The Art of Working RemotelyThe Art of Working Remotely2021-12-31T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.comScott Dawson365 Distributed Work Tips2021-12-31T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/news/365-distributed-work-tips/<p>I published a helpful work- or life-related tip every day in 2021. By the end of the year, it was impressive to look back at 365 pieces of advice! They're all related in some way to success at work or life, with a distinct leaning toward thriving in a distributed workplace.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/january/1/">very first one</a> was directly related to this very goal, and is all about taking that first, crucial step, no matter your goal. You can <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=(%23365DistributedWorkTips)%20(from%3Aworkingrem)%20until%3A2021-12-31%20since%3A2021-01-01&src=typed_query&f=live">access all of the tips on Twitter using the #365DistributedWorkTips hashtag</a>, but an even better way to consume them is in the published format: <a href="https://scottpdawson.com/writing/handbook/">Scott Dawson's Handbook for the Modern Worker</a>.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: December 312021-12-31T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/december/31/<p>You finished a big project. It took tons of planning, coordination of many groups, and had its highs and lows. But you’re done. And it’s awesome! There’s a saying: a new adventure awaits at the end of the road. Take some time before embarking on that new adventure. Relish in your accomplishment. Get some white space in your mind to think about what you learned and what you hope to get out of what comes next. New adventures beckon, but they’ll wait for you to take a break to exhale, get some clarity, and reward yourself.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: December 302021-12-30T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/december/30/<p>The going will invariably get tough, and when it does, remind yourself that you’re human. Humans make mistakes. Humans can get overwhelmed. Humans can feel slighted. And humans can be uncomfortable with change, uncertainty, and unknowns. When this happens, take a break. Turn off our computer and step away. Give yourself space and time to process, be vulnerable with someone you trust, and get back on your feet.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: December 292021-12-29T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/december/29/<p>If you have someone who’s not a team player, misses deadlines, blames others for their mistakes and constantly gripes about everything, take action. You may fail, but try your best to turn around an underperforming team member. Too many teams are held back by a toxic presence on their team and the manager doesn’t take action. It’s best to address issues head-on within the constraints of what your Human Resources team allows.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: December 282021-12-28T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/december/28/<p>It can be easy to keep your head down and stay focused on your core mission. However, it’s invaluable to poke your head up periodically and take stock of where you fit in the grander scheme. Proactively reach out to others. Learn about what they’re working on, what their challenges are, and find out about their lives. This will help you counter feeling isolated or disconnected. You’ll see how your work fits into a broader theme and direction, appreciate what others are doing, and see how your work connects with theirs.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: December 272021-12-27T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/december/27/<p>How are you measuring your team’s output? If it’s by the clock, or as we like to say, time with people in their seats, you’re doing it wrong. Measure your team by their results. This is one of the biggest problems managers have when shifting to a remote work arrangement. They cannot see you, and therefore have no visual assurance that you’re working. To be fair, in an office environment there’s no guarantee you’re actually working when you’re sitting at your desk. How many in-office hours are spent socializing, online shopping, and scrolling through social? When you’re leading a remote team, set the parameters you expect for results and measure those. How your team rises to the challenge is up to them.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: December 262021-12-26T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/december/26/<p>You wouldn’t mount a musical or perform a play without a dress rehearsal, would you? For important meetings, get a small group of key stakeholders together. Rehearse the actual event using the same tools, applications, and talking points as the real deal. Make sure your screen resolution is good enough and that you know how to mute and unmute participants if needed. It can help to have a partner help moderate the meeting and chat while you’re doing the presenting. This practice will sharpen the focus of your delivery, work out any kinks in the technology, and get invaluable feedback. Lastly, think through the things that can go wrong and have a contingency plan.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: December 252021-12-25T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/december/25/<p>You will work with all kinds of people from all over the world. We all enjoy significant events throughout the year inspired by religion, culture, or the countries in which we live. Learn about the importance of these events for those around you. Respect traditions and make accommodations for your colleagues to take part.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: December 242021-12-24T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/december/24/<p>The process for setting up an appointment with someone can involve so much back and forth. If you find yourself spending copious amounts of time brokering a meeting time, try a service like <a href="http://calendly.com/">calendly.com</a>. With a few clicks, attendees can find and book a time, all within the parameters you set. Plus, they'll avoid conflicting with appointments you already have.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: December 232021-12-23T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/december/23/<p>This popular personal finance phrase applies no matter where you work. Reserve a certain amount of every paycheck or invoice paid and apply it automatically to a specific goal. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can amass the money you need for your goal. Whether it’s for a house, a car, or a vacation, it can be incredibly effective to reserve funds before you use them for routine or discretionary purposes. Bonus points if you do this via direct deposit, and the money never makes it into your normal accounts.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: December 222021-12-22T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/december/22/<p>If you stand at all during the workday, try using an anti-fatigue mat. Studies show significant benefits to using them. They take the strain off your muscles, provide stability, reduce joint compression, and improve circulation. Your body will enjoy minor movements while you shift your position from side to side or front to back. Choose a highly-rated textured mat with contours that will get you moving while standing.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: December 212021-12-21T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/december/21/<p>Post-2020, having a decent webcam is probably a must-have in your remote work tech arsenal. Sure, you can use your built-in laptop camera, but if you have an external monitor, it might be an awkward setup. After all, who likes the upward angle of a laptop webcam when you can enjoy the straight-on angle that a monitor-mounted webcam offers? Technology evolves fast, so look to sites like <a href="http://nytimes.com/wirecutter">nytimes.com/wirecutter</a> for the latest recommendations. You'll find many options with sharp video, great white balance, and efficient autofocus.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: December 202021-12-20T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/december/20/<p>How can you take care of yourself better? If you think things like massage, acupuncture, yoga, or meditation are in the ‘pampering’ category, think again. These are not indulgent activities – no – they restore and rejuvenate you. Yoga and meditation are cheap or free. If you can, budget for massage or acupuncture and make them a part of your self-care routine, too.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: December 192021-12-19T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/december/19/<p>When you’re following up on something, just ask. Instead of “I’m not sure if you received my email,” try “I’m following up on my email.” When you express doubt with the first phrasing, you make yourself sound insecure and hesitant. Be bold and don’t mince words. Communicate with clarity and confidence, and balance it with tact.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: December 182021-12-18T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/december/18/<p>Don't underestimate the value of good bandwidth from your work location. Nobody likes the Max Headroom-style stuttering that can come from poor bandwidth on a video call. Do what you can within your utility’s constraints – and your fiscal appetite – to max out your bandwidth. Need to know what your bandwidth currently is? Search for ‘bandwidth speed test’ and give it a go.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: December 172021-12-17T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/december/17/<p>Do you have some favorite titles that are go-to resources for your professional work? Keep them within arms reach of your desk, if only as a reminder of their value in keeping your skills sharp. Plus, you might have an odd amount of time before your next meeting. Use that to read a few pages of whatever you’re into, whether it’s a professional book or a breezy beach read.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: December 162021-12-16T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/december/16/<p>Do you feel like your work matters? Is it connected to your company’s main goals? If you don’t feel like your work has meaning, try to discover it through conversations with your manager. Ask how your work impacts the organization. Find out why what you do is important to your clients, customers, or visitors. You’ll be far less likely to burn out when you’re engaged in work you find meaningful.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: December 152021-12-15T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/december/15/<p>When something impacts you negatively, it’s natural to see the force behind the impact as having negative intentions. It can be so difficult to look instead for positive (or at least, neutral) intent. Seek first to understand the bigger picture and the broader situation. You might discover something that hadn’t factored into your knee-jerk negative reaction. Of course, you may find that there indeed was negative intent, but that’s going to be the exception, not the rule.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: December 142021-12-14T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/december/14/<p>Well, other exercise counts, too. Since exercise has such great physical and psychological benefits, incorporate it into your day. You’d be spending some time commuting before and after work if you were going to a separate office, so why not use some of that bookend time to get some steps in? You may be starting and ending in the same place, but it’s still a commute. Plus, that buffer time can provide nice mental separation from work and non-work modes.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: December 132021-12-13T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/december/13/<p>If you work with a screen all day long, are you sure it’s properly placed? The top of the screen should be at or just below eye level. If you don’t have a height-adjustable monitor, a few books can help you get there. It should be about 20 inches away from your eyes, about the length of your arm.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: December 122021-12-12T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/december/12/<p>As a manager, your biggest fear might be losing the talented people around you. Do what you can do treat your people as your greatest resource. They're not a commodity. Once you start treating them as cogs in a wheel, you’ve lost. Remember that we’re all human, and manage accordingly. You’ll know you’re doing a solid job when your team sticks around for the long haul.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: December 112021-12-11T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/december/11/<p>Are you the type of person who shoots first and asks questions later? You’re going to end up with a whole lot more injured colleagues and far fewer answers. Try to seek understanding without judgment first. Once you understand, judge away if it’s warranted.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: December 102021-12-10T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/december/10/<p>Have you read about the sunk cost fallacy? You fall victim to this when you keep doing something simply because you’ve already invested so much money, time, or effort. There will be times when, despite your best efforts, you’ll always come up short. Read the situation: know when to quit and when to persist. Let practicality win the day and beware of sunk costs.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: December 92021-12-09T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/december/9/<p>Do you see an opportunity to propose a new way of doing things? How about lending a hand at work with something that’s outside of your core responsibilities? Raise your hand. When you volunteer, you communicate that you’re a team player and have the group’s best interests at heart. Plus, it just feels good to get involved.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: December 82021-12-08T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/december/8/<p>You’re in charge of your workday. Stick to reliable start and end times and respect those boundaries. It’ll give you space outside of work to recharge properly. It’ll help your family and friends make plans with you, too.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: December 72021-12-07T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/december/7/<p>Want to keep your body and brain in top shape? Adequate sleep does wonders for your cardiovascular system, metabolism, and immune systems. Get enough sleep and you’ll notice sharpened concentration, better energy, and an improved outlook. What’s enough? The National Sleep Foundation advises that healthy adults get 7 to 9 hours of sleep.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: December 62021-12-06T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/december/6/<p>You don’t have a commute to serve as a buffer between work and home, right? It’s important to create a tangible transition between them because it’s a shift of mode, not place. Put your computer to sleep or stow it somewhere if it's a laptop. You can even playfully say, “Good night, work!” Or, create a ritual around another buffer like an evening walk or a drink on the deck.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: December 52021-12-05T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/december/5/<p>It’s important to stay hydrated throughout your workday. When you’re on your own, it can be hard to remember to get up periodically to stretch and grab a drink. Try keeping a big bottle of water at your desk. Coffee and tea (use moderation if you’re affected by caffeine) are also fine choices. Try to avoid sugar-packed drinks, though, because they can mess with your energy levels.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: December 42021-12-04T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/december/4/<p>You'll set so many courses in life. Your career. Where to live. How to invest your time. Choosing who you surround yourself with. If you find you have to course-correct during your journey, that’s life. You’re the captain of your ship, so your direction is ultimately up to you. You might need to consult and consider others (hello, family), but at the end of the day, make choices for yourself.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: December 32021-12-03T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/december/3/<p>There are many adages about truth, but my personal favorite is “Honesty is the best policy.” Whether you’ve made a mistake, don’t know the answer to a question, or feel like blaming someone else, tell the truth. Avoidance, evasion, and misdirection will cause you future grief. Lies build on themselves, so accept short-term pain over something far worse in the future.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: December 22021-12-02T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/december/2/<p>It can seem overwhelming to be on your own with computers, printers, and networks that don’t always behave. It’s worth the time to learn enough about each one to do basic troubleshooting. Is the manual or user guide not helpful? Google the problem. If others are experiencing the same issue, they’ll likely have written about the solution. When things really start acting glitchy, turn the misbehaving device off and on again. Lastly, make sure you have a network of people or companies you can rely on to help when things really go awry.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: December 12021-12-01T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/december/1/<p>You may be happy in your job, but what happens when you find yourself in need of a new gig? Do you have materials like a resume or portfolio to showcase your work? Don’t wait until the need is urgent. Set a reminder (annually is a decent frequency) to revisit these materials and keep them up to date with your latest accomplishments. Your future self will thank you!</p>
The End of the #RemoteChat Journey2021-12-01T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/news/the-end-of-the-remotechat-journey/<p>I started #RemoteChat 5 years ago, and December 15, 2021 marks the 250th episode. I’m big into numbers, and 250 chats over 5 years has a nice ring to it. At the same time, I have several other priorities that need to step into the light, so I’ve made the tough decision to stop hosting #RemoteChat after that 250th episode. It's hard to believe it's been 5 years! It all started with a spark of an idea to create a community, and this was the very first tweet using the <strong>#wfhchat</strong> hashtag:</p>
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<p>Since then, I've asked 1,500 questions, changed from <strong>#wfhchat</strong> to <strong>#RemoteChat</strong> to be more inclusive <em>(we all don't work from home, you know?)</em>, met hundreds of fantastic people, <a href="https://artofworkingremotely.com/book/">published a book</a>, and learned a <em>lot</em> about myself. I truly hope to see you there for the last few chats of this year, culminating with one last round of questions on December 15. If you feel like this chat should continue under someone else's stewardship, I'm totally open to that: <a href="https://artofworkingremotely.com/contact/">contact me</a> and we can certainly talk about it!</p>
<p>Please, <a href="https://twitter.com/scottpdawson">let's keep in touch</a>. It's been a fantastic ride.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: November 302021-11-30T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/november/30/<p>Giving is good for you. Whether you’re giving your time, money, or goods, research has shown that charitable behavior results in happier moods. Create a goal for your annual charitable giving and enjoy identifying causes that mean the most to you. Gifts of time can also give you those feel-good vibes, so look for opportunities to volunteer in your local community.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: November 292021-11-29T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/november/29/<p>This question is the perfect segue to a quick “managing up” session. When you’ve done something share-worthy, start a conversation with your manager or peer this way. It may be a 5-minute collaboration, but the act of spontaneous sharing will generate excitement for your work. You'll get close-to-real-time feedback on your performance and others will keep you front of mind.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: November 282021-11-28T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/november/28/<p>When you cannot see someone in person, it’s easy to make assumptions about who they are. The problem with assumptions, and the ensuing language you use, is that it can put up relationship barriers. It can make people feel like they’re not a part of the group. Inclusive language comes from not making assumptions about gender, race, personality, sexual orientation, or income levels. Inclusive communication takes practice, but it’s worth it.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: November 272021-11-27T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/november/27/<p>You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Don’t squander the opportunity to let someone see who you really are. Do your best work, be your best self, and follow through on your commitments.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: November 262021-11-26T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/november/26/<p>Look out for people who may take advantage of you. Politics thrive in workplaces, no matter the size or location. It’s shrewd to know people’s motivations before entering a negotiation, or before showing your hand.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: November 252021-11-25T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/november/25/<p>Did someone go above and beyond in their professional responsibilities? Say thank you. If you get the opportunity, express this gratitude in a group setting. Public recognition can pay handsome dividends when the recipient feels seen and appreciated.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: November 242021-11-24T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/november/24/<p>There are so many options for sitting while working: a simple no-frills chair, office chair, executive chair, mesh chair, inflatable ball, kneeling chair, reclining chair, saddle chair … the list goes on! In short, you need a comfortable seat that gives you good support and promotes good posture. Test drive whatever you’re considering and make sure features you need (armrests, adjustability, proper height adjustments, lumbar support) are all there.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: November 232021-11-23T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/november/23/<p>If you’re a solo practitioner, time tracking may be one of the very first things you set up. It’s critical for billing, but keeping track of your time may also shed light on productivity-draining habits. RescueTime has been mentioned several times in conversations with other remote workers. It tracks “time spent on applications and websites, giving you an accurate picture of your day.” Apple devices provide usage reports in Settings > Screen Time. You can set scheduled downtime, limit usage, and identify apps that take up most of your time.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: November 222021-11-22T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/november/22/<p>Want to get a task done without distractions from other things on your list? Move to another location, like another room or a coffee shop, and set a goal to complete the task before you get up again. When you change your surroundings in conjunction with a stated goal, you make it more likely you’ll focus on that goal before you move again.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: November 212021-11-21T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/november/21/<p>Our smartphones are so smart, they can vie for our attention all day long. Need to focus? Turn off notifications and place your phone face down or in a drawer while you’re working. Better yet, use airplane mode. Minimizing notifications has a side benefit, too. By only having notifications for the apps you truly want to interrupt you, you free more of your time for other pursuits instead of checking your phone whenever it prompts you to.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: November 202021-11-20T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/november/20/<p>You join remote meetings using your cell phone, computer, or another device that supports streaming audio. Regardless of what you use, learn how to use the mute button like a pro. Others shouldn't have to talk over your neighbor’s leaf blower, kids yelling, dishes clanging, or (gasp) sounds from the bathroom. Don’t we all have a story like that? Don’t make that mistake.