The Impact Of Remote Work On Career Development
Introduction
Over the last couple of years, the world of work has changed considerably; hence, remote working has really become very popular. All because of the advancement of technology and coming up with digital communication tools, people can now work from anywhere in the world at any time. The advantages that come with remote jobs include flexibility, an improved balance between work and personal life, and a reduction in commuting time. In this chapter, we learn about remote working and can pick up a few tips and advice on how to get and be successful at a remote job.
Benefits of Remote Working
Working remotely can have many benefits to both the employee and the employer. The important advantages of remote working are:
Increased flexibility: Employees can work from anywhere and at any time, provided there is stable internet. They can, therefore, operate from the comfort of their homes, a coffee shop, or even shared office space.
Smarter balance of work and personal life: With working from home, employees can balance their work and personal life with much more ease. They can attend to personal errands, family responsibilities, or simply take a break if they want to.
Less commuting time: During remote work, there is no need to invest hours in order to commute to and from work. They save lots of money and carbon footprint.
Increased productivity: Many people find that they are more productive working remotely. Without the distractions of a traditional office environment, they can focus better and get more work done.
Finding Remote Jobs
Finding remote jobs can be quite tricky, but there are several strategies you can utilize to increase your chances of success. Here are a few tips that may help:
Use remote job boards: Specialized job boards only post remote jobs. Some of the popular job boards for remote jobs are We Work Remotely, Remote.co, and FlexJobs.
Utilize social media: A number of companies use social media to post remote jobs. Follow companies you'd like to work with and check their job postings.
Network: The most important things when it comes to remote jobs are attending virtual events, joining online communities, and connecting with your industry people.
Consider freelancing work: Freelance can be a good option for getting started with remote working. You may find your clients and projects via platforms like Upwork or Freelancer.
Remote Work Essentials
With remote work, you will need some relevant tools and equipment. Here are the essentials for a good start:
Reliable internet connection: Remote work requires one to have a good and stable internet connection. Ensure you have the best internet service provider at your side and also have a backup in case your connection happens to fail.
Computer and software: You definitely need a computer and software, whatever your job requires. Keep your operating system and software updated to the latest versions. This will save you quite a lot of headache with remote work.
Communication tools: Communication bears much importance when it comes to working remotely. You would need to be in touch with teams and clients, and therefore, zoom, slack, or Skype are a must.
Time management tools: With remote work, one needs to be very disciplined and manage his or her time properly. Tools such as Trello, Asana, and RescueTime will go a long way in helping you stay organized and focused.
Managing Remote Teams
Managing remote teams involves skills a little different from those of managing traditional teams. Here are a few tips to help one succeed:
Communicate regularly: Communication is the secret ingredient when working with remote teams. Ensure that you are in touch regularly with them either through video calls, email, or instant messaging.
Clearly state goals and expectations: Your team needs to know what exactly is expected from them and what they need to get done. Set clear goals and deadlines; give feedback on a regular basis.
Engage in collaboration: With collaboration tools like Slack, Trello, or Asana, your team is going to be as productive as possible. Have them assign activities, follow through with progress, and share information.
Create a sense of community: Sometimes when working virtually, a workforce may feel disconnected from one another. We can make video calls, have virtual events, and use social media channels that will allow us to connect with our team members and build relationships.
Remote Work Challenges and Solutions
Working from home, issues are inevitable; these can be from the simplest such as technical issues to feelings of loneliness. Some common problems and possible solutions include the following:
Technical Issues: While these can be a real pain, they often are easily resolved. Have a backup plan when the internet goes down and utilize video conferencing tools such as Zoom or Skype to keep in contact with colleagues.
Feelings of isolation: While working remotely can be isolating, there are ways to ensure that this is combated. Through video calls, virtual events, or social media, one could always connect with their team to ensure a relationship with them.
Distractions: Working remotely-especially at home-can be very distracting. The use of website blockers or apps that would help in focusing can be employed in order to avoid such.
Burnout: It can be particularly exhausting to work at home, especially when you're putting in extra time. Always take breaks, exercise regularly, and take good care of yourself to prevent burnout.
