Following the unprecedented crisis of COVID-19 and the major disruptions that has brought within every industry, it is known that more and more people are working remotely, in an effort to slow down the spread of the disease. Although, working from home might be an effective solution amid the pandemic, it has completely changed the way employees work and their overall career progression.
According to a recent work survey by Hubstaff Blog, 84.5% of companies intend to continue offering some remote work options after the pandemic, while only a 15.5% intend to go back to full time office work.
At the same time, 58,25% of the companies plan to combine remote and in-office work in the future.
However, while an employee can be effective at completing a certain task, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re productive during working from home.
In fact, it is observed that some people find it difficult to work outside of a traditional office environment as it impacts their productivity and struggle to maintain balance.
What is more, being productive means staying focused and motivated. In other words, it’s getting things done quickly and producing a high-quality result.
As a result of telecommuting, some people lack the discipline it takes to focus in an entirely newly distracting environment. One thing is for sure, remote work isn’t for everybody.
Considering the situation, it is important to adopt practical habits and routines in order to keep balance and be focused on your work from your “home-office”.
To begin with, if you want to position yourself for career advancement, keep in mind to:
Set up a schedule
Maintain regular hours and try to stick to your schedule most of the times.
By getting up the same time every day and creating an exact time schedule just as you used to do when you were working at the office, it will encourage you to get some serious work done.
Create an office space
Dedicate a quite space in your house that will be used during your working hours.
Whether it’s a separate room, your office desk or just your kitchen’s table, make your workspace as comfortable as possible so as to better concentrate.
Creating a specific workspace can help tell your brain you’re in the place where you do work productively without being distracted.
Stay in contact with your colleagues
One of the biggest challenges when working remotely, is the lack of communication. Specifically, some people tend to feel lonely and isolated towards remote work culture.
Therefore, socializing with your colleagues will make you feel connected and included in a team.
According to experts, video meetings during working from home helps fight isolation, while boosts team unity and overall productivity.
Search for training opportunities
Although working from home has limited opportunities for career progression, it is of vital importance to not just sit back and wait for new chances to come to you.
Be alert and look for learning opportunities that are taught at the company’s headquarters or your closest office.
Always ask for regular feedback on your remote situation and get company’s updates.
Volunteer for new projects
Don’t forget that remote workers need to get noticed.
Sharing your ideas, offering assistance in new projects and participating in meetings, will among others make you visible within the company and help you maintain a professional profile online.