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: November 192021-11-19T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/november/19/<p>Your team meetings are a great place to focus on how the group is performing against their goals. They’re the right place to share broad themes like enterprise-wide activities, strategy, and vision. When it comes time to check in individually, though, there’s nothing like a 1:1 meeting. Don’t focus solely on work. Focus on the individual. You’ll learn things you can’t in a group setting because we all act differently one-on-one. How are they feeling about their work? Career trajectory? Emotionally? By dialing into how they're doing as an individual, you'll get more insight and build a stronger relationship.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: November 182021-11-18T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/november/18/<p>Did you make a mistake? Own up to it. Even if it’s not 100% your fault, accept responsibility and take steps to ensure you don’t repeat your mistake. After all, making mistakes is a very human thing, and learning from them makes us better.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: November 172021-11-17T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/november/17/<p>Your work arrangement may allow for flexible working hours. If you’re burning the midnight oil by yourself, it’s probably harmless to enjoy an alcoholic beverage as a special treat. As a rule, though, don’t drink and work. It may impair your ability to do an adequate job in the first place. It can also lead to all kinds of problems as you interact with others, synchronously or asynchronously. If you feel like you’ve had quite a day and need a drink to unwind, by all means, do so. Clock out first and then enjoy.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: November 162021-11-16T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/november/16/<p>Do you feel like your work matters? Is it connected to your company’s main goals? If you don’t feel like your work has meaning, try to discover it through conversations with your manager. Ask how your work impacts the organization. Find out why what you do is important to your clients, customers, or visitors. You’ll be far less likely to burn out when you’re engaged in work you find meaningful.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: November 152021-11-15T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/november/15/<p>Every team has its own unique culture, language, and norms. When you join a team, notice how work gets done, how they collaborate, and how they organize themselves. There will be time to put your own unique stamp on the team (every individual makes a team stronger, after all) but first, seek to fit in and be a full participant.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: November 142021-11-14T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/november/14/<p>If you’ve worked on a variety of teams, you’ll understand it’s not what you do that makes something special. It’s who you’re doing it with. People make the place. Look at the people around you, at work or at home. As Tim Ferriss says, “You are the average of the five people you most associate with.” If you don’t like those five people, you should make some changes until you do.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: November 132021-11-13T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/november/13/<p>Agree as a group on where different types of communication happen and where you persist content. Email should play only a supporting role in communication. Important documentation should never be relegated to a local hard drive. It’s far better to rely on asynchronous cloud-based approaches, since they encourage sharing, searching, and good access control. When you agree on tools and create habits using them, your team won’t ever wonder where something is documented.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: November 122021-11-12T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/november/12/<p>It’s nice to have a window in your workspace. Natural light can elevate your mood, and it can feel good to look outside during your workday. When it’s nice out, an open window provides fresh air and ambient noise. For the best results with videoconferencing, face the natural light, or an angle from it. Never face away from it.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: November 112021-11-11T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/november/11/<p>You’ll copy and paste things more than you do pretty much anything else on your computer. Learn the difference between the default paste and pasting without formatting. The former pastes what you copied along with fonts, colors, and more. The latter pastes text only, which can be invaluable when copying data from one application into another. It looks a lot more professional and is easier for the recipient when they don’t receive a mishmash of formatting in their message. Are you a power user? Re-map the paste keyboard command to paste without formatting. It’s easy to learn either the menu options or keyboard shortcuts for this, too. Search for “paste without formatting” for the latest advice online.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: November 102021-11-10T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/november/10/<p>It can seem easy to send that email or fire off a text instead of booking time with the recipient. Some conversations, however, are nuanced enough to require the synchronous touch. If you find yourself struggling with how to phrase something in writing, it’s a good sign that it’s probably best communicated synchronously. Get on the phone or start a video chat. Then, you can have a real-time exchange of ideas instead of hoping that your written message, as awkwardly-worded as it might be, lands where you want it to.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: November 92021-11-09T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/november/9/<p>If you find yourself multitasking in a meeting, it’s a good sign that you might not need to be there. Multitasking typically takes your focus away from the conversation. There’s nothing worse than a huge lead-up to a question for you, and you’re forced to say, “Oh, I’m sorry, I was multitasking.” Don’t be that person. If you must multitask, choose something that’s not mentally taxing so you can remain attentive to the conversation. Try chair yoga, dynamic stretching, or another passive activity like working on a puzzle. You may find you’re able to pay even better attention to the discussion and participate readily when needed.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: November 82021-11-08T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/november/8/<p>It’s important to measure things, whether you work for yourself or for a company. Peter Drucker said "you can't manage what you can't measure." Actually, you can’t do a lot of things if you don’t measure them. Keep track to help you plan your marketing, budgeting, and time management. At annual review time, remember that numbers and metrics mean everything to managers. If you’re working for yourself, keeping track of key metrics can help you identify trends, too.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: November 72021-11-07T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/november/7/<p>You have to rely on voice, video, email, and chat since you’re seldom face-to-face with your team. Use those technologies to establish some rapport. If possible, meet them in person sometime. It’ll ease future interactions if you understand everyone's background. Professional encounters are more effective when you have more insight into their personalities. Talking about a shared experience, especially work-related, is a great way to strengthen a relationship.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: November 62021-11-06T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/november/6/<p>Strive to grow and learn, regardless of your tenure. These opportunities are rarely given to you: you have to seek them out! I’ve rarely been turned down after asking for professional development opportunities. Employers are happy to learn that employees are thirsty for more knowledge. They’ll have a more satisfied employee and you’ll gain new skills you can apply on the job. Opportunities abound with online learning libraries, professional development, conferences, and seminars. Look around and see what you’re interested in!</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: November 52021-11-05T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/november/5/<p>Think about inclusiveness when it comes to remote members of your hybrid team. Going out for a team lunch? Do something similar for remote members and invite them to go out for lunch on you. Or, have your onsite team enjoy a lunch in the office and arrange to have similar fare delivered to your remote colleagues. Pizza parties for everyone!</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: November 42021-11-04T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/november/4/<p>Have you ever talked with someone in person where they’re not quite looking straight at you when you talk? It’s awkward. The same thing can happen when you have a video meeting. Here’s a solution: position your video window at the top center of your screen near your camera. Resize it small enough that when you’re looking at it, it’ll look like you’re looking at your camera. It’s a much more natural interaction for others if you’re looking directly at the camera, and this is the next best thing. This approach is ideal for 1:1 meetings and interviews.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: November 32021-11-03T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/november/3/<p>If your team is using a collaboration platform for asynchronous collaboration, great! Take it a step further and create dedicated channels to keep similar conversations together. You might align these to projects, themes, or broad initiatives. The important part is to get your team together to discuss and agree on an organization approach that’ll work for everyone. One must-have channel: a casual one where you can share non-project things. It’s fun to be social, but not distract from the focused discussions in other dedicated channels.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: November 22021-11-02T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/november/2/<p>When you're working remotely, it's easy it is to use part of a day to handle medical or dental appointments. It’s great to take care of that without having to sacrifice a whole day, or more than an hour or two. Same applies for voting. When it’s Election Day, familiarize yourself with what’s on the ballot and make a plan to vote. It’s so important, and since you work remotely, it doesn’t take a ton of time from your day.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: November 12021-11-01T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/november/1/<p>If you’ve worked on your own for any stretch of time, you’ll recognize you’re far better off when you can learn from others. Look for opportunities like conferences, workshops, virtual training, or one-on-one sessions. If you’re on a team, create a space where you can share about interesting things related to your job or industry.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: October 312021-10-31T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/october/31/<p>Conversations can’t all be about the weather, fantasy football, or kids. Open up and talk with colleagues about topics outside of your daily responsibilities. It’ll help strengthen and enrich those relationships. You’ll be a better person and colleague by knowing who they are. What do they like? What are their fears? You'll realize that they, like you, are human. Keep your ears open and listen. You’ll learn a lot.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: October 302021-10-30T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/october/30/<p>Promote a culture where speaking up and saying “I don’t know” is normalized. When you raise your hand and ask for the answer, chances are there are ten others around you who have the exact same question.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: October 292021-10-29T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/october/29/<p>Think about the goal of your communication. Are you in the midst of a conflict? Are you communicating with someone who might take offense at what you have to say? Is persuasion your ultimate goal? The words you choose and the tone you deploy them with are critical to effective delivery of your message. Think about how others might perceive what you’re going to say. A gentle tone can keep others from becoming defensive in the moment.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: October 282021-10-28T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/october/28/<p>The Pomodoro technique can help you stay focused on a task, but also ensure that you take periodic breaks as you work. Developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, the technique has you work on a task for 25 minutes and then take a 5 minute break. After four of these, take a longer break. Too rigid for your tastes? Try using a timer and varying the intervals to suit your schedule. The ultimate goal is to provide a focused environment to work on a single task during your best productivity time.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: October 272021-10-27T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/october/27/<p>Distributed work is especially conducive to creating a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) but it takes work to get it right. Your company may not offer explicit benefits to nurture this culture, but as a manager you can make it clear to your team that you’re open to everyone’s needs. We’re all different but we strive to be welcomed and valued in a group. Be open about supporting differences while embracing your core team’s mission.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: October 262021-10-26T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/october/26/<p>You don’t have to do everything yourself, especially as the manager of a distributed team. If someone on your team has a penchant for something that’s on your plate, let them take the lead. If someone shows a willingness or eagerness to take on something new, give them a shot. To delegate is to empower, and empowerment feels good. Lastly, if you're struggling with something you don’t know how to do, enlist a teammate to help to do the work. But, take the time to learn from what they do.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: October 252021-10-25T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/october/25/<p>When someone tells you you’ve done a good job, or have gone above and beyond, you might feel the tendency to dismiss the praise, deflect it, or minimize it. Don’t do that. You’re a solid worker, and when compliments come your way, accept them like an outfielder catching a pop fly. Confidently, yet humbly, say “thank you.”</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: October 242021-10-24T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/october/24/<p>Things rarely move as fast as you’d like. When you have to wait, recall the title of A. A. Milne’s childhood classic, “Be Patient, Pooh.” Information can make the waiting more bearable. If you’re the one waiting, master the tactful soft inquiry about status (but don’t pester). If others are waiting on you, set expectations and never leave people guessing.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: October 232021-10-23T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/october/23/<p>Video calls can take a lot of energy from you. Try trading video for audio-only, especially if nobody is sharing their screen. Either turn off your camera or use the audio-only dial-in number if your meeting supports it. You can have more flexibility with an audio call and walk around, stretch, or do a light chore. You may find you’re able to pay closer attention and have a more free-flowing conversation when you’re not sitting at your desk, too.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: October 222021-10-22T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/october/22/<p>You don’t always have to wait for something tactical to be on a video call with someone else. You might enjoy the feeling of being side-by-side with someone while simply working, mimicking the energy and proximity of a real coworking space. This type of interaction can help with mono-tasking and focus. Give it a try at <a href="http://caveday.org/">caveday.org</a> or try it on your collaboration platform of choice with someone you already work with.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: October 212021-10-21T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/october/21/<p>One-on-one meetings with your manager are important, but meetings with more senior leaders can fulfill even broader goals. You can get more insight into the macro thinking that’s driving your group’s mission, and you can get more visibility for yourself by actively participating in the discussion and asking insightful questions. Use these opportunities to help senior leaders know you better.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: October 202021-10-20T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/october/20/<p>You can’t control other people. You just can’t. What you can control is your reaction. That includes whether you react at all! Your work and personal life won’t always be sunshine and roses; you’ll have tough interactions with other people along the way. Remember, in the heat of the moment, that the only thing you can truly control is your own reaction.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: October 192021-10-19T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/october/19/<p>There are so many different ways of working, managing, and leading. When you come across something new that you’d like to try, do so. You don’t have to stick with it if it’s not a good fit, but you’ll be all the better for giving it a chance. There’s nothing worse than an unyielding, unchanging culture, and relying on tradition is an impediment to improvement.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: October 182021-10-18T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/october/18/<p>Small group meetings are for collaboration, not “telling people things.” Don’t get your team together if it’s not going to be collaborative. Company-wide town halls are another story, but if you need to communicate something to a smaller group, send an email or start an asynchronous chat instead.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: October 172021-10-17T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/october/17/<p>It doesn’t have to be a long conversation, or derail the goal of the meeting, but take time to relate to each other as you would in person. Start or end with casual conversation. Is it Friday? Ask about weekend plans. See interesting art in someone’s video background? Ask if there’s a story. Opening the door with conversation can lead to deeper connection.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: October 162021-10-16T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/october/16/<p>Once you’ve determined you actually need a meeting, which is the first crucial step, make sure your meeting invitation clearly outlines the agenda and what you plan to accomplish. Ensure that all of the key decision makers can attend. Start on time. End on time. Capture key decisions in a persistent format. And if you conclude your agenda before time is up, end the meeting early.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: October 152021-10-15T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/october/15/<p>Getting involved with extracurricular activities can help with the isolation and loneliness you might experience working remotely. Office workers’ strongest connections may be with colleagues. As a remote worker, your strongest connections are likely with people you see every day. Ask around: people you see all the time might be involved in activities you’d like, too! It may be as simple as talking about it to learn more, or making a bigger commitment by joining a group or volunteering your time.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: October 142021-10-14T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/october/14/<p>When you incorrectly assume someone’s pronouns, they can feel disrespected and excluded. It’s even worse if you do it intentionally, or discount how important it is to do so. Encourage the use of proper pronouns. You might create an environment where it’s routine to have this as part of your email signature where you work. When addressing a group, use a respectful gender-neutral salutation like y’all, everyone, or everybody — not “guys” or “you guys”.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: October 132021-10-13T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/october/13/<p>Multitasking as a productivity measure? It's a myth. When you try to switch between multiple tasks at the same time, you actually reduce productivity and amp up your stress. Instead, try singletasking. You’ll experience less frustration and stress when you commit to doing one thing — and doing it well — before you move on. Maintain an organized task list to help you stay on track.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: October 122021-10-12T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/october/12/<p>You might be a pro at using the latest software or tool, but unless you can demonstrate solid soft skills (communication, problem solving, collaboration) and a growth mindset (you can learn something new), you’ll be at a disadvantage when it comes time to find a job. You’ll be ahead of the pack if you can prove you’re a quick study. Can you think on your feet? Do you know how to use your resources to solve problems? Can you learn on the job? That will set you apart.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: October 112021-10-11T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/october/11/<p>Discipline isn’t just about avoiding things that suck productivity from your day. It’s also about ensuring you do the things that enrich your life and bring you joy. Try to cultivate habits around wellness-related activities that bring you relief from the stresses and pressures of work and responsibility. When you make fitness, music, reading, fellowship, learning, or a hobby a habit, it’ll inject some balance into your day that you can look forward to.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: October 102021-10-10T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/october/10/<p>Even if you’re doing all the right things, management isn’t all sunshine and roses. People will invariably have personal or professional issues that impact their work. See if they’ll open up to you or human resources. There may be a way to help. Yet, there are times when rapport and communication will fail you. Teams can be held back when a manager allows someone to underperform. Choose action over inaction: address issues head-on within the guidelines your Human Resources team gives you.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: October 92021-10-09T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/october/9/<p>Think you have to attend a meeting just because it’s on your calendar? Think again. This is especially true for recurring meetings where you’re copied as an interested party. You know the meetings where sometimes you’ll be needed, but most of the time you’re not? Skip them. Be transparent with the organizer, and make sure they know you’re available if they need to call on you in a given week. When you schedule meetings, think about who’s necessary and who’s optional, indicating the distinction in the software if it supports it.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: October 82021-10-08T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/october/8/<p>Management is like conducting an orchestra. As the conductor, you should know the music (your goals) and the players (your team) inside and out. You should be able to point to a section (oboes, trumpets, percussion) and know what they’re supposed to be doing. However, when a composition could be better, conductors don't abandon their perch. You don't see them rush into a section and start playing along (or worse, replacing a musician). Trust your team to do the right thing and give them the tools to do it. Trust, but verify. Yes, it’s your responsibility to know what’s going on. It's not your responsibility to micromanage, taking creative license and ownership away.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: October 72021-10-07T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/october/7/<p>For some people, travel presents more of an opportunity for networking than it does work. Try to meet senior managers and other colleagues you don’t normally interact with. When you’re remote you don’t get to have random encounters with people in the hallway or kitchenette. Make the most of your physical time together and it’ll pay dividends when you’re back in your remote office.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: October 62021-10-06T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/october/6/<p>There are likely many podcasts in your industry. These are great for getting information first-hand from industry thought leaders, and they can be a fantastic way to pass the time when you travel for errands or for work. You can listen to podcasts when you walk your dog, go for a stroll on your own, or during exercise.