The concept of hybrid offices and remote organizational systems, that have emerged since the pandemic are profoundly dependent on the internet connection that employees use. When asked, 84% of the people reported preferring broadband at home for four or more hours a day, according to Cisco, 75% of employees observed that broadband services should be drastically upgraded to bolster the number of people working today. Particularly when working from home, reliable Internet access is a necessity.
You must choose an ISP that you can trust. Luckily, you can pick from some top leading ISPs, e.g. you can subscribe to Cox plans, which not only offer 24/7 technical support and super-fast internet access; it also ensures that you are always connected. Furthermore, it is easy to get the help you need with their efficient customer service.
Who are telecommuters?
Telecommuters, also known as remote workers, make their living from home and usually do digital work on their devices. When people think of remote workers, many think of millennials living in their parents’ basements or stay-at-home moms trying to work a few hours a week. However, because the average remote worker is a professional in his or her mid-40s and earns roughly $60,000, teleworking for someone with a high-speed internet connection has never been more sustainable.
Should you shift to a remote job?
While some people flourish in busy environments and find remote work secluded, this does not seem to be the thought process for most remote workers. Due to the consistency of the Internet connection and digital communication channels, many employees said that using video conferencing and messaging apps makes them feel more connected to their colleagues. Working from home is also a great strategy to become “greener” and reduce your carbon affluence, as well as free more time each day to do more than just commute.
For large companies, hiring remote workers saves millions of dollars each year, which just may end up in your account. People are inclined toward telecommuting because of flexible policies and work zones, as well as the ability to work outside of work hours according to their schedule. This flexibility allows employees to find what works best for them to capitalize on productivity. If you think this is the right fit for you, then here are a few tips to get you started:
- Get rid of distractions
- Dedicate a work corner for yourself
- Create a task management system
- Refrain from multitasking
- Take adequate breaks and set a ‘log off’ time
How to successfully start working remotely
Step 1: Set up a quality internet
Having a good internet service provider can reduce work-induced stress by a wide margin. Studies show that employees with poor quality or unreliable internet face the following challenges when working from home:
- Low signal strength or unreliable bandwidth reduces employee productivity
- A Large number of devices leads to a choppy connection
- Lack of security on a home network increases the chances of attacks on sensitive information
As you can see, you will need to invest in a good ISP. Furthermore, good connectivity supports the exchange of large file sharing, jumping on video calls, and streaming when the need arises.
Step 2: Designate a workspace
Many people dream of the idea of telecommuting, but cannot imagine it – they simply do not have the opportunity to do it on their own without getting distracted. If you think, you cannot be your boss; remote work can be a recipe for disaster when it comes to career advancement. This is why it is so important to set up a workspace for yourself that is devoid of distractions and potential disruptions.
Many remote workers find it useful to have a devoted workspace to keep their personal and professional lives separate. This helps in ensuring that when you are in the area, you mean business, and when you’re not, you don’t have to work! If you can’t work from home, try to find the best place to work away from your home, such as a coffee shop, or co-working space, just to name a few options.
If you like to work in silence, working in the library is a good choice. Nevertheless, this is not suitable for those who are on the phone all the time. Be mindful of the nature of your outdoor work area and try to accommodate your “normal” daily routine accordingly.
Step 3: Work time VS flexible hours
It is easy to be carried away by the charm of flexible working hours that telecommuting has to offer. Be careful! When working remotely, you must constantly balance work and play. You can plan regular breaks first and make sure you do not spend more than 90 minutes doing intense work. These breaks should not be too long; “Micro-breaks” of just two minutes have been shown to improve cognitive performance.
Step 4: Make use of technology
Lastly, you need to realize the importance of using technology and software available, which will make your life easier and will inadvertently boost your productivity. The internet of things (IoT) has enabled connecting previously disconnected devices to the Internet to provide enhanced functionality using online resources.
For remote workers, it replaces office tasks that are now done at home. For example: once a work calendar is scheduled and connected to a virtual assistant such as Google Home, it can inform employees about upcoming meetings and work responsibilities. Similarly, software applications like Asana can help you to keep track of your tasks and categorize them according to your schedule.
The Last Words
There are more benefits to working remotely than just getting rid of the hassle of traveling. Those new to this concept should allow themselves to reconnoiter, research, and learn from others, both within their team and in external forums. Working remotely has many benefits, but it is not without its challenges. However, if you can manage your time and work like a boss, you can take full advantage of this opportunity.
