The working industry is changing; more and more jobs offer employees remote work options instead of requiring them to drive to the office each day. If you’re wondering if you should consider a remote position, here is a brief guide on how to know if working remotely is right for you.
Designated Workspace
Do you have a room in your house that can serve as your designated workspace? This area can be an extra bedroom turned into an office or simply a place in your home that’s free of distractions.
Distractions
Distractions are the most challenging aspects of working remotely. When working in an office, you still have distractions that may cause you to get less work done, but at home, there are so many more. Some distractions can include taking care of children or pets, other family members, and unfinished chores around the house. You may think since you’re at home, you should take care of all these items.
Since you encounter distractions, openly communicate with your team about your situation. Trying to over-deliver when working remotely is not a healthy strategy; it can cause strain on your well-being and affect work productivity. Try your best to avoid distractions and designate a workspace to stay clear-minded.
Separating Work and Home Life
Once you clock out, you must detach yourself from the workday. You need to separate work mode and relaxation mode within the spaces of your home. Without it, working remotely can be very stressful.
Good Internet Speed
Having slow internet speeds can greatly affect your productivity. It can have negative consequences for all aspects of your job, including communication through emails and video calls, researching, and using other important applications. If you choose to work from home, you may need to modify your internet service to improve speeds.
Need for Social Interaction
If you measured your need for social interaction throughout the day, how would you rate yourself? When working remotely, you have phone calls and instant messages, but it’s not the same as working in an office building. It can be more of a challenge to connect on a personal level with coworkers. If you feel like socializing is crucial to your productivity, remote work may not be the best option.
Communication Skills
All communication runs through instant messages, emails, and video calls. You need to be skilled at communicating promptly through these outlets. In an in-person work environment, coworkers can walk to your desk for a short talk, and you can bring items and questions straight to your peers.
Remote work is different; you need to pay attention when coworkers need to contact you. You must be capable of responding in a timely manner with detailed answers.
It may be hard to know if you possess the ability to succeed when working from home. Everyone faces these challenges, and you are not alone. There is one surefire way to know if working remotely is right for you: trying it out!