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: October 52021-10-05T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/october/5/<p>Back-to-back meetings are no fun and can actually be quite stressful. Microsoft’s Human Factors Lab conducted a study in 2021 that found short breaks between meetings can help alleviate that stress. A simple solution: start meetings five minutes after the hour or half-hour. This short break, built in at the beginning of a meeting, gives you a chance to reset.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: October 42021-10-04T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/october/4/<p>Your team works hard. Chances are, though, those outside your team don’t know who those hard workers are. Give them a chance to promote themselves by showing their work to a broader group, taking the lead on an initiative, driving a demonstration to senior leadership, or joining a client-focused call. If that type of exposure is not something they’re comfortable with, and they would like to become more adept at it, give them professional development opportunities to cultivate their presentation skills.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: October 32021-10-03T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/october/3/<p>You have some great platforms for collaboration, right? Use them to create opportunities for your team to socialize with each other. There are a lot of formats this can take: posing icebreaker questions in a synchronous setting or creating a dedicated channel aligned to hobbies in an asynchronous setting. Frame the session so people know what to expect. The simplest recipe for a socially-oriented meeting is this: no shop talk, have fun!</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: October 22021-10-02T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/october/2/<p>It’s good to disconnect periodically. Spend time away from your computer or devices each week. It might be a hike where you leave it all behind, socializing with family or friends, or finding a corner to quietly read. You’ll appreciate the focus you can have when the lure of social media, personal or work email, or push notifications can’t reach you. Give it a few hours and see how it goes. Get up to a full day and you’ll be ninja-level.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: October 12021-10-01T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/october/1/<p>Imagine you’re in a conference room with a group of people. The speaker is sitting right next to you, making eye contact and engaging with others around the table as they go through the agenda. Would you slouch in your chair, check your email, or send texts to your friends? No. Virtual is no different. When cameras are on (and sometimes when they’re off), others know whether you’re truly present.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: September 302021-09-30T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/september/30/<p>When crafting an email, instant message, or any other kind of written async communication, keep this phrase in mind from the perspective of the recipient. They won’t have to think as much if you include proper context, relevant links, citations, or expectations around timing or deliverables. Clarity matters and can help reduce confusion. It’s good to get it right the first time.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: September 292021-09-29T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/september/29/<p>You work on being visible when you’re a distributed worker, right? Visibility is one of the key drivers of raises and promotion. Another key driver is aligning your efforts to the organization’s priorities. When you constantly demonstrate your value by delivering against overall priorities and not just trying to advance your own agenda, you send a message that you care about the enterprise as a whole.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: September 282021-09-28T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/september/28/<p>There are a few devices that, when deployed in written or verbal venues, come off as non-neutral, accusatory, aloof, or even hostile. Avoid these turns of phrase — “as I said before”, “as per my last email”, “that’s not my problem”, and “you misunderstood me” — and formatting faux-pas — excessive punctuation (!!!), typing in ALL CAPS, premature escalation through the CC field, and excessive use of emoji or texting abbreviations.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: September 272021-09-27T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/september/27/<p>Want to ensure that your network connection is consistently fast? Plug into Ethernet. Sure, Wi-Fi that conforms to the newer standards is pretty fast for most tasks, but if you have access to an Ethernet cable connection you’ll get right up to the maximum speed of your connection with the outside world. Plus, file transfers, streaming, and backups between devices that are both hardwired will be far faster than on Wi-Fi.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: September 262021-09-26T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/september/26/<p>Avoid the temptation to be wholly available to your work regardless of time of day. Technology and mobile devices can make it easy to be “on the clock” in the early morning, late evening, and on the weekends. Try to disconnect, and know that the messages and emails you get off-hours will be there when you punch back in. Use features like “Do Not Disturb” or set app limits to ensure you get a solid stretch away from notifications and emails that you keep you in the work zone. If that fails, perhaps remove the applications altogether from your device. You have to balance this with any expectations around being available for emergencies, but if your team knows they can reach you by phone or text, that’s a fine backup as long as you set expectations accordingly.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: September 252021-09-25T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/september/25/<p>Okay, this is about as uncomfortable as we get with these tips, but this is a topic that any remote worker will know well. If you must visit the loo when you’re on a call, do so. But don’t take your tech with you. If you won’t be missed, turn off your video and audio and simply take your break. If you will be missed, simply say, “Excuse me, I’ll be right back,” and then turn off your video and audio and take you break. As a last resort, if you absolutely must not miss a word (really?) and you do take your tech with you, triple-check that your video is off and that you’re muted.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: September 242021-09-24T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/september/24/<p>The only venues with rational expectations of synchronous communication are phone calls, video chats, or a scheduled meeting. When you ask for something in an asynchronous medium like chat, email, or another collaboration tool, resist the temptation to expect an immediate response. Your message should be clear and concise. If you have a deadline in mind, cite that. Then, know that the recipient will respond at a time convenient for them.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: September 232021-09-23T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/september/23/<p>You’ve set some great goals and targets for your team, right? Now, give them the tools they need to meet those expectations. These tools may be hardware-based (is anyone else’s laptop in need of an upgrade?), software, or professional development. Regardless of the need, do your best to meet it to optimize your team’s chances of success.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: September 222021-09-22T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/september/22/<p>What are the distractions that can derail your productivity when you’re supposed to be working? They vary widely and can be rather unique, but the important thing is to identify them and take steps to mitigate them. Think about your phone, your tablet, your personal email, games, television, other people nearby … they’re all fair game to distract you, and there are ways to mitigate them all.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: September 212021-09-21T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/september/21/<p>Did you just have a meeting where some key things were decided? Does someone need to follow up on next steps? In the moment — or better yet, in advance — assign someone to document the decisions and action items in a persistent place. Don’t leave things to chance or rely on your memory. By being explicit about who’s doing what and what decisions were reached, you’ll avoid confusion down the road.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: September 202021-09-20T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/september/20/<p>Can you attend an industry conference? You may need to travel but it’s worth it to hear directly from speakers and mingle with like-minded guests. If you cannot attend, some conferences post some of their material online. Try a Meetup, too: they’re smaller local gatherings of people focused on a specific topic. They’re also a great way to meet people, build your network, and reinforce your industry knowledge.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: September 192021-09-19T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/september/19/<p>Reactionary bosses cultivate stressful environments. Be organized. Be visionary. Play the long game. Things go more smoothly if you have a well-publicized plan. If you’re doing some of the following things, you’ll end up leading a team with poor morale: ignoring or constantly shifting deadlines; having urgent unplanned meetings to resolve issues; tolerating last-minute changes without a strong governance process.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: September 182021-09-18T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/september/18/<p>If you want something, put together a plan to get it. If you don’t plan, you can’t act. If you don’t act, you can’t achieve. Ask yourself: what’s the worst thing that’ll happen if I ask for something I want? Very likely, the worst outcome is that the answer is no. Everything else is better than that, so go for it!</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: September 172021-09-17T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/september/17/<p>You know the signs: you’re feeling burned out, uninspired, or chronically stressed in your job. Your career trajectory has plateaued. You’re not getting along with your boss. You’re simply not passionate about your work anymore. Or, the culture has shifted to an uncomfortable place. Remember: you always have a choice: stay or go. If you decide to go, be deliberate, never burn a bridge, and use your network. Think about what you really want and use your feelings as a motivator to effect change. You just might have another opportunity waiting for you!</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: September 162021-09-16T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/september/16/<p>Is it nice out? Why not try a walking meeting? Whether it’s a 1:1 with your manager or a small group meeting with no presentation materials, the audio-only nature of the meeting and the stimulation from being outdoors can result in increased attentiveness and a more free-flowing exchange of ideas.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: September 152021-09-15T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/september/15/<p>Every day can look different for the modern worker. Every passing year brings with it new ways of working, new tools, and new challenges. The common thread through it all, though, is community. We can all share our successes and trials and learn from each other’s experiences. Reach out to others through social media and purpose-built communities around the work you do. You might learn something, but more importantly, you might share something!</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: September 142021-09-14T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/september/14/<p>There are very few occurrences where you have to do something immediately. If you feel like you should start a new project, buy the hottest new toy, or digest the latest must-read blog post, article, or book … just write it down first in a list. Come back to it later and see if it’s still important to you. You’ll find that most of what’s on your list just isn’t that important anymore.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: September 132021-09-13T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/september/13/<p>Other people can make a real difference in the balance you feel every day. If you find that days can go by without having an in-person social interaction with another human, take some steps to fix that. Seek out activities or events with people you’d enjoy being social with, start going, and open up and talk once you’re there. Social interactions will follow … all it takes is time and commitment.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: September 122021-09-12T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/september/12/<p>Do you think your reputation as a good worker matters more than your likability? The latter may make more of a difference to your initial hiring and your continued success at work than you think. It’s not necessarily a skill you’re born with, either — you can learn it. Search your favorite learning platform for ‘likability.’ You may be surprised at how many options there are!</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: September 112021-09-11T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/september/11/<p>Life goes on around you every day. Lawn mowers, family members, loud pets, emergency vehicles, and delivery trucks can all impinge on an otherwise quiet day. When you’re on a call, think about the effect those background noises can have on others. You can try to insulate your work locations from noise intrusion by closing windows or doors, but you might also rely on your mute button, noise-canceling earphones, or software like <a href="http://krisp.ai/">krisp.ai</a>.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: September 102021-09-10T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/september/10/<p>Your industry, company, or team is likely to be comfortable using proprietary jargon and acronyms. Consider your audience when you use them. Is everyone up to speed? Let loose. If someone’s new, or if you’re speaking to an audience that just won’t understand the terms, either explain them the first time you use them or avoid using them altogether.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: September 92021-09-09T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/september/9/<p>You know how bad habits can become so ingrained that you can’t break them, or even realize that they’re a bad habit? You can do the same with beneficial habits, too. There are some great applications that can give you the motivation to form and maintain good habits. And of course, they can be used to kick bad habits to the curb.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: September 82021-09-08T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/september/8/<p>You don’t have to be a pro at using the latest and greatest white boarding, sketching, or illustrating application to convey your thoughts visually. You just need a pencil and some paper. We’re not all the greatest artists, but we can all draw lines, squares, and circles. When you go analog with sketching, you can work more freely that you might be able to with a mouse and keyboard. Take a photo of your work so you can share it virtually in a collaboration session. The next layer of sophistication is real-time sketching using a tablet and stylus while you’re in a synchronous meeting. This can be a really effective way to collaborate when you can’t be in person with a white board on the wall.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: September 72021-09-07T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/september/7/<p>It can be tempting to “Keep up with the Joneses”. However, when you spend beyond your means and incur debt that grows, you add stress to your financial life. Try to set and maintain budgets, save more and spend less, pay off your credit cards in full every month, and set and save for larger financial goals for major purchases. The resulting freedom from creditors will be worth the effort.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: September 62021-09-06T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/september/6/<p>When you get a new manager or colleague, roll out the welcome mat for them, just as you had (or hoped you had). Schedule an initial call to say hello, talk about what you do for the team, and how they can best contribute. Take early steps to built rapport by getting to know them as a person, and making sure they know they can turn to you anytime if they have questions or concerns.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: September 52021-09-05T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/september/5/<p>You’ve decided as a group that you need to take action. Be clear about the next steps and who’s expected to do what. Instead of saying, “let’s do XYZ next”, "let's take that offline", or “we should talk to Bob first,” be precise, unambiguous, and assign ownership: “I’ll schedule a call with Bob. Who else needs to be there?” and “XYZ will take a few days of effort. Jake, will you take that on?”</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: September 42021-09-04T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/september/4/<p>If you’re interested in being promoted or being recognized with raises and bonuses, you need to have people in “the room where it happens” who will advocate for you. People who know the value of your work and have a vested interest in your career success. A sponsor is not a mentor. They’re an advocate. They might be your manager, but also more senior leaders or your manager’s peers. Cultivate those relationships and be transparent about your goals and aspirations. Once people know what you’re after career-wise — and respect and value the work you do — they’ll help you get there.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: September 32021-09-03T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/september/3/<p>Is fear entrenched as a quality of your workplace culture? It’s a toxic ingredient and causes burnout, mental instability, unhappiness, and demotivates. Sure, in small doses fear can be an effective tool. But in large, increasing doses, it does no good. Seek out HR or see it as a cue to flee to happier workplaces.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: September 22021-09-02T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/september/2/<p>Are your meetings chronically running over their allotted time? If you ask if people can “go over” you’re not likely to get totally honest answers. They might be technically able to stretch into overtime, but will they be happy about it? Probably not. Some may also simply defer to the most senior people on the call, too. Respect people’s time and keep your meetings to their allocated slot. Tighten the agenda, don’t let others derail the conversation, and start on time.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: September 12021-09-01T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/september/1/<p>It’s a fantastic icebreaker question to open the door to conversation about your career trajectory. When you know the answer to this question, you can start to take steps to get closer to your goal of doing the work you actually want to do, if it differs from the work you’re doing now. If you’re happy where you are, that’s good information to know, too. You can continue to grow and mature in your role, which is good for you and your team.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: August 312021-08-31T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/august/31/<p>When you’re in charge of a team, your team members look to you for signals on expected behavior. Sending emails at all hours of the day? You’re sending a signal that you want to see the same from your team. Supporting a hybrid workplace, yet you’re always in the office? You’re sending a signal that remote work is not okay. It doesn’t matter what you say, or how often you say it. It’s what you do that matters most.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: August 302021-08-30T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/august/30/<p>Turn on your email auto-reply feature when you’re going to be away from your email. It may be a day, a week, or more, but it’s a great way to let people know that you’re away. Include information about how they can get in touch with you or your designated backup, if that's important. For important communications that you can't follow up on right away, letting people know you received it along with an estimate of when you will get back to them can go a long way toward strengthening communication.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: August 292021-08-29T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/august/29/<p>If you read or hear something and you're inner voice is saying, "Yeah ... I still don't fully understand ..." you should get clarification. Ask questions until you can't ask questions anymore. Only then will you have gotten to the point where things are clearly communicated and understood.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: August 282021-08-28T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/august/28/<p>You can head off potential communication issues by trying to be proactive and identify them before they arise. If something can be interpreted more than one way, it's likely that it will be. Read and re-read things when you write them. Make them as clear and concise as possible. If you're writing to someone for whom English is not a primary language, use words that are clear and commonly used, too. Nobody should need to use a dictionary to find out what you really mean.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: August 272021-08-27T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/august/27/<p>Know when to take things out of a medium where communication is no longer effective. Phone calls or video chat can help clear up misunderstandings far faster than asynchronous communication.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: August 262021-08-26T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/august/26/<p>When writing something important, make sure that the structure of what you’re communicating is right. If it’s something that’s taken you awhile to conclude on your own, think about all of the data and logic that helped you arrive at that conclusion. Structure your writing with the goal of influencing the reader the same way. You can tell when something has been organized this way: it doesn’t meander; it is well thought out; it carves a neat path from the beginning to the end.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: August 252021-08-25T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/august/25/<p>Is the silence deafening where you work? Put on some good music or something soothing to help get you into flow. You have total control over what you hear — or don’t hear — while you’re working remotely. Sometimes you might want to crank up the loudest, bass-filled rock anthem you can find. Other times might call for the purest silence or some ambient noise. You can have it both ways, so experiment with what works and have fun with it.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: August 242021-08-24T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/august/24/<p>Do you have an unhealthy relationship with your device(s)? You're not alone, and digital addiction is real. When you're scrolling through social media, you're not working. Turning off your notifications can go a long way toward cutting down on your usage. Is an app particularly time-draining for you? Uninstall it.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: August 232021-08-23T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/august/23/<p>When you’re working, clear your space of visual reminders of the non-work things you need to do. Those reminders can pull your focus when you’re supposed to be doubling down on work. Personal calendars, to-do lists, and piles of laundry should all be tucked away for another time.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: August 222021-08-22T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/august/22/<p>You can go all in and include probiotics and antioxidant-rich foods in your diet. Or you can simply opt to “eat a rainbow”, focusing mainly on whole foods. If it comes in a bag or a box, or if the ingredients list has more unpronounceable things than you can shake a stick at, it’s probably not as good for you as something from the produce aisle. Depending on where you live, a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm may be an option for fresh produce most weeks of the year. No matter your culinary preferences, remember that variety is good and moderation is even better.