Remote work is all the rage these days, especially as more and more startups are switching from traditional offices to virtual workspaces. With new technology innovations like high-speed internet and virtual communication apps, it is now easier to have a successful remote working setup.

With that in mind, here are the 12 best practices to help you build and become part of a successful remote team and project-driven culture.

How To Thrive As A Remote Worker

Working remotely is starting to become the norm rather than the exception. This new concept is easy to understand: remote work means less time spent commuting, the ability to work from anywhere, and the possibility of a non-traditional schedule that works for you.

The freedom that comes with remote work can be incredibly liberating but comes with challenges. So before you throw on your sweatpants, get out of bed, and start typing away at your computer—here are some essential tips to ensure you survive and thrive as a remote worker.

1. Prioritise clear communication

In remote working, establishing a clear communication plan is one of the most effective ways to ensure your team’s success. Whether you are working through email, chat, or other software like Microsoft Teams, Slack, etc.—it is extremely important to communicate clearly for every team member to work on tasks efficiently and stay on track.

It can be difficult to know exactly whether or not your intended message came across clearly and understandably. That is why the best remote teams are expected to make an effort to prioritise clear communication.

How to Make communication your top priority?

• Always ask questions if you are confused about something, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.
• When communicating a change or new idea, list why you think it should happen.
• Set clear guidelines and expectations for your team members on how they should communicate with each other.
• Clarify expectations in certain projects and keep communication channels open.

2. Socialise and put efforts into strengthening your bond with the team

Get the most out of work. Socialising with colleagues is an integral part of remote working that can help employees stay productive. While it may seem counterintuitive at first, there are some very good reasons this is true.

The first reason is fairly obvious: building relationships with others or being part of a network can help you feel more connected. Another reason remote workers can benefit from socialisation is how it can increase collaboration within remote teams by making them more cohesive units.

It means everyone should feel like they are part of a group effort towards achieving common goals rather than just individual contributors doing their own thing without much oversight or input from other team members.

So make sure to keep regular check-ins or try virtual team engagement activities for happy hour with employees because social interaction is integral to creating a healthy work environment.

3. Create boundaries between work and life

One of the remote work’s most overlooked best practices is creating boundaries between work and life. Remote employees must ensure their work hours do not converge with their personal life.

When living in an office environment, you can easily differentiate your personal life from your professional life because of the physical separation. However, it is harder to create this division when working remotely.

For example, when you start working on a project at home, it is easy to continue working after work hours or during the weekend due to the lack of a physical boundary between work and life. Some employees feel burned out over time, leading to low productivity in such a situation.

Here are some strategies for establishing boundaries while working from home:

• Set up a designated area in your home solely for work.
• Stick to a work schedule.
• Dress up for work and shift your mindset into work mode.

4. Be accountable and keep others accountable

Accountability is an important factor to consider when it comes to remote working. For several reasons, being accountable is considered one of the best practices in remote working.

Being accountable means ensuring your work is done accurately, on time, and according to set standards. This practice provides no delays in project completion, leading to better productivity and improved outputs.

It also encourages other remote workers to hold themselves responsible when they hold themselves accountable. It helps create a company culture of trust and respect among the team.

5. Ensure you have clear roles and responsibilities

Having clear roles and responsibilities in a remote team is especially important if you have people working on different projects simultaneously. However, it is not just about assigning specific tasks but also about giving each person a unique role so every remote employee is on the same page.

Having clear roles and responsibilities is a key component for a work environment to stay productive, as it helps clarify expectations and set reasonable goals. When everyone knows what is expected of them, they can contribute most effectively towards achieving team goals with extra effort.

6. Practice good meeting etiquette

Good meeting etiquette is a best practice for face-to-face meetings and remote meetings. Working remotely means learning to feel comfortable with your video turned on, being prepared to answer questions during video conferencing, and keeping distractions minimal.

However, virtual meetings are a challenge since it is harder to read body language, and it is hard to assess if the employees feel connected with the remote team. Therefore, staying engaged and setting clear expectations during team meetings is important to cultivate a productive work culture.

7. Experiment with what makes you most productive

The best thing about working remotely is experimenting with practices that make you most productive. Finding a way to make yourself more effective in remote work improves your day-to-day activities and makes you feel more fulfilled. Here are a few tips you could try to increase your productivity.

• Take short breaks.
• Optimise your workspace.
• Set your goals for the day.

8. Make yourself visible at work

One of the best practices for remote work is to make yourself as visible as possible. Feeling disconnected from the team can be easy when you are not working in the office.

Making yourself visible while doing work remotely means engaging in video conferencing and constantly communicating with the team. It also means you will have more opportunities to talk with other remote workers about their projects and learn from them.

Being visible at work can help you improve your skills and gain new perspectives from a team member on how things are done in other departments.

9. Prioritise your health

It is not a secret that remote work is a great option for anyone who wants to work within the comfort of their home. However, there are also some downsides when switching from the office setup.

One of these downsides is that you are more likely to suffer from poor health if you do not prioritise your health. It can lead to problems with productivity and efficiency, which may impact your career or business if this happens too often.

Here are a few simple ways to stay healthy while working remotely:

• Hydrate.
• Get some fresh air.
• Move around.
• Eat a healthy diet.

10. Be mindful of different time zones

Many organisations have switched to this new work environment concept, allowing companies to grow their teams from different parts of the world. Therefore, one of the best practices you should adopt is to be mindful of different time zones.

To ensure that all remote workers can participate fully in a project and feel engaged with the work, consider everyone’s availability so all team members can be present.

It seems like an obvious thing to keep in mind, but it can be easy to forget when you are not in the office with other people every day.

11. Schedule in-person meetings every once in a while

In a world of conference calls, daily video chats, and Slack messages—it can be hard to imagine that one of the best practices in remote work is meeting in person. However, getting together in person is one of the most effective methods for strengthening team dynamics, establishing rapport, and cultivating trust.

While video conferences offer convenience and efficiency, scheduling in-person meetings is equally important. Incorporating team-building activities into the schedule is also a good idea, fostering a sense of connection and engagement among teammates

Employee engagement activities can further enhance social support within the remote team, providing opportunities for the team to come together and create a supportive network that extends beyond work-related tasks.

12. Invest in the right collaboration tools

Investing in the right tools is essential for companies and business owners to cultivate a successful and efficient remote working space with the helping hand of technology.

According to a survey, 50% of worldwide employees are thriving when given the appropriate tools and technology to work remotely. Communication tools such as video conference solutions for meetings, instant messaging software, team collaboration software, and project management are crucial for a productive remote workforce.

Conclusion

Remote work best practices are summed up in three words: plan, manage and communicate.

As a remote worker, there is much to consider regarding how you will progress your career in communication and collaboration, staying organised online, strengthening work relationships and reducing isolation. Remote work is also an opportunity for better work-life balance, clearer career progression, and a more productive working environment.

Aside from the given best practices, remote employees must explore the various avenues and strategies available to enhance their skills, expand their knowledge, and cultivate their careers while working remotely. Exploring professional growth in the remote work landscape will provide valuable insights and actionable steps to propel your career forward.