Have you ever been stuck on a snow-covered road with loads of files and a laptop in your hands, waiting for an Uber?
If yes, then chances are high that you have fanaticized about working remotely. The thought of working in your pj’s while sipping hot coffee feels like a dream, doesn’t it?
However, working remotely is not as easy as it looks.
It sure offers advantages like better work-life balance, chance to save money spent on food and daily commute but as the famous saying goes “Every advantage has its disadvantage”, there are some things about working remotely that no one talks about.
In this blog, we will go through some important facts that you should know before taking the plunge into full-time remote work.
Let’s start!
1. Your productivity level will keep changing
Employees tend to think that they will be most productive while working remotely. But in reality, their energy and productivity level starts to drop after a few days. Their short breaks turn into long naps and a quick trip to the kitchen for coffee turns into dinner prep or laundry time.
What can be done to resolve this?
It’s unrealistic to assume that employees can work all day, every day, with no interruptions. However, this doesn’t mean that it is not important for remote workers to make sure they are productive.
Here are a few things you can do to remain productive during working hours:
- Create a to-do list every morning. This will allow you to take out time for yourself and complete work-related tasks on time.
- Make a few meals in bulk and portion them into food storage containers on Sundays. This can help you from having to stop work and make on-demand meals throughout the week.
- If you want to be productive throughout the day, consider taking regular breaks and give your mind some time to recharge. Every hour or so, take at least a few minutes to stand, refill your water or pet your dog.
- Use a productivity tool such as KonarkPro to have an insight into your daily activities and identify your high productive periods.
2. You will feel lonely at times
Feeling lonely at times is the least discussed aspect of remote work. In the office, you are always surrounded by other people, so it’s hard to get bored, but it’s tough to get out and talk to other people when you work from home.
On one hand, being alone can benefit your productivity but on the other, constant isolation can quickly become its own biggest distraction.
What can be done to resolve this?
Visiting your office once a week or two or working from a coffee shop might do wonders for people who feel lonely while working from home. You can also try coworking spaces that offer a work-friendly atmosphere and the perks you’d expect from an office such as conference rooms, refreshments, and even entrepreneur meetups.
3. You won’t be able to differentiate personal from professional life
While working remotely, there are times when employees put in extra hours. Eventually, not leaving the work to the assigned office hours becomes a habit and it becomes hard to differentiate between their personal and professional life.
What can be done to resolve this?
- Create a designated workplace for yourself. Remember, it should be a space where you can stay productive and leave behind the work once you complete the allotted hours.
- Be conscious of giving yourself time off. Routine or little breaks between can help.
- Inform your work colleagues while logging off. This will notify them about your availability after working hours.
- Use a time management tool such as KonarkPro to track the amount of time you spend on each task and even minimize distractions.
4. You will feel left out
Feeling left out or not part of a company is a common problem that employees face while working remotely. They often miss out on company parties, occasional lunches, team nights outs which may not seem like a big deal but ultimately these things make remote employees feel left out.
What can be done to resolve this?
- Decide how involved you want to be with your company as a remote worker. If you want to be more involved, you can start visiting your office once or twice a week or stay in touch with your team or peers using online tools.
- Plan outings with your co-workers.
5. You can develop bad health habits
It is much easier to slip into bad eating habits when the fridge is right beside you and the cupboard is fully stocked with junk food, while you work from home. Conversely, sometimes you forget to have meals because of lined-up calls and meetings.
What can be done to resolve this?
- Get into a routine. Have a regular time for exercise, maybe before work to start your day with a rush of feel-good hormones.
- Practice healthy eating habits. Instead of reaching for chocolate or crisps, grab some fruit or any other healthy alternative.
- Have regular breaks, clear your head, go for a walk.
6. You might not like remote work but that’s okay
Remote work is not for everyone and that’s okay. Some people lack the discipline they need to focus while working remotely whereas some like to be around other people, instead of working alone in their homes.
What can be done to resolve this?
If you are still thinking about making a shift to remote work, these points can help you make your journey smooth.
- Give yourself some time to adjust and keep an open mind.
- As mentioned earlier, remember to create a daily schedule or a to-do list to manage your tasks and meet deadlines on time.
- Limit distractions such as social media and phone calls, to stay focused.
- Dress smartly as it helps you to stay motivated and gives you the confidence to overcome whatever comes your way.
- Use a time management tool such as KonarkPro to stay productive and manage your resources.