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: August 212021-08-21T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/august/21/<p>Your insurance likely covers well visits to your primary doctor, dentist and eye doctor. Plus, you don’t need to take a full day to get those things taken care of when you work from home. Take advantage of those benefits and stay healthy!</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: August 202021-08-20T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/august/20/<p>When you get together with a friend, try to get beyond the superficial when you talk. Candid conversation about your feelings, hopes, and fears helps cultivate closeness, and it can be an effective way to counter loneliness. You’ll likely find that your friend, in turn, will be more open with you, too.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: August 192021-08-19T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/august/19/<p>Community doesn’t happen by accident. Sometimes, you have to take the first step in starting a conversation. A smile in a coffee shop. Saying hello in the grocery store. A break to talk to someone working near you at a coworking space. Simply talking to someone can highlight common interests or help them give you an idea of where to find community.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: August 182021-08-18T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/august/18/<p>What if you can’t find a pre-established group that resonates with you? Create your own. You can use almost any activity as an avenue to creating community. All you need is “the thing” and at least one person to show up. If you’ve already identified a group of people, propose a recurring time to do an activity you love. Try coffee, breakfast or lunch groups; biking, running or hiking groups; touristy things in your area like museums, points of interest, boat rides, wine tastings; game nights with spouses and significant others; group fitness, yoga or pick-up basketball. Even if you haven’t identified a group of people, advertise it and start meeting. Share it on social media, at a meetup, or on a community bulletin board. It may take some time to get traction, but don’t give up!</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: August 172021-08-17T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/august/17/<p>Joining a group outside of work can help you feel socially and emotionally fulfilled. You’ll find them centered around religion, hobbies, or sports. Community volunteerism with your local school, library, food pantry, Habitat for Humanity chapter, or fire department can also fit the bill. As a side benefit, these activities can feed back into your professional life. People you meet in non-professional circles might need the freelance or consulting services you can offer, or they may know someone who can use your skills.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: August 162021-08-16T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/august/16/<p>When your team grows, take some time during all-hands meetings to give them a chance to introduce themselves. It’s a great way to welcome them to the team and get to know them a bit better. Share meaningful pictures, a bit of personal and professional background, and favorite non-work activities. Don’t forget about your existing team members, either. By giving them a periodic spotlight in these gatherings, you help the team to gel even better.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: August 152021-08-15T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/august/15/<p>Emails and chat notifications inject so much noise in your day. Ruthlessly protect yourself by unsubscribing from emails you never read, and muting or leaving group chats that you don’t need to be a part of. Don’t worry: you’ll get invited back in if you’re missed, and you will know yourself before you hit unsubscribe if you really mean it. Less noise is a good thing.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: August 142021-08-14T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/august/14/<p>If you don’t need to actively participate (much, or at all) in a meeting and your face won’t be missed in a video meeting, try ditching the anchor at your desk and go do something else while you listen in. Light chores, outdoor walks, or light indoor fitness (elliptical, bike, rowing) are all fair game for getting something else done while you focus on what’s being said in the meeting.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: August 132021-08-13T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/august/13/<p>When you have a conference room full of people mixed with a few remote participants, it can create a dichotomy of “people in the room” vs. “people at home”. If everyone is remotely dialed in and screen-sharing, there’s no such dichotomy and a better sense of equality and inclusion. Be aware of this as you run meetings with disparate groups of onsite and remote participants; do your best to include remote participants as readily as in-room participants.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: August 122021-08-12T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/august/12/<p>Don’t throw your team under the bus. The buck stops with you. I’ve seen plenty of managers face down criticism of something their team did with classic deflection. There’s always an excuse - a mitigating circumstance - but in your managerial role, you cannot go further than yourself. When reflecting on something that didn’t go quite right, think about what role you played. What could you have done differently to result in a different outcome, despite the fact that the actual blunder was caused by one of your team, or an external factor? Chances are you can identify several things that you directly influenced (or could have influenced) and can learn from them.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: August 112021-08-11T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/august/11/<p>The temperature of your workspace is one of the biggest benefits when comparing remote work to in-office work. When you’re in a space that’s not your own, you don’t have much control over this, but in your own environment, you decide when it’s too cold, too warm, or just right. You decide whether you have shoes on or off. And you decide whether the window is wide open, tightly shut, or open just enough to let in a soft breeze. Aah.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: August 102021-08-10T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/august/10/<p>The physical connections you have to your local community are important. When you interact with others, especially in the service industry, provide customary tips for a job well done (or more, for a job extraordinarily well done). Service workers work hard, and anyone who’s worked in an industry that relies on tips knows the particular value of that currency. This is especially important in the context of a coffee shop where you might work periodically. The baristas will remember your respectful demeanor and treat you accordingly.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: August 92021-08-09T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/august/9/<p>Think you’re done with classes because you graduated from primary school or college? Maybe. But maybe not. Many colleges and universities offer free courses online that might be of interest to your ongoing professional development. You can find courses on Coursera, edX, and FutureLearn, and a quick search for “free online college courses” unearths online curriculum from esteemed universities and companies.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: August 82021-08-08T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/august/8/<p>If you’re a master at dividing work and play, you already know you shouldn’t be looking at work-related applications during your down time. However, take a look at the day ahead and get a sense of your schedule. You might need to coordinate personal appointments, negotiate the use of a car, or shuffle some things around.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: August 72021-08-07T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/august/7/<p>There’s nothing worse for security than using the same password for a lot of web sites and applications. Instead, turn to a password manager where you can use more secure passwords and have them auto-fill when you’re prompted for credentials. Password managers will typically sync between your devices and computers, too, so you can always have passwords when you need them. Just be sure to choose a secure master password that you won’t forget. For an additional layer of security for really critical applications, turn on two-factor authentication.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: August 62021-08-06T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/august/6/<p>It’s important to “walk a mile” in your customer’s shoes. Whether it’s a web site, application, a call center, or an in-person process, make it a point to go through the process as those who rely on you do. Only then will you understand what works, what doesn’t, and have the necessary context to understand consumer feedback.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: August 52021-08-05T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/august/5/<p>Team leaders should drop in on their team members at regular intervals to simply check in. It could be done as part of a one-on-one, but also could be casually scheduled, just as if you’d bumped into each other in the office. The purpose is not to check in on work, but rather, their life. How are they doing emotionally? What non-work activities are they into? What stressors are at play for them? You, in turn, can share your own thoughts on these topics. By caring for the whole person, you demonstrate respect for them and help enhance trust in your relationship.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: August 42021-08-04T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/august/4/<p>Make a space where your team can share with each other. As we all learned in kindergarten, “sharing is caring.” It’s important to share things outside of your core work deliverables so it’s not just another status meeting. Share something you heard or saw, something you created outside of work, or something you learned that’ll help others in the pursuit of their goals. Aim to have your sharing be inspirational, novel, and unique.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: August 32021-08-03T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/august/3/<p>If you must use email, keep the recipient list tight. Only cc (carbon copy) those who need to be aware of what’s being communicated, but not directly participate in the discourse. Deescalate, or make the recipient list shorter, when you need to narrow the conversation. Escalation occurs when, in the course of a thread, you add someone because you realize they should be aware. If doing this as a reply all, add their name to the top of the email so others know they’ve been added, and why. It may be better, though, to forward them the thread along with a note so they can get caught up without having to read the whole thing. Bcc should only be used for newsletters or other cases where you don’t expect a response, never to quietly add someone to the communication. If someone who’s been bcc’d replies all, the gig is up.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: August 22021-08-02T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/august/2/<p>Is there something that would improve your ability to get your job done? Ask for it. Some companies offer a budget for this kind of thing, but others don’t. Whether it’s hardware related (computer, keyboard, monitor, or other accessory) or a purchase related to working in your space (desk, anti-fatigue mat, or another ergonomic improvement), you won’t get it if you don’t bring it up. If all else fails, get used to budgeting for and making some purchases on your own. You won’t regret anything that improves your work.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: August 12021-08-01T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/august/1/<p>Are you not getting feedback, or getting feedback that’s not actionable? Ask for it as close as possible to the event that you’d like feedback about. Perhaps you’ve done a presentation, or led a meeting, or finished a big project. Ask others how it went, and what things you could improve upon that would make it go even better the next time. When you take the time to solicit this information, you also send a signal that you care about improvement, which is a good thing for promotion and career development.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: July 312021-07-31T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/july/31/<p>Public Wi-Fi can be a boon for hackers. If your work computer doesn’t already leverage a VPN, secure one for cases when you’re working on public Wi-Fi, or working on material that’s internal use only from your home network. When a VPN is on, anyone who’s on the same network can’t see what you’re up to. All of the data that’s sent over the network while you’re connected to the VPN will be encrypted, and therefore unreadable.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: July 302021-07-30T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/july/30/<p>When you’re in a group leading or participating in a hybrid meeting, don’t forget those who are participating on camera. When you focus your gaze only on the others in the room with you, it can make video participants feel excluded. Look to the camera periodically to address them directly, just as you would scan the entire room if you were giving a presentation.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: July 292021-07-29T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/july/29/<p>When you’re leading a collaboration session, designate a note taker (or do it yourself) to capture the discussion as it evolves and decisions are made. When everyone can virtually see what notes are being captured in real time, it adds a cool interactive dimension and reduces the risk of misunderstandings.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: July 282021-07-28T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/july/28/<p>You work with people all day long. They’re your clients! Depending on your role, they may be internal, external, stakeholders, or paid subscribers to your product or service. Get to know them and keep things straight using a client relationship management solution. You might need an enterprise-class solution for an international sales team. Or you might be on your own and keep these details in a spreadsheet. Regardless, keep your system tidy, up to date, and tailored for your use.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: July 272021-07-27T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/july/27/<p>When you work on the same thing day in and day out, your days can feel quite the same. What used to be challenging and extraordinary can turn into the ordinary. Variety — working on diverse tasks and projects with different people — can help jumpstart things again. If you find yourself in a rut, look around for opportunities to inject some newness into your workday.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: July 262021-07-26T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/july/26/<p>Avatars are everywhere, from social media, to address books, to project management systems. They’re a part of your personal brand, and if you leave yours as the default — which may be an illustration of a person, your initials, or an abstract image — you’re selling your brand short. Use a recognizable, professional photo of yourself. When everyone on a team does this, it’s far easier to recognize them online and in person.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: July 252021-07-25T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/july/25/<p>Chances are, you take on projects as part of your business. Regardless of your size, project management software can help you keep track of your short- and long-term aspirations, even if you’re a solo practitioner. When you take the time to break down your projects into manageable chunks, and have proper software in place, you can effectively delegate, assign, discuss, document, and track progress.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: July 242021-07-24T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/july/24/<p>When you communicate something asynchronously, either in email, chat, or in a collaborative document, the recipients don’t have the luxury of real-time interaction with you to clear up ambiguous points. Think about the information that you needed to come to your conclusions and add those to the documentation. Links, screenshots, and other annotations can be critical to comprehension. When you think you’re sharing more than what’s necessary, you’re probably sharing the correct amount of detail.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: July 232021-07-23T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/july/23/<p>Have you been exposed to insults, harassment, or bullying while you’re on the job? Have you been a witness to this behavior, or had someone who worked for you report it? Don’t keep it to yourself. Documentation is your friend. Carefully and objectively document the behavior you’ve seen and keep everything in a secure place. If the incident is a one-off you can try to sort it out person-to-person. If it’s a pattern, though, it’s time to get HR involved to chart an appropriate course.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: July 222021-07-22T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/july/22/<p>It’s no fun to get to a meeting and realize that key participants are not there because they failed to notify the meeting organizer. When you’ll be out for vacation, holiday, a personal day, or sick time, add an all-day appointment to your calendar and mark your status as out of office. Decline any appointments where you’ll be missed.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: July 212021-07-21T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/july/21/<p>Work never comes before family. It’s wonderful to spend more time with your spouse, significant other, children, and extended family as a simple byproduct of working remotely. That said, important events, emergencies, and mini-crises will make this perk all the more critical when they arise. Take the time to fully disengage from work and be with your family, especially when it matters the most. Work can wait.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: July 202021-07-20T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/july/20/<p>Coming back from time off can be difficult: you might have the internal expectation that you should hit the ground running and be 100% productive from the moment you step in the virtual door. Remind yourself that you have to reduce your capacity and take time to catch up — on emails, important decisions that were made in your absence, and just reconnecting with your team. Your time away was time well spent, and the time you spend reacclimatizing to work is the exact same.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: July 192021-07-19T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/july/19/<p>An earlier tip covered the importance of keeping your kudos. If nobody gave them, though, there’d be none to keep. When your colleagues, partners, or clients really shine, take a moment to recognize their efforts. Send them a direct note and copy their manager to let them know just how much of a difference they made. This can extend into non-work activities, too. Reviews make the world go 'round, and if a business has gone above and beyond, give them a boost with a solid review.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: July 182021-07-18T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/july/18/<p>At some point in your career, you’ll need to spend company money on purchases, travel, or events. Be a good steward of those monetary resources and spend them as if they were your own. If there’s a doubt in your mind if an expenditure is okay, it’s probably not. Also related to company money, become familiar with what expenses quality for reimbursement. You might find that some home office expenses are reimbursable.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: July 172021-07-17T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/july/17/<p>You set a goal for the year to learn some new things. Fast-forward to November and you find you’ve been “all work and no learn” and can’t show any progress in the professional development department. Try creating a training schedule for yourself, and put weekly time on your calendar to keep yourself accountable. This simple act of setting time aside should help you stay on track and make incremental progress toward your goals.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: July 162021-07-16T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/july/16/<p>When you relocate for a few hours at a coffee shop, a library, or take a longer stint to visit the office or a client site, how do you transport your things? Get a nice “go bag” that’s professional and smart. It should comfortably fit your laptop, devices, mouse, charge cables, wallet, and anything else you need to be comfortable during your time away from your home office.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: July 152021-07-15T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/july/15/<p>Be aware of the effects of groupthink when you moderate meetings where you hope to build a true consensus. It can be hard for some people to speak up in a group setting for fear of being perceived differently, or for raising an unpopular opinion or an “out of the box” idea. This can be doubly difficult when strong personalities are in the meeting, and the group’s default tendency can be to adopt the stronger personality’s viewpoint. Haven’t heard from a participant and suspect this dynamic? Ask for their opinion in the meeting, or solicit their feedback in advance. Do your best to cultivate a psychologically safe space where diverse viewpoints can be surfaced and discussed without fear.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: July 142021-07-14T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/july/14/<p>We all have biases. They’re part of our natural circuitry and are typically unconscious stereotypes. In a professional environment, the key is to recognize them and take steps to avoid or mitigate them. Ageism, sexism, and racism are all rooted in unconscious bias and are toxic to a safe, effective workplace. Other biases abound, too. Look for professional development opportunities to be able to recognize and address bias in your workplace.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: July 132021-07-13T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/july/13/<p>It’s tempting to get everyone together at the same time every day to go “around the room” and give a daily status. However, it can be an immense drain on everyone’s time, and over time, participants may start viewing it as unproductive and tend to tune out after sharing their update. Instead, try asynchronous updates, where everyone shares a quick bullet summary in a collaboration platform, at the beginning of their day, of what they’re working on. Everyone else can catch up at their leisure. These types of updates can be searched, use tags for projects, link to web pages where needed, at-mention people, and if you’ve been out on vacation, allow you to quickly catch up on what you missed. Save your meeting time, if needed, for follow-ups that need real-time collaboration.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: July 122021-07-12T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/july/12/<p>Unless you’re on your own as an entrepreneur, work is not a solo effort. You’re likely part of a team, and when you present your team’s work to others, represent the work as a team effort. Use “we” to describe what you’ve done, not “I”. We did this, we did that, and next we plan on doing another thing.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: July 112021-07-11T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/july/11/<p>Refactoring, in the world of software development, is the process of improving the structure, legibility, elegance, or maintainability of your code without affecting what it does. In other words, improving the mechanics, not the message. Refactoring can apply to many domains, including emails, requirements, presentations, and designs. Take time to do your best work, and then ask yourself: is there a way I can improve it? Refactoring takes time, but can be worth it in the long run.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: July 102021-07-10T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/july/10/<p>Self-sufficiency is one of the hallmark traits that can help you land — and keep — a remote job. Look for instances in your personal and professional life where you’ve taken the lead on getting something done — on time, on budget, all that good stuff. Document your successes so you can recall how you took ownership and accomplished your task without a ton of external motivators. Look for opportunities in your work to be proactive and take the lead on delivering value.