Remote work is more popular than ever since the pandemic of 2020. After months of working from home, many of us discovered we can be more productive and enjoy a better work-life balance with a more flexible schedule. However, not everyone is made for remote working.
Whether you’re starting a new job, looking for a new position, or considering a remote work offer from your existing employer, it’s important to approach this new world with care. Figuring out whether remote work is right for you can save you a lot of headaches and heartache.
Here are a few questions you can ask to help you make the decision.
Do You Have The Right Space?
The first step in determining whether remote work is right for you is asking yourself if you have a space from which you can work remotely.
If you’re going to be working every day from your sofa, while dealing with the children and a barking dog, you’re probably not going to get much done. You need a specific space for work.
The people best-suited for remote work are usually those who have access to a spare room or dedicated environment, where they can maintain their focus and productivity. If you don’t have a dedicated home office space, you might be better off at the office.
Can You Stay Disciplined?
Many employers discovered they didn’t have much to worry about when it came to employees staying productive during the pandemic. However, some did struggle with distractions and procrastination more than others.
If you’re the kind of person who constantly finds themselves stopping work to check their phone or talk to a friend, you may not be the best candidate for remote work.
Ultimately, remote work can come with a lot of distractions, including everything from the television to your fridge to your pets. It’s much harder to ignore these distractions when you know you don’t have an employer looking over your shoulder.
Are You Good at Solo Work?
Working remotely usually means working on your own. You can still connect with people through things like video meetings and calls.
However, you’re going to be removed from your team most of the time. For some people, this is an excellent thing, as it means they can be as efficient and focused as possible, with no external distractions.
Some workers, however, find it much easier to do their best work when they’re surrounded by other people. If you like to bounce your ideas off your colleagues and connect with other members of staff on a regular basis, you may find that remote work is too isolating for you.
Ask yourself whether you really want to be alone most of the time.
Are You Good at Communication?
Since you’re going to be away from your team most of the time, you need to be an expert at communication. The best remote workers are regularly connecting with their team members, setting up video meetings, and sending emails.
With that in mind, it’s important to ensure you feel comfortable with regularly and consistently communicating.
Do you have an easy time getting your point across? Do you struggle with the nuances of body language and facial expression?
While you can learn to be more effective at certain kinds of communication, it’s helpful to have at least a foundational knowledge of how to communicate well.
Can You Preserve Work-Life Balance?
This is a question many people overlook when deciding whether they can handle remote work. Before the pandemic, most of us assumed that working from home would naturally lead to a better work-life balance.
However, the reality is that it can be difficult to separate your work life and your home life when everything takes place in the same environment.
If you find it difficult to switch off your phone at the end of a work day or leave the office on time, you might have trouble maintaining a work-life balance as a remote worker. The best thing you can do is have a dedicated room for work so you can close the door at the end of each day.
Are You Ready for Remote Work?
Even if you’re not sure whether remote work is right for you, you may be able to adapt given some time. If you’d like to give the process a try, you can always ask your employer to consider hybrid work initially, so you can distribute time between home and the office.
Comentarii