5 Things Remote Employees Need for a Productive Career

While 91 percent of employees feel they get more work done at home, remote employees have to set themselves up for success with organized habits and a productive environment. For remote workers who want to move their careers along, even more focus and vision has to be at play.

The workplace is steadily becoming remote friendly, which means careers from home need more support and resources to keep them on task and moving toward the right goals.

Check out these five things that remote workers need to keep their careers productive:

1. A Time Management System

Self-discipline is arguably the most difficult part of remote work. Organizing time and eliminating distractions is a challenging ordeal, but time management systems make this doable. Remote workers can download computer programs that block distractions, and they can manage workflow with personal tools such as an Apple watch, which helps with voice commands and quick reminders.

Time Doctor, Tick, and Hubstaff are just a few examples of great time management tools that can be helpful in enhancing your workflow.

Employers can use time and task trackers to observe the screen time and activity of employees. With many productivity tracking software systems, remote employees can stop and start their own time.

2. Networking Opportunities

Employees who work from home must get creative with networking, and according to a Gallup research study, those who work from home are 30 percent less likely to discuss their career progression with their manager in the last six months. Regular communication through video interfacing rather than email or messaging is the best form of contact to build a successful network.

Remote workers have to be more intentional about making connections that will further their career goals. Engaging with colleagues, besides the few you interface with, is challenging when you have no prompts to branch out. Companies can help by setting up networking resources and events to connect remote workers to each other and in-office employees.

3. Responsiveness

The distance of remote work can become wider when communication is stale or silences stretch. Remote workers are more effective with email tools or automated prompts to get messages back to managers and clients. Quick replies help you create a presence in the office or with your manager, even while working from home.

While one out of every four remote workers reported that successful managers insisted on face, video, or voice time, a large amount of communication has to happen over text-based platforms. An alert mindset paired with immediate responses can create a better rapport with in-office workers.

4. Flexibility

A benefit of working remotely is the freedom of choosing your work setting or schedule. Promoting flexibility for workers and managers keeps the remote structure functional and positive.

When communication and expectations get bumpy in this setting, remember to have an understanding perspective. Added freedom and less interaction between employees can present new challenges. Learning how to deal with the phenomenon of remote work often requires patience and extra effort.

5. Technology

One reason that working from home is possible and popular is that technology produces new capabilities. Maintaining your workflow and accomplishing tasks means you need to know how to handle technology. Video chats, time tracking software, online work, and more are a significant part of working from your house. Technology also comes with glitches and mishaps, so picking up on the best troubleshooting techniques can keep you on task.

Managers who also know how to use and fix technology can make remote work easier. Demonstrating familiarity with programs, tools, and communication channels can improve the workplace.

Working from home has unique challenges but also attractive benefits. Communication and time management take effort from employees and managers alike, but with the right tools and mindset, remote work can continue as an increasingly beneficial kind of position.

Photo Credit: bigstockphoto.com