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: July 92021-07-09T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/july/9/<p>Like a good task manager, a good note-taking app will let you sync across devices, embed images and rich text, add links to text, and efficiently search. Gone are the days of using sticky notes and placing them all over your desktop. You might enjoy the tactile feel of a real notebook, too, but will sacrifice the ability to search and backup your carefully-taken notes.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: July 82021-07-08T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/july/8/<p>It’s so important to know what good digital security looks like. So many bad actors try to get into your computer and network using email attachments, phishing links in the body of emails, and social engineering over email, text, or voice. Don’t fall for it. Before you click on a link or attachment from someone you don’t know, check with someone who can tell you for sure, or if there’s even a shred of doubt, just delete it.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: July 72021-07-07T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/july/7/<p>When you’re sharing your screen with others, there are a few tips that can make things go more smoothly. Share just the application you want to, so you don’t inadvertently share something you didn’t intend. If you must share your entire screen, quit any applications like chat or email that could pop up notifications and interrupt your flow. Lastly, be aware of screen resolution. If you have a huge external monitor, sharing a window from there might not give your guests a great view. Instead, try sharing the window from your laptop’s screen, which likely has a better resolution for sharing.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: July 62021-07-06T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/july/6/<p>You’ll use the same mug or glass every day for water, tea, or coffee. Treat yourself to a vessel that you’ll appreciate daily. Something with a personal touch, a bit of technology (self-warming mugs are awesome), or a nice double wall to keep cold drinks from sweating all over your fine desktop.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: July 52021-07-05T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/july/5/<p>There’ll be times when you just can’t tune out the world when you need to. You might be home and the neighbor fires up their leaf blower. Or at the coffee shop and the people nearby are a little too loud. Or trying to be productive while you’re on a bus, train, or plane. When noise intrudes, noise-canceling headphones can come to the rescue. Read reviews carefully and think about what you’d be most comfortable with, either an over-the-ear or in-ear pair.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: July 42021-07-04T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/july/4/<p>Working remotely doesn’t mean you have to sit in a chair alone in your home office, day after day. Take advantages of opportunities to relocate: to another room where you live, a library, coffee shop, a coworking space, a shaded table just outside your door, or a quiet park bench. Great work can be done anywhere, and sometimes the boost you need to can be gained by a change of scenery. Plus, you may even get a little socialization in the process, which is always a good thing.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: July 32021-07-03T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/july/3/<p>It’s evaluation time. You may be evaluating your own performance if you’re solo, or get feedback from your manager or peers. Ask for specific ways in which you can improve. You may find that feedback comes to you in the form of a praise sandwich, where negative feedback is disguised between positive feedback. Minimize the bread of that sandwich and focus on the filling. That's where the true, actionable feedback lives.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: July 22021-07-02T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/july/2/<p>Small changes can make big differences to your productivity. Try changing your lighting, the music or ambient noise (or lack of noise) around you, reorganizing your desk, or moving from sitting to standing. You might find that these small adjustments can boost your productivity when you need it most.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: July 12021-07-01T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/july/1/<p>You might experience a lull in your energy levels in the early afternoon. A short power nap - just 15-30 minutes to avoid going into deep sleep - can save your afternoon. There's unfortunately a stigma in some circles around midday napping, but these siestas help reduce stress, improve your cognition, and can position you to have a more efficient afternoon. It sure beats suffering through the afternoon when you're tired, and more prone to slack off doing non-work activities due to your dipping alertness. So set a timer, find a quiet spot, and get a few minutes of midday shut-eye.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: June 302021-06-30T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/june/30/<p>Timers can be a very effective tool to do focused work every day: put your phone in airplane mode (or just leave it behind), close all the apps you’re not using, and don’t stop working on the task until the timer is done.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: June 292021-06-29T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/june/29/<p>As an employee, you should want to do you very best work every day, regardless of where you're sitting vis-à-vis your peers. However, if you think that working remotely means you can slack off more than your office-bound counterparts, working remotely is not for you. Some employer distrust comes from a history of dealing with workers who want to get away with doing less work than their peers. That has employers asking, "How can I trust that you're working if I can't actually see you working?” So work, and trust will follow.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: June 282021-06-28T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/june/28/<p>If you think your manager or peer might want to know something (emphasis on might), take the opportunity to communicate it to them. Trust your gut on communicating status, priorities, and deadlines: the added transparency contributes to an inclusive environment. Bonus points if you share in a public async forum so everyone can see what you’ve shared at their convenience.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: June 272021-06-27T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/june/27/<p>You’ve just been called out for doing a good job. Feels good, right? When you take time to recognize and validate what your team has done, you boost their esteem, increase job satisfaction, and motivate them to repeat the feat. It has the opposite effect when you don’t recognize these efforts with sincere thanks. Validation doesn’t have to cost much — or anything, for that matter — just a simple expression of “Wow, you took on a tough task and hit it out of the park” can do nicely. Simple rewards like concierge coupons, a virtual pizza party, or a token gift can also be great ways to recognize significant achievements.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: June 262021-06-26T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/june/26/<p>There’s are several common hiring adages related to this but this tip applies more generally. When you work alongside more experienced people (enter smarter, faster, and better), you in turn become smarter, faster, and better. Don’t be afraid to aspire to their skill or experience level. They did it, and with time, effort, and patience, you can too.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: June 252021-06-25T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/june/25/<p>Something not working as well as it could? Don’t default to blaming remote work. There’s likely an underlying issue that’s causing the symptoms you’re seeing. Start looking at your communication, management style, process, culture, and the way your team makes decisions. Being face-to-face may alleviate some communication issues, but it’ll never get to the root of a more systemic problem.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: June 242021-06-24T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/june/24/<p>Planning a trip can work wonders for your mental health. When you take the time to plan a purposeful trip, it gives your mind something to look forward to. Think about when you traveled last. Did it give you and enhanced appreciation for what you have? Or did it spur to you to do something to improve your current home? Travel can offer perspective, creativity, and clarity, especially travel to a new location.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: June 232021-06-23T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/june/23/<p>You have a great collaboration platform, right? If you use it mostly as an email replacement, for direct person-to-person communication, you’re missing out. Try bringing conversations out into the open, where people can pop in and out of a group as needed. It’s a great transparency move, and nobody will feel as if they’re being left out of the loop. If you do need to meet one-on-one or synchronously as a group, remember to go back and share the results in the collaboration thread.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: June 222021-06-22T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/june/22/<p>Not all business decisions or discussions can be had in the moment. If you have a difficult topic to cover as a group, talk to individuals in advance to get their thoughts. This is an equity play, too: you’ll get input from the quieter and more reserved people on your team. Then, you can approach the topic with a more well-rounded understanding of the broad themes at play. Still not sure? Bounce your ideas off a mentor or someone else whose judgment you trust.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: June 212021-06-21T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/june/21/<p>Who are your clients or customers? Whatever you call them, they're the people who'd miss you most if you ceased to do the work you do. Like the age-old saying "straight from the horse's mouth", it's best to get insights and feedback from a source as close as possible to your clients, if not directly from them. Only then can you truly understand if the work you're doing is directly aligned to their needs, or helps solve problems they may not know they have.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: June 202021-06-20T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/june/20/<p>Think about the last time you met with someone, be they a spouse, friend, colleague, medical professional, or a service worker. Were they patient and attentive, or impatient and distracted? Did it seem like they had all the time in the world for you, or did the interaction seem rushed? When you experience the former, you feel like it’s a high-quality interaction. You trust them. When you’re the spouse, friend, colleague … anyone … give the other person the gift of your attention. Clear the mental decks, so to speak, and focus on the interaction.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: June 192021-06-19T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/june/19/<p>When all your time is planned for you (or by you), you can miss out on time to think freely. When has inspiration struck you last? Chance are, it wasn’t during a hectic day of meetings. When you allocate unstructured time for yourself to focus on your own work, even if that’s just time to think, you create the space for novel ideas to form, mature, and emerge.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: June 182021-06-18T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/june/18/<p>We can all do without video if needed, but if audio fails it’s a big problem. If you’ll be talking a lot in a meeting, ensure that you’re using the most stable audio connection possible. If you’re in a place with great bandwidth, use the streaming options you may normally use on your device. Otherwise, connect over a landline or your cell phone so you’ll be less likely to experience audio issues. Also, always be prepared to switch your connection if your primary way of connecting fails (Wi-Fi, for example).</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: June 172021-06-17T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/june/17/<p>Metrics matter. Do you know the value of distributed work from your perspective as a worker? How about as an employer? It takes just a few minutes with a spreadsheet to calculate the savings on commuting, clothing, and meals out. If you want a more comprehensive calculation, head over to the <a href="https://globalworkplaceanalytics.com/roi">Workplace Savings Calculator</a>.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: June 162021-06-16T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/june/16/<p>When you write emails, you might be inadvertently using a less friendly style than you intended. Go back and look at your correspondence. Is it coming off the way you’d hoped? Written words don’t have the tone and texture that spoken do, so you have to be intentional about warming up your emails. For suggestions, search for “warm tone in emails”.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: June 152021-06-15T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/june/15/<p>Try not to mess with your schedule depending on the day of the week. If you go to bed at a consistent time each night, your brain will start to know what to expect. We humans thrive on routine! Same goes for getting up. Set an alarm whether it’s a work day or not, and every day will feel just right.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: June 142021-06-14T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/june/14/<p>Deadlines can be a great discipline creator. When you know when something is due, you’re more likely to create the space to get it done. No deadline given? Give yourself one. There’s nothing worse than getting a request to do something “whenever you get a chance.” Make that chance a surety by doing it right then, or adding a date-driven task or calendar appointment for you to do it later.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: June 132021-06-13T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/june/13/<p>Stepping away for a few moments during your workday? Use the time to do something that takes your mind off work-related things. Think about activities that relax you. That might be a short walk in your garden or down your street, sitting in a shady spot on a hot day, sketching or writing in a notebook, or cracking open a book that you’re eager to read. The key is relaxation, leaving you fresh and ready for the rest of your day.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: June 122021-06-12T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/june/12/<p>According to the World Health Organization, burnout is defined as "a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed." Watch for signs of burnout in yourself, or on your team. Signs include feeling exhausted or depleted, disconnection from your work, cynicism, and decreased performance. Do not ignore these signs if you see them. Gallup cites five key causes, and they all have prescriptions for resolution: unfair treatment, unmanageable workload, unclear top-down communication, lack of manager support, and unreasonable deadlines and pressure.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: June 112021-06-11T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/june/11/<p>You’re about to summarize your key point in a very important meeting when disaster strikes: your spouse, roommate, child, or pet (or any combination, frankly) bursts into the room, interrupts your flow, and calls attendees’ attention away from you. This happens every day, but it doesn’t have to. Communicate your “do not disturb” status with those around you with a shared calendar, a conversation, or a sign or indicator on the closed (and locked, if possible) door.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: June 102021-06-10T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/june/10/<p>You might be really into cooking elaborate meals, or take on some complex landscaping, or be in the middle of a multi-day home improvement project. The key is to not let these types of extracurricular activities derail your work day. If you have to spend significant time on these, that's what time off is for. That doesn't mean you can't progress on them and work the same day, though. You lack a commute, so you can spend pre-work time getting something done. Your lunch time is prime time for tackling something that takes under an hour. Just be wary of starting something that you can't finish before you're expected to be at work and productive.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: June 92021-06-09T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/june/9/<p>Software updates are important. They protect your computer and your phone from security vulnerabilities, fix bugs, and provide new enhancements that can help your productivity. To mitigate the stress of an update - especially a major one - make sure you have a backup of your computer or phone before you start. Don't install updates as soon as they're available: wait a few days in case the provider gets feedback that they need to release an update to the update to address any upgrade problems.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: June 82021-06-08T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/june/8/<p>Life is sweeter when you can celebrate special occasions as a group. Take note of birthdays, notable work anniversaries, and major life events like an engagement, marriage, or a new child. These are all wonderful reasons to gather virtually and fête your colleagues. For major events, you might take up a collection among team members and present the honoree with a gift card. You can also send around an allowance to allow your team to get a cup of coffee, slice of cake, or some lunch to share as a group as you celebrate.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: June 72021-06-07T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/june/7/<p>Nothing hurts an organization's health more than saying, "Well, that's how we've always done it." Time marches on, and with it, the options change for managing yourself, your work, your team, and your business. Evolve to keep on top of your game. Evaluate periodically. Keep what works. Ditch what doesn’t.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: June 62021-06-06T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/june/6/<p>A lot of success, whether virtual or in person, comes from being the person who naturally takes the lead. To use a baseball analogy, it’s a pop fly in deep center field. You can be the one who yells, “Got it!” and positions themselves for the catch, or you can be the one who looks around first to see if anyone else is going to go for it. By being the one who’s willing to catch the ball, you communicate you’re a go-getter. You have initiative. You have ideas. And you’ll get invited to play the game far more often.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: June 52021-06-05T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/june/5/<p>Did you inadvertently offend someone? Perhaps it was in the heat of the moment in a tense discussion, or a communication misunderstanding, or a gaffe where you thought you were on mute. Whatever it is, get in front of it. It might be awkward to apologize and have an open discussion to hopefully explain yourself, understand the situation, and move onward, but it sure beats letting it fester. Luckily, there are two magic words that can help you start any conversation like this: “I’m sorry.”</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: June 42021-06-04T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/june/4/<p>Relegate your shopping, searching, and social networking to your personal devices. It can be tempting to use your work computer to look up a great dinner place for later, check your personal email, do some online shopping on Cyber Monday, or mindlessly scroll through social media on your lunch break. Don’t do it, though. Your business’s network is for business, and when you conduct personal work there, you’re both being surveilled (potentially) by your employer (opening you to scrutiny) and unnecessarily opening the network up to security vulnerabilities.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: June 32021-06-03T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/june/3/<p>However you work, you know there are certain times of the day that are best for you, and certain conditions under which you thrive. Create those conditions and safeguard them. You might work best in the morning or afternoon, and probably enjoy large swaths of uninterrupted time. Block that time in your calendar and don’t let it go.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: June 22021-06-02T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/june/2/<p>Be a technology leader when it comes to providing technology that helps your people connect. Tools come and go, but there will always be technology that helps us connect in real time or asynchronously. Think about what your team needs. Video, screen sharing, document storage, and breakout rooms are all becoming table stakes. Invest in the technology to address those needs. Your team will feel a closer connection to each other and to the material they need to do their jobs.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: June 12021-06-01T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/june/1/<p>Do you doubt your abilities? Does it feel difficult to accept your accomplishments as evidence of your competence? These feelings can really come to the fore when you’re not physically with others, though they can afflict anyone. To combat imposter syndrome, start by not judging yourself for having these feelings. Treat yourself with kindness and compassion. Try to examine what underlies the feelings. Perhaps they’ll reveal some things you need to change, whether it’s reframing your mindset (I’ve worked hard and I deserve to be here) or spurring you to make a change (looking for the next step in your career, finding ways to deal with stress, or being transparent with someone you trust). If it persists, find a professional therapist who can help you deal with those thoughts and feelings.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: May 312021-05-31T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/may/31/<p>Your collaboration software may have some cool features that can help keep participants involved in the discussion. Not everyone likes to talk all the time, but by using voting (digital or analog) or hand-raising features, whiteboards, and breakout rooms, you can help keep everyone more involved in the conversation.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: May 302021-05-30T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/may/30/<p>As a manager of a distributed team, you need to set clear expectations. What are the results you'll measure your team by? When workers know what the desired results, are - the target, if you will - they'll be more like to meet them. It's really hard to hit a target you cannot see.</p>
Gear Review: AfterShokz OpenComm for Remote Workers2021-05-29T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/topics/workspace/gear-review-aftershokz-opencomm-for-remote-workers/<h2 id="tl%3Bdr">TL;DR</h2>
<p><a href="https://amzn.to/3UCNrKm">AfterShokz OpenComm</a> is a version of AfterShokz’s bone-conduction open-ear Bluetooth headsets paired with a DSP noise-canceling boom microphone. I love these for three key reasons:</p>
<ol>
<li>the open-ear nature of the technology</li>
<li>the compact design of the boom microphone coupled with effective noise cancellation</li>
<li>the lightness and “feel” of the headphones</li>
</ol>
<p>The only drawbacks I can think of are that switching between computers and iOS devices could be a little tricky (see their instructions for <a href="https://help.aftershokz.com/hc/en-us/articles/360053359094-Commands-OpenComm">multipoint pairing</a>, regardless), and you might find yourself opting for the mute function of your phone or collaboration software instead of the headphone's mute function.</p>
<h2 id="the-background">The Background</h2>
<p>I started using bone conduction Bluetooth headphones years ago when AfterShokz came out with their first-generation models. I’m a runner and was sold on the open-ear design. On the trail, I was excited to be able to hear wildlife or other people around me. On the road, I’d be much safer if I could hear traffic behind me. With bone conduction technology your ear canals are not obstructed while music or podcasts are playing. You can enjoy your media and experience the world around you. I started using the AfterShokz Titanium model but they proved to be heavy and pinched my temples a bit too much. When AfterShokz released their <a href="https://amzn.to/3Y2lpL4">AfterShokz Air</a> model, I snapped up a pair and liked them much better. They were lighter and had a better bass response. The only time I don’t use them while running is in the winter when I wear a tight over-the-ear hat. In those cases, I go without music or use AirPods. Fast forward a few months and I bought a pair of the even lighter (and sweat and water-resistant) <a href="https://amzn.to/3us8l4l">AfterShokz Aeropex</a> for my wife.</p>
