The rise of remote working has completely shifted our work culture. It frees us from the daily grind of commuting and the constant buzz of office chatter, allowing us to focus on our tasks with greater efficiency. However, like any other work arrangement, remote working also has its share of challenges.
This article will explore some common mistakes and challenges to avoid with remote working.
Rise of remote working, benefits & challenges
Remote working became a concept during the pandemic when companies had little choice —they could either go fully remote or close down. While some companies have since abandoned the idea of remote work, others have embraced it.
Operating remotely has many advantages both for companies and workers. There is far more flexibility, cost savings, and access to a broader talent pool.
However, there are also challenges. Productivity can be an issue without the structure of an office, which can quickly turn into stress as you rush to catch up on tasks.
Let’s explore these challenges in more detail and learn how you can manage them.
Not having a structured routine
As noisy and demoralizing offices can be, they do provide some structure in our lives. Getting to our desks marks the start of our work day, which ends eight hours later. Working remotely doesn’t provide the same clear structure, making it difficult to stay focused and productive during working hours.
There are many more distractions, and some serious willpower is required to resist engaging in non-work activities. To avoid this problem, consider the following solutions:
- Find a clean, quiet room that you will only use when working
- Set strict boundaries on the gadgets you’re allowed to use during work hours
- Plan your day with specific tasks and times to stay on track
Avoid communication breakdowns
Communication breakdowns are very common in remote environments due to the lack of face-to-face interaction. It’s very easy for someone to forget to reply to a message or completely misinterpret the tone and intent of the communication.
While many remote workers despise video meetings, they are essential for maintaining a personal connection and ensuring everyone is on the same page. That said, learn to use collaboration tools effectively. It sounds easy, but many remote workers provide vague instructions or updates, leading to confusion among coworkers.
Unstable internet connections can sometimes cause communication issues. For reliable internet connectivity, it’s best for remote or traveling workers to use eSIMs. Look at sources like the eSIM comparison table to find out what features you might want to have in the provider you select.
Moreso, here are some of the benefits eSIMs provide:
- You can use multiple SIMs simultaneously for maximum flexibility
- Top-notch security as they’re entirely digital
- Easy to install and impossible to lose or damage
Learn to separate your personal and work lives
Another issue with not having structure is that it blurs the lines of work and personal time. You could be procrastinating the whole day on completing a task, forcing you to work extended hours and missing much-needed time off. This will eventually lead to stress and ultimately make you an inefficient worker.
It’s best to establish clear boundaries about the times it would be acceptable to work. Even if you don’t complete everything that day, do not try to compensate by sacrificing your personal time. As they say, work will always be there tomorrow.
If you want peace of mind while you’re out of the office traveling, you should invest in a stable mobile connection. Say you are flying to NY from Europe, then look for providers that offer reliable coverage and find the best eSIM available for USA. Compare data plans and prices and analyze reviews from other users to ensure service quality.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of remote working takes time and practice, especially if you’re used to working in an office setting. Try to establish a routine and follow it meticulously. Avoid working outside of your set hours, as that will only bring stress and instability. You’re better off leaving the task for tomorrow. Bosses and coworkers are people, too, and will understand when you have to prioritize your mental health.