Five things for employees to consider when switching to remote working

1. Do I have the right equipment and space?

The most important thing to consider is if you have everything you need to do your job effectively. This does not just mean a computer and a desk chair; it could also mean high-speed internet or a quiet room to focus in away from other family members. Having a good work environment, in terms of temperature, lighting and ventilation, can improve concentration and minimise distractions. Try to use a room with natural daylight from a window with a door separating your workplace from the rest of the house if you are at home.

2. Will my working hours remain the same?

In many cases remote working is paired with flexible working policies, allowing employees to work around other commitments such as parenting. You may need to think about what this would look like for your situation. Despite the flexibility you may gain, you may find that sticking to a regular daily routine will increase your focus and productivity. For example, making an effort to start work at the same time every day could benefit your sleeping pattern and maintain structure in your working week.

3. How can I ensure I stop working at the end of the day?

One of the most difficult parts of remote working can often be logging off at the end of the day. Many employees have found that they are tempted to work more than their normal hours, but there are a few tricks to overcome the tendency to overwork. Experts have suggested setting up your equipment in a different room in the house so that you can separate work from your home life, shutting the door to your office when you sign out.

4. How will I keep in contact with my colleagues?

Remote working means you will no longer pass your colleagues in the corridors, but there are other ways to catch up. Platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams can be used for virtual coffee breaks just as they can be for corporate meetings and conferences. To ensure you are still communicating with your peers, consider adding a weekly or fortnightly catch-up to your calendar. This will help you to stay connected and prevent feelings of isolation.

5. Am I up-to-date with my company’s remote working policies?

Despite the majority of companies switching to remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic, and continuing to adopt it now, many have different policies when it comes to remote working. This is largely because it is new to each company. Make sure you stay informed about your employer’s policies, or ask your employer if you are not sure where to find them. They may cover areas such as the hours you work, available equipment and internet security.

For more information on remote working, read our Five tips for starting a new job remotely.

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Microsoft Teams

Five tips for starting a new job remotely

Practical tips to make home-based telework as healthy, safe and effective as possible (EU-OSHA)

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