<div style="position: relative"><img class="lazy" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 700 400'%3E%3C/svg%3E" data-src="/static/img/aftershokz-taughannock.jpg" alt="Using AfterShokz Air on a run." title="Using AfterShokz Air on a run." /><p class="stickyNote">Using AfterShokz Air on a run.</p></div>
<p>I was intrigued when AfterShokz started advertising <a href="https://us.aftershokz.com/products/opencomm">OpenComm</a> as a solution for remote workers. I’ve been working remotely since 1998 and have constantly experimented with my audio for phone calls and conference calls. I’ve used Plantronics headsets, my cell phone with wired earbuds, and lately, a quality Bluetooth microphone and bookshelf speakers. I wrote to AfterShokz and asked if I could review the product as a remote worker. They gave me this product to try and I’ve been using it for the past two weeks.</p>
<h2 id="what-is-aftershokz-opencomm%3F">What is AfterShokz OpenComm?</h2>
<p>In short, it’s a version of AfterShokz’s bone-conduction open-ear Bluetooth headsets paired with a DSP noise-canceling boom microphone. They market it as a communication tool when you’re on the road, on the job outside, or at your desk. They advertise 16 hours of talk time.</p>
<div style="position: relative"><img class="lazy" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 700 400'%3E%3C/svg%3E" data-src="/static/img/aftershokz-opencomm-open-ear-design.jpg" alt="Open-ear design" title="Open-ear design" /><p class="stickyNote">Open-ear design</p></div>
<h2 id="how-do-i-use-aftershokz-opencomm%3F">How do I use AfterShokz OpenComm?</h2>
<p>I started using them with my MacBook Pro for work. Pairing them was straightforward and I found them to be both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing as I looked at my reflection in Microsoft Teams and Cisco WebEx. I mentioned earlier that I’d been using the combination of an external microphone and bookshelf speakers, mimicking a quality desktop speakerphone setup. This has all the advantages of that setup without requiring others within earshot to hear what was transpiring on my calls.</p>
<p>I paired them with my personal MacBook and conducted a webinar on WebEx. Again, the professional look of the headphones was great and nobody had any issues with the clarity of my voice.</p>
<p>The last connection I made was with my Apple iPad Pro. I was waiting in the car during my son’s medical appointment and joined my team’s daily morning meeting using Microsoft Teams. No issues there.</p>
<p>I found myself having to re-pair the headphones when I wanted to use each of these three devices, and in preparation for this review, read about their <a href="https://help.aftershokz.com/hc/en-us/articles/360053359094-Commands-OpenComm">multipoint pairing</a> feature. I loathe manuals, so it’s a testament to the out-of-the-box experience and inherent usability that I got as far as I did without reading too much about the product. Their quick start card told me much of what I needed to know. The multipoint pairing setup was smooth, and I connected the headphones to two MacBooks, an iPad Pro, and my iPhone within a matter of minutes.</p>
<p>I will never come close to the advertised 16 hour talk time they cite in their materials. I can’t imagine needing that much time in a day to talk to others! That said, I never experienced any problems with battery life over multiple days of using them for 3-4 hours each day. I don’t plug them in every night, but instead, find myself connecting them to the charger during lunch a few times a week. The charger, by the way, is a delight. It’s magnetic and snaps into place easily. It’s a nice departure from the running model that I have, which requires some dexterity to open the charging flap and properly align the charger.</p>
<div style="position: relative"><img class="lazy" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 700 400'%3E%3C/svg%3E" data-src="/static/img/aftershokz-opencomm-charging.jpg" alt="Elegant usability of the magnetic charging cable." title="Elegant usability of the magnetic charging cable." /><p class="stickyNote">Elegant usability of the magnetic charging cable.</p></div>
<h2 id="how-does-it-feel-to-wear-aftershokz-opencomm%3F">How does it feel to wear AfterShokz OpenComm?</h2>
<p>It has the same lightweight feel as the Air when I’m wearing it. Almost indiscernible. It’s nice to not have something in my ears during calls. I can hear what’s going on elsewhere in the house (a bonus if you’re expecting someone at the door) and don’t suffer from audio constantly directed into my eardrums. I experienced less fatigue from participating in conference calls, likely from the open-ear design. They’re lightweight, flexible, and have a soft rubbery texture. I didn’t tire from wearing them for hours at a time. I would not want to wear them all day long, but that’s more a matter of personal preference. I found myself using them mostly for calls and preferred using my stereo for music.</p>
<h2 id="how%E2%80%99s-the-sound-quality-of-the-aftershokz-opencomm%3F">How’s the sound quality of the AfterShokz OpenComm?</h2>
<p>I did a speed test between the external microphone setup and the OpenComm with my manager. He evaluated the OpenComm as having clearer and crisper audio, likely due to the noise-canceling features of the boom microphone. I switched back and forth several times and he solidly preferred OpenComm. I never had a problem hearing others clearly, either. For “low talkers” (you know them, right?) I sometimes had to put a finger against my ear to hear more clearly, but that’s more a problem with bone conduction than anything else. Some voices just don’t transmit that well without blocking out other noises.</p>
<div style="position: relative"><img class="lazy" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 700 400'%3E%3C/svg%3E" data-src="/static/img/aftershokz-opencomm-boom-microphone.jpg" alt="Noise-canceling boom microphone." title="Noise-canceling boom microphone." /><p class="stickyNote">Noise-canceling boom microphone.</p></div>
<h2 id="likes-and-dislikes">Likes and Dislikes</h2>
<p>Switching between computers and iOS devices could be a little tricky (even with the multipoint pairing), but was easily solved by switching the headphones off and on when switching to a new device. I typically use one device for a stretch before needing to switch, so this is not a huge issue.</p>
<p>I never used the built-in mute function; I prefer to use the device or application’s mute function instead of headphone hardware. It just feels more reliable to me. AfterShokz advertises the hardware mute function this way — <em>“press and hold the volume+ and volume- buttons simultaneously for two seconds”</em> — which seems like it might be a little awkward, especially when unmuting. Two seconds can seem like an eternity, especially when you don’t get it right the first time.</p>
<p>I like the option to get up and move around while wearing these. I enjoyed the same flexibility when using wired headphones with my phone, but I can walk anywhere within the Bluetooth range of my computer with these. It’s a lot easier.</p>
<p>Overall, I love these for three key reasons:</p>
<ol>
<li>the open-ear nature of the technology</li>
<li>the compact design of the boom microphone coupled with effective noise cancellation</li>
<li>the lightness and “feel” of the headphones</li>
</ol>
<p>They’ve been my go-to solution for audio at work for the past few weeks. I look forward to many years of enjoying them!</p>
<h2 id="learn-more">Learn More</h2>
<p>Learn more about <a href="https://us.aftershokz.com/products/opencomm">AfterShokz OpenComm</a> on their web site, or check out the links below for the AfterShokz products mentioned in this article.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/3h5h894">AfterShokz Air</a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/3PaHHGM">AfterShokz Aeropex (a.k.a. OpenRun)</a> -- <a href="https://shokz.com/blogs/news/air-vs-aeropex-find-the-best-aftershokz-headphone-for-you">how's Aeropex different from Air</a>?</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/3VKJAMQ">AfterShokz OpenRun Pro</a> -- upgrade pick for athletes</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/3VFo3ox">AfterShokz OpenComm</a> -- great for remote workers!</li>
</ul>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: May 292021-05-29T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/may/29/<p>We’re not all comedians, but a little appropriate humor goes a long way. We’re all human. When we’re too serious about our jobs and remove the humanity from the equation, it feels like work. When we can have fun while we’re working, we establish more rapport with others and it feels a whole lot better. Have fun with each other!</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: May 282021-05-28T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/may/28/<p>Have you heard of the concept of manifesting? Or perhaps know the value of creating and conspicuously posting a vision board? Find out what your next level of promotion at work entails, and put that information front and center. Ideally, in a place that you can see it every day. By keeping your goals front and center, you’ll help breathe life into them every single day.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: May 272021-05-27T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/may/27/<p>In a traditional office, someone else likely vacuums, dusts, collects trash, waters plants, and keeps the fridge clear of aspirational science experiments. Nobody is going to do that for you when you're on your own at home. If you're the exception to this rule, congratulations! So, make a schedule that works for you. Spend a couple minutes every few weeks and you'll maintain a beautiful, dust-free, plant-filled, trash-free space.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: May 262021-05-26T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/may/26/<p>It's a big world and chances are you'll find yourself working with someone in a different time zone. Scheduling meetings is another topic, but simply being aware of the time where your colleague is located is a great way to deepen connection. Awareness can help you use the proper salutation for the time of day (good morning vs. good afternoon) and be aware of when someone's working earlier or later than they usually do. It's a great conversation starter, too, if it's close to quitting time for your colleague, or close to lunch time. There are so many desktop, mobile, and wrist-based solutions for calculating times across time zones, so pick one and enjoy knowing what time it is at a glance.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: May 252021-05-25T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/may/25/<p>Distance bias is the tendency to favor people who are closer to us in time and space. As a remote worker, you'll experience this at some point in your career. Counter it by taking time one-on-one time with your manager to review your recent accomplishments, development goals, and future plans. As a manager, you can help your remote employees transcend distance bias by ceding the spotlight to them in presentations, demos, and other public forums, and by being inclusive of their opinions when making decisions in a hybrid setting.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: May 242021-05-24T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/may/24/<p>What does your health insurance policy cover for mental and behavioral health? As a manager, this is good information to know and share with your team. By being transparent about the availability of these services, you help erase the stigma associated with them. As an employee, if you’re struggling with mental health, do this legwork yourself and see what’s available to you. Even if you have to use your own funds to pay for it, your mental health is just as important, if not more important, than your physical health. Reach out when you need help and take care of yourself.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: May 232021-05-23T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/may/23/<p>Set a goal to meet someone new every so often. It might be weekly, monthly ... whatever frequency you're comfortable with. Then, do something social with them! The person you meet would ideally be new, but you can also rekindle a business or personal relationship you've had in the past. This is a great way to expand your network and keep it healthy.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: May 222021-05-22T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/may/22/<p>Do you want to learn a new language, skill, or have an idea for a project? Just get started. Take the initiative to get them done during nights and weekends. These types of projects can be a great way to learn something new, put it into practice on your own schedule, and demonstrate to current or potential employers that you're totally into lifelong learning.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: May 212021-05-21T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/may/21/<p>Your workplace may offer additional benefits on top of medical, dental, and time off. Look for discounts on cell phone plans, entertainment, travel, and more. Also, some companies will match your charitable contributions. These are all wonderful ways to maximize your compensation. Take a few minutes out of your workday and see what they offer!</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: May 202021-05-20T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/may/20/<p>You can subscribe to printed editions of your favorite magazines and publications, but online is far easier. Sign up for the email lists of your favorite publishers. You might consider paying for a few digital subscriptions for publications that are really important to you. Several companies offer paid subscriptions for current and back editions of many traditional magazines, but you could also check your local library: they may offer free digital magazine subscriptions as part of your membership.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: May 192021-05-19T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/may/19/<p>Social doesn’t have to be 100% social. Follow thought leaders in your field, and find people who are doing work that you already do — or want to do. Read what they publish and you’ll get a good sense of industry trends. You can also share your own material and establish a reputation.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: May 182021-05-18T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/may/18/<p>If you’d like to work on a new project, ask how you can help. If you hear about a meeting that you think you should be at, your exclusion might be an oversight. Ask to be included and then contribute to the conversation once you’re there. After you have several of these interactions, you'll need to be less proactive to be included.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: May 172021-05-17T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/may/17/<p>You’ve seen businesses that keep track of their testimonials, share success stories on social media, and post letters of praise on their walls. Your work should be no different. When you get positive feedback from your manager or colleague, or a thank you note from another group or a client, keep track of it. Forward those messages of praise to your manager for visibility and then file them away in a “Kudos” folder for annual review time or anytime you need an emotional boost.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: May 162021-05-16T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/may/16/<p>If you must have daily meetings, shift up the format to keep things fresh. In addition to keeping the meeting efficient and brief, have your team share updates in a random order. With a predictable order, people tune out unless it’s their turn to talk. A random order can them on their toes and add an element of unpredictability — and fun — to the proceedings.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: May 152021-05-15T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/may/15/<p>Don’t let your email manage you. There are many approaches to email management, so find one that works for you. You know it’s working when you don’t have to apologize for not seeing something important, or not holding up something that you’ve been asked to weigh in on. There are many benefits to keeping conversations in collaboration platforms instead of email, so over time, you may find a decreased reliance on email and an increased reliance on consistent use of collaboration software. While we’re in email-land, though, use rules, labels, notifications, and folders to your advantage.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: May 142021-05-14T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/may/14/<p>You’ll have many opportunities to speak to audiences large and small, virtually and in-person, during your career. If you’re not comfortable with public speaking — and let’s face it, if you’re not in front of a mirror by yourself, it’s public speaking — take a course or two to get more comfortable. A few heuristics: speak more slowly and deliberately than you think you should; enunciate; vary your tone and cadence (no monotone delivery); make eye contact; move around if you can; and have fun with it!</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: May 132021-05-13T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/may/13/<p>When you’re working away from your primary office location, connect to Wi-Fi hotspots you know and trust. Open networks can be used by hackers so be careful when choosing a network to join. Larger companies like Starbucks, Barnes & Noble, Panera, and McDonald’s have free Wi-Fi locations nationwide. You can also check <a href="http://wififreespot.com/">wififreespot.com</a> or specialty iOS and Android apps that help you find Wi-Fi. When all else fails, see if your cell phone plan supports tethering. It can be a great way to get online in a pinch, but be careful with data usage if you lack an unlimited data plan.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: May 122021-05-12T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/may/12/<p>Time is the most precious commodity you have. If you’ve exhausted the agenda of a meeting (you have one of those, right?) prior to the planned end time, simply end the meeting. There’s no need to prompt further discussion, tap dance, or provide filler material until the clock runs out. Often, this will result in the meeting running over. Instead, send everyone back to whatever they were doing. They’ll thank you for it.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: May 112021-05-11T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/may/11/<p>It’s time to buy a new computer. Think first and foremost about the physical size you need. Is portability a concern? It is if you ever want to relocate to another spot to work. Get the size that’ll work for you. Then, if your budget supports it, get a configuration that’s slightly better than what you think you need. It’s hard (or impossible) to upgrade processor speed, RAM, or disk space, so consider these up-front incremental costs as a way to delay a future upgrade.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: May 102021-05-10T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/may/10/<p>Flexibility is one of the key benefits of working remotely. Transparency is also important. When you have an appointment that’ll take you out of communication for a stretch during business hours, update your availability in your calendar so others know that you’re out, or at least busy. Don’t be a slave to the green “presence” icon — it’s okay to step away for a break without announcing it, but you owe it to your coworkers and managers for longer stretches of unavailability. You don’t need to announce the minute details of your doctor’s appointment or who you’re enjoying lunch with (don’t overshare), but don’t leave doubts as to your whereabouts.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: May 92021-05-09T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/may/9/<p>Remember the promise of a paperless office? We're almost there! Well, we've been saying that for years, right? Throughout your career, you'll come across the need to move data from here to there, sometimes analog to digital, and sometimes from one format to another. It's worth it to learn the ins and outs of file formats. At minimum, learn how to export a file to a PDF, how to take a screenshot of your entire screen or a region of your screen, and how to create a zip file or an archive of multiple files. When it comes time to digitally deliver something that must be signed, take a high-quality scan of the signed physical paper(s) with your phone (I recommend TurboScan) or use a touch or stylus-sensitive device to mark up the digital version and re-export it as a new version.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: May 82021-05-08T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/may/8/<p>When you speak with someone else, it's through a cell phone, a computer, or another device that supports streaming audio. Regardless of the path your voice takes, make sure your voice quality is as good as possible. It’s one of the impressions you make when you’re working remotely. You don’t want to be the person with the horrible voice connection. When you're choosing how to route your voice through these devices and their accessories, think about quality (it varies with Bluetooth accessories and shock-mounted external mics) and portability. It's nice to be untethered from your desk, but not at the expense of voice quality. Lastly, test your setup with someone you trust.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: May 72021-05-07T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/may/7/<p>This is less a tip about messy desks versus clean desks and more of a general rule of thumb. If you see something in your periphery - something that reminds you that you have other things to do - you’re not focused on your task. Hide the things that can pull your attention. Everything else? That's totally up to you.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: May 62021-05-06T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/may/6/<p>Multitasking is the mother of all distractions. Your attention is pulled from task to task, and both tasks can suffer. One tactic can help tame your tendency to multitask: get rid of distractions and commit to completing one task before switching to another. Better yet, promise yourself a "reward" when you're done. When you've promised yourself something on completion - a walk, a quick errand, or a much-needed refill of your coffee - you'll be more likely to stay on track.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: May 52021-05-05T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/may/5/<p>It can be difficult to have a single computer: it’s so easy to context switch between leisure and work tasks. If you have the luxury of having dedicated hardware for personal and professional work, you're already ahead of the game. It's really effective to put one to sleep - or away - when you're supposed to be working on the other. If you have a single device, it may support multiple desktops or profiles. Set up your screens based on your task flow and you’ll cut down on distractions.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: May 42021-05-04T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/may/4/<p>Home offices can have the polar opposite of the design aesthetic of a traditional office with off-white walls or tan cubicle dividers. Make your space yours: start with color on the walls. Paint them with colors you enjoy. Hang things that are meaningful and inspirational: posters, paintings, maps, photos, or designs. Put things you love on your bookshelves, and orient your favorite books with the cover facing out. You’ll get to look at these wonderful things for hours each day, and some of them are bound to be conversation starters when you’re on video calls.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: May 32021-05-03T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/may/3/<p>When selecting a desk, think about how much space you'll need for work. Will you need to have space for a larger monitor, external keyboard, and laptop? Where will lighting go? Will you always be doing computer-based work, or will you need some space for other activities like reading, drawing, or writing on paper? All of these considerations will lead to you to an ideal size. If you think you might enjoy standing at any time of the day, consider a standing desk. You'll appreciate the flexibility even if you're only standing for a few hours a day (a mix of sitting and standing is best). Lastly, think about the materials: glass, bamboo, wood, and composite materials all convey a certain feeling when you work at them.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: May 22021-05-02T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/may/2/<p>Think about when you first joined your team. What applications did you need installed? What systems did you need an account on? What did you need a demo of, and what institutional knowledge was critical to you coming up to speed in those early weeks? When you onboard someone new, they're going to have these exact same questions. Create a shared, collaborative space where this information can persist and be updated over time. New hires will find this onboarding guide invaluable, and in the course of onboarding, they can update it with anything they think others would appreciate, too.