Working Remotely – How to Stand Out

Whether you have recently begun working from home or are well-versed in remote working, it is important to put measures in place to ensure you set yourself up for success and thrive in this environment.

Some common concerns for remote workers include lack of motivation, isolation from the wider team and not being considered for opportunities for development and progression. However, there are many things that you can do to avoid these pitfalls and to maximise your productivity and potential while working remotely.

1. Act like you are going into the office

The saying goes that you should dress for the job you want, but with remote working, you should aim to at least dress for the job you have. It can be very easy to fall into the habit of waking up at the last minute before you start work, but maintaining your morning ritual and dressing appropriately can help to establish a productive mindset.

With the benefit of not needing to travel into the office, you have the chance to get creative with your ‘commute’ time. Set aside the time you would otherwise spend commuting and get creative – enrol in an online course or have a brainstorm session on ways to expand your role or support your team.

Your environment is also incredibly important when working, so create a dedicated workspace to help you to get in the zone and reduce distractions. Whether you have your own study or use a nook of your apartment, creating a space that is used solely for work will help you to focus as well as switch off mentally at the end of the day.

2. Make communication a priority

While face-to-face contact is not always possible when working from home, it is crucial to maintain communication with your colleagues to ensure you stay across any updates and changes.

Be sure to schedule regular meetings with your manager or colleagues if they have not already done so. These catch-ups can serve as an opportunity for you to prioritise your workload, share your wins, and ask for feedback, which you may miss out on when not working face-to-face.

You should also make a point to ‘show up’ to your team by turning on your video and audio in meetings and actively participating and contributing to discussions. 

3. Find ways to go above and beyond

As with working in an office environment, one of the best ways to learn new skills and further your career when working from home is to find opportunities to work outside of your remit. It is true that being ‘out of sight’ can often mean you are also ‘out of mind’, so it is important to be proactive by putting your hand up to assist with projects and tasks that will expand your skillset.

Not only will this show that you are a dedicated team member, it will also support your career progression by demonstrating your willingness to try new things and push yourself. It may also help to reduce the monotony of working from home and give you a boost of motivation.

4. Adopt a positive mindset

Working from home is certainly not for everyone, but you will find that those who tend to thrive in this environment approach it with a ‘can-do’ frame of mind. Rather than focusing on the challenges of remote working, put your energy towards problem-solving and adapting to this way of working.

There are plenty of ways to set yourself up for success, such as setting clear boundaries between work and home life. Be consistent with your working hours and try to log on and off at the same time each day. Also, make sure you schedule in breaks to get a cup of coffee, move, and get some sunshine – you’ll find it helps you to be fully present when you are working.

Use technology to stay organised and to set goals for yourself – investigate websites such as Trello, Slack and Asana and find a solution that works for you. Create momentum by making to-do lists and ticking tasks off as you complete them, setting yourself short and long-term goals, and looping in your manager to keep you accountable.

It is also so important to find joy in your situation, so remember to make time for self-care each day. This may be finding the time and space to read a book or call a friend, or simply by being gentle with yourself and accepting that working from home is not always easy. By looking after yourself, you are building resilience and ensuring that you will succeed as a remote worker.