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Positively working with Ayda - remote working

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Positively working with Ayda

Working remotely or remotely working?

Many organisations have opted to engage in hybrid systems which consist of working from the office, flexible working and working from home. Working from home or more flexibly, has become the ‘norm’ in our modern world with improved technology making it easier to stay connected. Research shows that organisations that adopt flexible employment policies increased productivity, improved employee well-being, talent attraction and retention, and a reduction in accommodation costs.

I‘ve put together what I see as necessary ground rules when working flexible hours or from home to make it as productive and a positive experience as possible:

  1. Dress for success- there is no need to suit up or shine your shoes for a day of remote work (although it may work for some) but there is a lot of power in wearing something that makes you feel energised and capable. You can still be comfortable and feel put together when getting ready for the day.

 

  1. Communication is key – this seems obvious but when you are clear on what hours and days you are in the office, you give enough notice for others to plan ahead and swap things around if needs be. If you are client facing, ensure clients are made aware of your working pattern so they know when you are available, not doing so can make you look elusive and unprofessional.

 

  1. Planning and scheduling workload – I’m organisation obsessed so planning my daily and weekly to-do-list brings me great comfort. Planning your workload and finding a good diary management system that works for you will avoid panic stations down the line and promote efficiency. Stick to a plan of action for the day, building in a lunch break and getting fresh air to avoid cabin fever.

 

  1. Household tasks - under previous circumstances, jobs like washing dishes, laundry or vacuuming might not be go-to activities, but they can suddenly build up when at home for longer periods of time. These tasks can get tempting when your alternative is preparing for a meeting. Out of sight, out of mind is a great rule of thumb here. Close the office door so you can’t see housework tasks waiting to be done. If that’s not an option, put laundry baskets and vacuum cleaners in a closet where they can’t deviate your attention. These can be dealt with after finishing your work tasks or working hours.

 

  1. Keep work in a certain location or behind an office door - even if yours is a ‘kitchen table firm’, try to create a dedicated office space, which you can close behind you at the end of the day. This physical barrier between you and your to-do list acts as a psychological barrier to your ‘work brain’.  Hopefully this makes it easier to bring your focus to family, friends, pets or even the television after a long day.