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: May 12021-05-01T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/may/1/<p>Depending on where you live and the time of year, you might start working as the sun comes up and quit after it gets dark. Think about the task lighting you'll need at your desk, no matter the light outside. Adjustability, aesthetics, color temperature, and illuminance are all factors, so read reviews carefully to find an adequate solution for your situation.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: April 302021-04-30T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/april/30/<p>Networking is important. Not only can it be a source of important social and professional connection, the long-term value of a solid network can be priceless. Your network might help you blaze a career path. It might help you land a big deal. You might play a major role in helping someone else achieve their dreams. And someone you know professionally may be the one to throw you a lifeline when you need it the most.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: April 292021-04-29T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/april/29/<p>Mindfulness, meditation, and mental exercises can help counter negativity in your life. See what works best for you. It can be difficult to non-judgmentally stay in the present, as mindfulness calls for, but practicing this discipline can help relax you, reduce anxiety, and center your mind.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: April 282021-04-28T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/april/28/<p>When you're not in a physical space together, you lack the ability to have someone stop by your office and see what's in progress, or check out the wall of notes in the conference room. That means you have to be far more intentional about sharing your team's achievements. Some ideas: a simple targeted email at the end of a project, a newsletter that's sent on a set schedule, or an internal website dedicated to project-level sharing. You can also host virtual events - roadshows, if you will - to share synchronously.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: April 272021-04-27T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/april/27/<p>If you work in a hybrid workplace, or are the outlier in a mostly onsite company, you will be asked to travel. There is a fine line to trip frequency, though. Travel should benefit both parties. The desire for “face time” usually cuts only one way, so safeguard your time and balance travel well with your need to be at home and productive. Seeing others in real life is great — teams work well when social connections are strong. It doesn’t take much, just a few social interactions and working together in the same place for a few days. When you travel, make a point to meet people who joined the team recently.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: April 262021-04-26T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/april/26/<p>Whether encountering a new country, a new culture, or a new person, know your audience. Don't go in cold. Do your research. Ask questions. It’ll help tailor your interactions for success. No matter what you learn, it will likely be useful at some point down the road.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: April 252021-04-25T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/april/25/<p>You know that feeling when lunchtime rolls around, you look at your calendar, and realize that you don’t have enough time to take a break? Safeguard the time you plan to eat by literally making a recurring appointment with yourself in your calendar. Those times slots will be less likely to be snapped up by another commitment, and you’ll thank yourself for taking the midday break you need.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: April 242021-04-24T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/april/24/<p>There are times when your work will not logically conclude at the end of your work day. This can be tough if it’s a particularly vexing problem. If you must leave something undone, take steps to be fully present for yourself and those around you during your non-working time. Unburden your mind by leaving notes to yourself about what your immediate next steps are when you pick up where you left off. Make a plan in your calendar to finish the work. Then, leave.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: April 232021-04-23T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/april/23/<p>You know those moments when time narrows and your blood pressure rises? That's right: crises can strike at any time, at work or at home. Little good comes from being the one who panics. Levelheadedness in the face of stress will help set the tone for others around you.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: April 222021-04-22T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/april/22/<p>Painting is a great analogy and determining when a job is done. As with most things in business, it's an art form. Will one coat of paint adequately cover the wall? Great. Stop at one coat. However, when the job clearly requires two coats, never stop at one. If you notice, others certainly will. There's a balance between inadequacy and perfection. Finding that balance between one and two coats of paint will prevent you from consistently skewing to either side of that spectrum.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: April 212021-04-21T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/april/21/<p>Confronted with a stubborn baked-on, burned-on mess? It’s far easier to soak a pot or pan instead of scrubbing for ages. Soak, then scrub. The business analogy: when faced with a difficult problem, compartmentalize it and leave it for a bit. Go for a walk or a run, or work on something different. It’ll still be there when you come back and the answer may come to you in the meantime.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: April 202021-04-20T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/april/20/<p>When you can’t answer something in the moment, or can’t do something in the moment, set expectations for when you can. Tell them, “I’ll get the answer for you” or “I’ll can do this later for you” and be sure to give them a time frame. This type of caring response, instead of a curt “I don’t know” or “I can’t do that” gives the requester an assurance that they’ll get an answer or action later.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: April 192021-04-19T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/april/19/<p>Going to be out of the office (OOO) on a planned vacation or unexpectedly due to illness? Try your best to set your out-of-office status on email and collaboration platforms. Tell people how long you'll be out for and who they can contact in the meantime if they have questions. If you're in a role that's difficult to back up, consider listing your cell phone contact information there in case of emergency.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: April 182021-04-18T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/april/18/<p>You may be more aware of your hunger when you're working without the distractions of an office. Avoid the temptation to graze throughout the day, opting instead for planned healthy snacks if you need them between meals. Think in advance about what you plan to eat throughout the day and you'll be less likely to reach for unhealthy options. If you have a certain food that's your kryptonite, just leave it off your grocery list. You'll be better off if it's not hollering for you every day.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: April 172021-04-17T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/april/17/<p>Set a goal to listen to others in a meeting or conversation just as much, if not more, than you talk. You can learn so much more, and often arrive at a better conclusion, than if you dominated the conversation. After all, if you're doing all the talking, the interaction could have been an asynchronous communication. Make sure that everyone has a voice, too. A simple prompt of "What do you think?" can bring a quieter person into center stage and give you additional insights.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: April 162021-04-16T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/april/16/<p>This tip was inspired from Tim Ferriss' interview with Hugh Jackman. Every morning, Hugh writes or types a summary of the day using the past tense as if it's already happened. After using this tip for the greater part of a year, I've come away with three benefits: by putting things out into the universe, using the past tense, you help to manifest them; you can be more prepared for the day ahead by thinking about what it entails; it helps keep you accountable, especially for the tough tasks you say you'll do.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: April 152021-04-15T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/april/15/<p>If video conference calls are a part of your day, you might get tired of staring at yourself or others. After all, it's not natural for us to gaze into each other's eyes when we're together in real life. When it gets to be too much, you can do a few things: minimize the video window so you can still see what's being shared (and others can still see you), or simply turn off your video if you want to see others but not yourself. You can still collaborate actively with your voice, and that's just fine.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: April 142021-04-14T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/april/14/<p>If you're a manager, be available to your team. In a fully-remote or hybrid workplace, this means making an extra effort to convey your availability. Keep your busy/free information up to date in your calendar, and when you're free, be responsive to requests for your time. This will help you generate a track record of availability. Schedule recurring 1:1 meetings with your direct reports, and hold them reliably. Similar guidance applies for team members: by making yourself available and responsive to your peers, you communicate that you're a team player and can be relied on when your skills and counsel are called for.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: April 132021-04-13T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/april/13/<p>If you need to coordinate with others in the same space - with your partner, spouse, or kids - a shared calendar can work wonders to keep you all on the same page. There are so many ways to share depending on the calendar you use. You can share all details, busy/free information, or share just a few calendars that make sense. The added transparency can help you avoid miscommunications and add context to everyone's day.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: April 122021-04-12T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/april/12/<p>It’s the simplest recipe for building trust. It applies to all work but it’s downright critical for remote work. If you commit to doing something, you promise to do a quantifiable amount of work in a specific amount of time. When you deliver on that commitment, over and over, those around will trust you to do the same in the future.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: April 112021-04-11T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/april/11/<p>We spent a lot of time looking at screens of all shapes and sizes. If you’re feeling the effects of eye strain, check out the 20-20-20 rule. It’s a simple one: for every 20 minutes of screen time, take a break to look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Some other ideas for reducing eye strain: wear blue light glasses (though there’s no research to support this yet) and make sure you visit an optometrist regularly to check your vision and gauge the health of your eyes.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: April 102021-04-10T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/april/10/<p>Do you have a long-term goal you’re trying to reach? It can be helpful to record and report on your incremental progress. Whether it’s hours, sub-tasks, or another metric, seeing steady progress toward a long-term goal can be helpful to staying on track and give you the assurance you need to keep plugging away at it.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: April 92021-04-09T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/april/9/<p>You might be tempted to start your day with some easier tasks. After all, who doesn't love to show a little progress? That said, you might be wired to enjoy things more if they become easier over time. If you dedicate the first part of your day to tackling a tough task, and relegate easier work for later, you might enjoy the process more and suffer less. Otherwise, you may find that the tough tasks get kicked down the road, deferred, and prioritized lower in favor of smaller wins. If you're the type of person who has peak energy shortly after you start work, block off that time in your calendar and commit to doing the tough tasks first.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: April 82021-04-08T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/april/8/<p>No, this isn't a tip about going to the movies. It's about monitors! The saying "go big or go home" is not apt when you're talking about monitors. It should be "go big if you're working at home." Think about what your workspace and computer can support. Multiple monitors are great, but wide-screen (some are curved, too) monitors might be in your price range, too. Once you enjoy the ability to have applications side-by-side with ample space, you won't go back to a single smaller screen.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: April 72021-04-07T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/april/7/<p>Few things are worth putting yourself on the line for, and work is probably not one of them. When you’re feeling stressed, burned out, or frazzled, ask yourself: am I putting myself first? When you prioritize your well-being, you will give yourself the mind space to deal with the sources of stress. Make sure you’re getting adequate sleep, exercise, and quality food. Everything else can wait.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: April 62021-04-06T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/april/6/<p>What happens if your primary way of connecting with colleagues and clients fails? Will you be able to connect with others if your Internet goes out? What about your phone, or power? Think about redundancy and make contingency plans if they fail. You might tether to your phone if your Internet fails, or have a backup location to work if your home loses power. Ensure that your key work contact details are stored in multiple places, in the event your primary device with that contact information fails.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: April 52021-04-05T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/april/5/<p>If you are granted paid time off as a term of your employment, use it. If you're a solo practitioner, make the time to take time away. When you feel the need to recharge throughout the year, take time off to do so. It might be a few days here and there, or a solid stretch of weeks to truly disconnect. Powering through seldom works out well and can lead to burnout. So, take the time to smell those roses. Your work will be waiting for you when you're done!</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: April 42021-04-04T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/april/4/<p>In the spirit of customizing your space, it’s easy to think about what you can see or hear. But what about smell? It’s one of the potential issues when working with others in shared spaces, but when you’re on your own, you can use scents that make you happy. Whether it’s a diffuser, candle, or a window open to the outside world, think about scents that make you smile and use them.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: April 32021-04-03T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/april/3/<p>When you're giving feedback to someone, give it as close as possible to the action that spurred the feedback. Don't wait for an infrequent time, like a semi-annual or annual performance review. This close-to-real-time feedback will be more valuable if the recipient can directly tie it back to something they did or didn't do. Be direct and focus on specific things that you observed, not on generalities like their attitude. Conclude your feedback by stating what you expect to see in the future. Lastly, avoid the feedback sandwich, where criticism is obscured by layers of praise.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: April 22021-04-02T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/april/2/<p>Think about the data that means the most to you. How redundant is it? Make sure you're at least keeping a backup locally, using an external hard drive. Better yet, add more redundancy by keeping it in the cloud using a service you trust. When you have multiple backups, you'll be far less exposed when hardware fails (and it will).</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: April 12021-04-01T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/april/1/<p>No matter your industry, it's a good bet you spend a fair amount of your time typing on a keyboard. Type faster and you'll gain efficiencies every time you write an email, author a document, or chat with a colleague. Typing faster gets thoughts from your brain onto the proverbial paper faster, and when you're chatting synchronously, helps the conversation flow more freely. There are a lot of free ways to improve your typing, so start by searching online for 'type faster.'</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: March 312021-03-31T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/march/31/<p>Artificial intelligence doesn’t run the world yet, which means that you’ll likely find a person behind every process. Whether it’s resolving a support ticket, getting help with your hardware, or resolving a customer service issue, remember there’s someone like you on the other end. Imbue your interactions with a dose of humanity and understanding. You never know where or when your paths will cross again.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: March 302021-03-30T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/march/30/<p>How many hours do you sit each day? Sitting all day long can be bad for your health, so try to find ways to stand throughout the day. Set a timer to remind yourself to get up every half hour to move around. Standing desks can help you adjust your position throughout the day, too. Taking meetings while walking (bonus points if it's nice outside) can be a great way to log non-sitting time.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: March 292021-03-29T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/march/29/<p>Did you know that research shows that working alongside indoor plants conveys psychological and physical health benefits? It’s true. We spent a ton of time indoors, and that has the unfortunate side effect of disconnecting us from nature. So, bring a little outside in by adding a small plant to your desk, a large plant in the corner, or something in between. Your stress levels just might thank you.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: March 282021-03-28T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/march/28/<p>Are you struggling at work, or in general? Don't fear being vulnerable with others, including your direct supervisor. Sharing can help you start to overcome what you're struggling with. If you're in a supervisory role, try to cultivate a safe environment where sharing can occur organically. It'll help you forge strong bonds within your team, especially if there's no fear that sharing will have an adverse effect on one's job.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: March 272021-03-27T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/march/27/<p>People love to have their opinions and feelings considered when a choice is being made. When you take the time to involve others in your analysis and decision-making, you give them a stake in the outcome and make them feel empowered. That said, if you've already made your decision, don't give others the impression that their input will be considered. Just state your rationale, make the decision, and move on. Anything else will be seen as disingenuous.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: March 262021-03-26T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/march/26/<p>When you're working and living in the same space, the lines between the two modes can become concernedly blurry. It's important to create routines around transitioning from one mode to the other, but it can be equally important to physically relocate. Ideally, you have a dedicated space for work and can leave it behind (ideally, by shutting a door) at the end of the work day. If not, at least have a place where you can put your work-related gear (notebooks, phones, laptops) so they're out of sight when you're done for the day.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: March 252021-03-25T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/march/25/<p>If you don’t directly manage anyone, you still have to “manage up” when you’re working remotely. Visibility is so important for promotion, longevity, and satisfaction, but it's tough to be visible when you're remote. You must advocate for yourself. Have an idea? Share it. Do something cool? Share it. Concerned about something? Share it. It's the only way to counter the "out of sight, out of mind" realities that remote work reinforces.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: March 242021-03-24T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/march/24/<p>Your non-work activities can play a major role in your stress levels, and you bring those right along with you to work. Daily routines can help mitigate feelings of stress. Try going for a walk every morning, eating at similar times throughout the day, and setting (and sticking to) solid times to go to sleep and get up in the morning. Find things that bring you joy, and make a habit of doing them daily. You might find that a solid routine, morning to night, is one thing that blunts the effects of stress.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: March 232021-03-23T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/march/23/<p>Lack of transparency is one reason managers might not be comfortable with remote work. They can't see you, so find ways to remove shreds of doubt about your productivity. You don't have to be a completely open book, mind you, but if you take the time to proactively communicate your status, that'll go a long way toward making the situation better.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: March 222021-03-22T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/march/22/<p>Communication runs the gamut from the written word (emails and chats), to the spoken word (voice calls), to video (Zoom and YouTube). There are simple and free ways to record your screen with audio on both Apple and Microsoft platforms, and it's a great way to convey complex ideas to a distributed group asynchronously. It works great for point-to-point communication, too: instead of sending your colleague a lengthy email to try to explain something that's inherently visual, try capturing it as a short video and sending it that way.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: March 212021-03-21T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/march/21/<p>Ambitious (yet realistic) goal setting is important any time of the year. It’ll help you assess your performance when it's time for annual reviews (if that's something you do), but it’ll also keep you on a solid heading throughout the year. By stating a goal, you breathe life into it. By documenting it and charting a course, you give it hope. By visualizing and working toward it daily, you spur it into existence.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: March 202021-03-20T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/march/20/<p>Loneliness is one of the most often-cited drawbacks of working on your own. Identifying that emotion and sharing how you feel, first with yourself, is an essential first step to countering it. Put a plan in place to combat loneliness: don’t wait for others to get in touch with you. You get in touch with them: propose a coffee, walk, hike, or a virtual gathering. Don't despair if it doesn't work out the first time you propose something. People can be busy. Try again and be politely persistent in your pursuit of fellowship.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: March 192021-03-19T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/march/19/<p>When you have rigid expectations, you can be sure they'll be derailed. At the end of an ordinary week, think back to the beginning of the week. Did the outcome match your expectations to the letter? Likely not. When you're more flexible about your expectations, you'll be less likely to be disappointed when they're not met. Whether it's shifting timelines, not getting through your task list, or having business deals sour, expect the unexpected. By adjusting your expectations this way, you might create a climate where the unexpected happens a little less often.