on your progress.
Recommended remote work tools:Goal setting, productivity assessment, and the The CARL framework of reflection.
Finding Your Rhythm Takes Time
Working remotely can be a challenge at the beginning. You may find yourself trying to create a space to work, spend time with your loved ones, and relax, which can make you feel overwhelmed and confused. But, you can win at remote working and use it to foster flexibility and productivity.
These remote work best practices and tools can help you work optimally and feel engaged. And remember, keep adapting and iterating—your work and needs are always evolving.
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