Working Remotely for the First Time? Here's What To Expect
Remotely working means you can balance your job with your life at home while also increasing your productivity and fostering innovative ideas. It also means that you have the potential to do more meaningful work from anywhere in the world.If you're considering entering the remote workforce, you must go in with a good understanding of what the experience entails to be sure it will be a good fit.Here's what you should expect when working remotely for the first time.
Onboarding Will Be Different
The onboarding process for remote employees is unique just because it's different. You won't be sitting in the same room with your team members. Thus, you will have to share much information over email, internal documents, or an initial phone call.With remote working, it's essential to consider the technology you'll need to be able to do your job. There should be a clear and detailed plan for how the project will proceed and how your relationships with your clients and co-workers will develop in the future.
You'll Need To Meet With Your Team Beforehand
Being on a remote team means you'll likely work with clients in different parts of the country. You need to communicate clearly and effectively without the benefit of being in the same room as your colleagues.To get a handle on this, you must meet with them beforehand to prepare everyone for what lies ahead. There may be some hesitancy about how things will work out when the project starts, but a good meeting will help put everyone at ease.
You Must Be Comfortable With Being Accountable
You will be a strong candidate for a remote position if you're self-sufficient and can work independently. Getting started on your own will make meeting your deadlines much more manageable and getting the most out of each day.Because you're remote, your boss won't be able to see what you're doing every day. Your co-workers are also out of sight even though they're likely still on the same team. Be comfortable with this, and know you're accountable to your team.It would help if you understood your annual goals, team members' strengths and weaknesses, and the project's overall vision.
The Lines Between Work-life Balance and Work-life Integration Will Begin To Blur
We all want a good work-life balance, but when you are working on a remote team, it's even more vital that you're able to incorporate all aspects of your life into your career. As a remote employee, you have the flexibility to take time off when you need it and make up the time later.You can also organize your time around what works for you and have particular flex time. This ability to integrate your life into your job is one of the most appealing features of working remotely, but at the same time, it also requires you to be disciplined.
You'll Probably Feel Isolated
Loneliness is a common fear for those who have never worked remotely before. Many people feel that if you're not in the office all day, you won't see your co-workers and won't be able to see you. Not only is this motivation-sapping, but it can also be hard to build healthy relationships with your team members.So how do you combat this? Make sure you chat with your boss in regular 1-to-1s. Don't wait until the annual review to talk about your goals and the company's vision. You want to make sure they know what motivates you, where you want to grow, and how they can help you do that.Online UX designer portfolios are another great way to share ideas and grow your network. You get the opportunity to get to know your fellow creatives, even if you're working on different projects.
You'll Need To Be an Excellent Communicator
Communication will be the essence of your job as a remote employee. It's the only way you can genuinely expect to be able to serve your team and meet your goals. It is crucial to get on the same page with your colleagues and effectively communicate what you do daily.Ensure that you're as straightforward as possible when speaking with them. Notify team members that you'll be unavailable and make it necessary to reach out if they have questions or need to get in touch.
You'll Need To Be Very Organized
Since you don't have your boss on hand to manage your time, it's up to you to keep track of your goals, deliverables, and deadlines; you’ll likely need to use project management tools to help you keep track of your tasks. This reality can be challenging to adjust to at first if you're accustomed to having these things outlined for you.You'll need to prepare for any delays or unexpected interruptions that might occur, such as being able to create a draft of your schedule. Be aware that everyone on your team will have the exact expectations.Plus, you'll need to manage the information flow between you and your team members so that you can remain in touch with what's going on for the rest of your team. Organization skills also allow you to take the time you need for the essential things in life so that your job doesn't consume you.It would be best if you also were very consistent with your schedule. Establish a good routine and plan accordingly to prepare for any circumstance. If there's ever an interruption, let your manager know you're running behind so they can adjust accordingly.
You'll Need To Dress the Part
When you're working remotely, it's easy to feel you have the freedom to wear whatever you want. That might be true, but that also doesn't mean that you don't need to care about how you present yourself.Be aware of what kind of message your clothing may be sending. It's also vital to set a professional tone for your team and make your subordinates feel comfortable approaching you with questions.Take the time to get dressed daily and make sure you present yourself as someone credible. The proper dressing can show your team members that you're trustworthy.