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: March 182021-03-18T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/march/18/<p>This is the perfect corollary to yesterday's tip. Recognize when your team is heads-down on something else, and sharing information will simply add to the noise and distract them. See, there's a time and place for sharing information, and if you get it wrong, you'll just frustrate your intended audience. Share when you need to share. When the tactical importance of what you need to share is just not clear, save it for another more appropriate time. Don't be a distraction.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: March 172021-03-17T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/march/17/<p>Whether you're a manager or an individual contributor, recognize that siloed information only benefits the owner of that information. If you find something useful, chances are others will, too. Procedural knowledge can help others follow steps to an intended outcome. Contextual information can help someone understand why what they're doing is important. Share this information through persistent means: email is okay, but a wiki or online knowledge base is so much better. Make it clear, concise, and easily findable. Your future self, and your fellow workers, will appreciate it.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: March 162021-03-16T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/march/16/<p>It's a global world. Increasingly, business is being done asynchronously. If you must have a meeting, though, be sensitive as you craft your invitation list. Find a day and time that respects the boundaries people may have set for themselves - not too early, not too late - and be aware of how varying time zones fit into the equation. Also, invite only who's necessary. There's nothing worse than finding yourself in a meeting that you can't contribute to.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: March 152021-03-15T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/march/15/<p>Are you stuck on a problem and would normally reach out to a colleague for help? Try talking to yourself first. The act of speaking through what you know, what's not working, and what you've tried can help spark connections in your brain. When you codify thoughts into speech, you inherently analyze the problem and put things in the proper order. As you talk to yourself, listen closely for the answers. You just might find them.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: March 142021-03-14T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/march/14/<p>Technology is great. Most of the time, it does what it's supposed to as advertised, without tiring or complaint. That said, verify that it does what you expect before you need it. If you need to do a big presentation using features of a collaboration platform you've not yet tried, test it out in advance. Dry runs are your friend. Learn how it works in advance and codify it however works best for you. When you're under pressure in the moment, the learnings from your dry run will be invaluable.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: March 132021-03-13T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/march/13/<p>Did you learn something new and want to excel at it? Practice. If you don't have a chance to do it (yet) at your day job, take nights and weekends time to learn, practice, and refine your craft. Promise yourself you'll do it, too, because every day that passes with inaction creates a higher barrier to surmount. Exercise discipline and soon enough, your efforts will pay off and you'll get to apply it on the job, or launch yourself in a new, better direction.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: March 122021-03-12T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/march/12/<p>It may be tempting to always have your "game face" on at work. However, it's good to share how you're feeling, even if the only byproduct is your own unburdening. It's more likely, though, that you find out you're not alone. Sharing can help unearth trends in how a team is doing. Sharing can help bring more empathy into the workplace. Sharing can lead to change, and change can lead to greater satisfaction and productivity at work.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: March 112021-03-11T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/march/11/<p>March 11, or 311, has me thinking about how we portray ourselves online. After all, 311 is a non-emergency phone number you can typically call in many big cities to get information. When you're distributed, online channels are the primary way others can learn about you. What do they see? It's worth the time to think about your personal brand. How does that come through in your personal web site, what you blog about, or how you appear on social media? You don't have to play in all these sandboxes, but if you do, invest the time in making sure the story that's told is the one you want to be heard.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: March 102021-03-10T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/march/10/<p>No, silly. Not your literal window. That might be dangerous! You know when you're most productive. You might be a morning person, or an evening person. The concept of flex time can be easily adopted when you're working on a distributed team. Bonus points if your team prioritized async communication and is spread across time zones. Identify when you're most productive and try your best to safeguard that time for deep work. You don't necessarily have to stick to the 9-5 schedule if you prefer starting at 6 a.m. or finishing at 11 p.m.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: March 92021-03-09T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/march/9/<p>Conditional kindness. You know it when you see it: someone is kind only when they need something; someone is pleasant only with their superiors while they abuse those under them; someone is sweet-as-pie with their friends but caustic with service workers. You know the saying: What goes around comes around. You don't know what others are going through, and you don't know if your paths will cross in different circumstances. Be kind to everyone, if only because it's the right thing to do.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: March 82021-03-08T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/march/8/<p>Who has control over what you think about? You do, of course! When you think (or visualize) that something bad might happen - like failing a test, freezing during a presentation, or flubbing a pitch - you just might increase the chances it happens. When you think positively and imagine your success, you may edge the odds in your favor. Your emotional and mental attitude is all up to you. I wrote about <a href="https://scottpdawson.com/positive-mental-attitude-the-service-of-pma-the-moose/">my experience with thinking positively as a youth</a>. The ordeal helped me harness mental toughness, have a positive attitude, and practice positive self-talk. Give it a try and see what happens!</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: March 72021-03-07T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/march/7/<p>Context, clarity, and brevity are three hallmarks of effective communication. When you're writing or speaking, ask yourself: can this be shorter, yet still as clear? Regardless of the medium, think about what you need to communicate before you commit to your message. Start with an outline if that makes sense. Context: am I giving enough information for the recipient to know what I'm talking about? Clarity: is what I'm communicating as clear as it can be? Brevity: am I getting to the point as directly as I can? Once you have your message, go back and ruthlessly edit yourself one more time, keeping these principles in mind.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: March 62021-03-06T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/march/6/<p>How well do you know the other people you work with? When you interact only around work, you miss part of the picture. Schedule a recurring agenda-free time to meet as a group. When you give yourself this permission to be with others without a specific business problem to solve (or status to update), you'll get to know each other so much better. This closer connection, in turn, will help ease business-oriented interactions.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: March 52021-03-05T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/march/5/<p>Sharing an office with a pet can be wonderful for all parties involved. It's nice to have a constant companion during weekdays. The stressful highs and emotional lows of your work day can be evened out by the presence of a pet, and that helps your overall morale. It's great for your pet, too. It's comforting for them to be in a shared space with another human. Pets are great icebreakers, too, even if you're virtual. It's easy to start a conversation when an animal enters the picture.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: March 42021-03-04T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/march/4/<p>Quick, think of the worst way to start a virtual chat. You might think of 'Hey', or 'Are you free?', or 'Got a sec?', or the perhaps-sinister 'We need to talk.' Not following this opening with context can induce anxiety, especially if it's between a supervisor and employee. Sometimes context is implied, if you were just corresponding with the person in a meeting. If it's out of the blue, add some context like this: "Hey, you have a sec to talk about the contract issues?" The recipient now knows what you want to talk about, and that can help them decide if they're prepared (or have time) to continue the conversation.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: March 32021-03-03T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/march/3/<p>Sure, if you have a meeting where you want to look your very best, do so. But here's some wordplay: on normal days, dress to impress upon yourself the importance and value of work. When you start work wearing what you slept in, you signal the opposite to yourself. You don't have to go all-out with your wardrobe, but be intentional about getting dressed. Ditch the comfortable pajamas and put on something you'd be proud to leave your house in. You'll be camera-ready and your mind will know it's time to work.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: March 22021-03-02T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/march/2/<p>Do you work near other people? Communication can be one of your best tools to create an ideal work environment. If you're giving an important presentation, for example, let others know exactly what you need and when you need it. You'll be grateful for the quiet when the time comes. Signs on your home office door are a great way to let others know when you're busy and free, too. Door hangers, electronic signs, or just simple notes are all fantastic ways to communicate your status.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: March 12021-03-01T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/march/1/<p>It might be one of the shortest words that is nearly impossible to say. If you don't feel comfortable with something, or you simply don't have the time for it, say no. This applies to all things personal or professional, and requests big or small. Just say no. There are plenty of guides that'll help you do this politely, without being rude, and without guilt. Search for "how to say no" to get started.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: February 282021-02-28T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/february/28/<p>I know, not everyone is champing at the bit to do chores all day long. If they're in your line of sight, though, you might be tempted to tackle them during your work day, and that can be disruptive. Laundy. Dishes. Floors. Cleaning. Groceries. Couple a few of these together and you won't get any work done! The solution is simple: set up a schedule. Each task will have a designated day, so you can take comfort that everything will get done. Just not all today.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: February 272021-02-27T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/february/27/<p>You know that feeling when you've been at it for a little too long? It's harder to focus and frustration comes to the fore far sooner than it should. Take some breaks between sprints of work to maximize your mental fitness. Meditation, stretching, physical exercise, a light chore, or a short show can all be great ways to push the reset button when you most need it. These breaks, of course, are a far shorter version of that bigger break that you should also take advantage of: the weekend.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: February 262021-02-26T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/february/26/<p>Negative addictions have no place in your nine-to-five. It's your choice to have them in your non-work time, though. Whether you're addicted to the latest binge-worthy show on Netflix, or a game that's engineered to have you playing for hours, you'll be more productive and happier if you can't access it when you're working. Put up a firewall, use parental controls for yourself, or just get rid of whatever stands in the way of you and rampant productivity.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: February 252021-02-25T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/february/25/<p>It can be tempting to let each day slip by, keep your head down, and do good work. That's only part of the recipe for success, though. If you're on a team, either as a manager or individual contributor, make time to connect with those around you. Getting the team together can help share common values and goals. Getting together one-on-one can reveal opportunities for improvement, or reinforce good habits. And meeting with senior leadership can give you or your team the opportunity to shine and be recognized. Find a frequency that works for all, schedule it, and help foster connection.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: February 242021-02-24T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/february/24/<p>Depending on where you work, you might not have total discretion over which task management tool to use. If you do, though, do your homework. Find a solution that works for you (and that may not be a software solution) and stick with it. Don't waste time looking for something better unless it's been at least a few years and you find yourself craving functionality that's not there. Invest time in becoming a proficient pro user, too. You'll gain time and ramp up productivity by efficiently using the tools and techniques you chose.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: February 232021-02-23T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/february/23/<p>A lot of the noise in your day can be tamed by systems. Decades ago, analog was mostly the way to go, but now we have synchronized lists, task managers, documents and spreadsheets in the cloud, and automations. Most of them have free tiers that are totally adequate. Take a close look at what consumes your time. Are there opportunities to batch tasks, create shared lists, or automate something that's very manual? Do it, and reap the productivity benefits.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: February 222021-02-22T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/february/22/<p>Tempting snacks can be as close and available as you want them to be when you're working from home. Don't let the proximity of your fridge and pantry derail your day. Plan ahead to help keep your nutrition in check: what will you have for lunch? What will your snacks be? When will you eat them? Knowing this can help prevent grazing when stress comes knocking on your door.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: February 212021-02-21T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/february/21/<p>It's taxing to sit all day long at your desk. In a normal office environment you get up to walk to the conference room, to the break room, or leave to go to a coffee shop. When you're working remotely, give yourself the same treatment and build in breaks throughout the day. It may be as simple as a 20-minute break to go for a walk, or go on a coffee date with a friend you've been meaning to catch up with. Schedule these breaks: literally put them in your calendar. Step away, do something else, and come back refreshed.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: February 202021-02-20T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/february/20/<p>Don't you love to learn more about who your coworkers are when they're not actively working? So much of in-office interaction is around our passions, our hobbies, and our families. When you're distributed, it should be no different. Show off your family, talk about your weekend plans, and share pictures and anecdotes. And what if someone else in your household makes an unplanned appearance on your video call? Don't stress about it. That's humanity, and that's definitely in bounds.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: February 192021-02-19T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/february/19/<p>Some days are laid back. Others, crazy. The latter can feel overwhelming and unsustainable, but they're where the magic is made. When you're performing well and not letting the crazy overwhelm you, you're nailing it. Frenetic might not be fun in the moment, though, so remember that the less-crazy days will return. Yeah, it's that 'change' thing. You can count on it!</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: February 182021-02-18T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/february/18/<p>When you're working remotely, there's no commute to serve as a barrier between your mornings and work, or work and your evenings. When you transition immediately to or from work, stressors can blend from one into the other. Compartmentalization can help ease mental stress, but it can be hard to put into practice. Off the clock? Don't check work email. Hard at work? Save your personal correspondence for later. Try to put systems in place at work (task lists, ample documentation, proper planning) so you're able to free your mind and enjoy time with friends and family during non-work time.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: February 172021-02-17T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/february/17/<p>Working remotely is inherently a solitary activity. It doesn't mean you have to go it alone, though. You may be uncertain about something and need counsel. You may feel isolated and need companionship. You may have great news and want to share it. Whatever it is, don't keep it to yourself. Nobody goes very far when they're traveling alone. We can all get by with a little help from our friends.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: February 162021-02-16T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/february/16/<p>If you are on video calls for any part of your work day, optimize your work space to provide flattering light. Natural light is best, but don't sit facing away from the source. Natural light should be coming from in front of you or off to the side. If you need light sources in the room to illuminate your face better, position them in front of you in a range no greater than 45° from where you're facing. Lastly, place your camera at eye level. It's an easier angle to have a more natural interaction with others on the call.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: February 152021-02-15T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/february/15/<p>It can be easy to let major milestones slip by, with barely a glance in the rear-view mirror to pause and reflect on what led you there. When you achieve a significant goal, whether by yourself or as part of a team, make the time to celebrate your accomplishment. It may be as simple as a half-hour virtual gathering to talk about what worked, what could have gone better, and to toast your success. You and your team will come away with a solid appreciation of the work you did, and how it led to your accomplishment.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: February 142021-02-14T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/february/14/<p>Kindness goes farther than you think. When you're not physically with others, it's harder to pick up on the non-verbals that can cue you in to a larger problem. Someone may be having a tough time at work, personal relationship stress, or another hardship. When you imbue interactions with kindness and compassion, you create a stronger platform for healing - or at least getting through the day unscathed. Turn that lens inward, too. You know when you need compassion yourself, and you're the first person that can deliver the goods.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: February 132021-02-13T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/february/13/<p>It's a virtual world. You're either present or absent in a meeting. There's no such thing as 'they're almost here, they're in the hallway.' So, be on time for meetings that you're participating in. Moderating a meeting? Be a few minutes early. Doing a demo or a presentation to a large group? Be ready five to ten minutes early. Going to be late? Let someone know.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: February 122021-02-12T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/february/12/<p>Did someone help you get where you are right now? Maybe you're sharing work your team has done by giving a demo, sending an email, or doing a webinar. People love to be recognized for their contributions, so be intentional and share details about who contributed. Better yet, if there's a chance and willingness for someone to step into the limelight and share their own work, make room for that to happen.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: February 112021-02-11T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/february/11/<p>Do you know the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset? Read about it and you'll be sold on the concept of lifelong learning. Whether it's a skill that'll benefit you on the job or when you're off the clock, learning something new can help keep the spark in your life. I've never learned a skill that I wasn't able to apply in some way, at work or play.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: February 102021-02-10T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/february/10/<p>If you don't understand something, it can be incredibly powerful to ask for more information in public. If you're in a meeting, get clarification in the moment. If you have a question, someone else in the group likely has the same exact question you do but is afraid to ask it. Same goes for online forums: one of the superpowers of the Internet is that people ask questions publicly, and the answers are there for all to see.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: February 92021-02-09T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/february/9/<p>When put on the spot to answer a question, don't hem and haw. You either know the answer or you don't. "I think so" is a horrible hedge: it hints at a certain amount of confidence but leaves a huge amount of room for doubt. Don't guess. Be sure. If you're not, defer to someone who can be.</p>
On Mouse Jigglers, Surveillance, and Trusting the Remote Worker2021-02-08T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/topics/discipline/on-mouse-jigglers-surveillance-and-trusting-the-remote-worker/<p>This article started with a pad of paper resting on a keyboard. See, we had a problem at work where a user’s inadvertent repeating keystroke wreaked all kinds of havoc on our server. This reminded me of a trend, post-pandemic, where I saw several videos of innovative people, in a bid to keep up appearances of being online and productive, <a href="https://youtu.be/MWMO6uNTKTo">hooking up their mice to oscillating fans</a>. There are several of these gems out there.</p>
<p>In the course of trying to find one of those videos, I came across Microsoft's <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/move-mouse">Move Mouse</a> utility. Now, this is <em>different</em>. This, from a major tech company, advertised as "a simple utility that can be used to simulate user activity." Their product, a software solution to keeping your machine awake, is described thusly:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Maybe you work from home and want to keep your remote session alive whilst you're away from your machine? Maybe you have a long running process that you want your machine to stay awake for? Move Mouse can be deployed in whole host of situations to assist you.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Really? <em>Really, Microsoft?</em> Wow. Then my searching led me to hardware solutions. I just can't stomach running an oscillating fan in my office when it's cold outside, after all. It didn't take me long to find a <a href="https://amzn.to/3T3jZwu">Undetectable Mouse Mover, Jiggler (Made in Texas!)</a> on Amazon. This one boasts that it can't be detected by IT (it's an analog solution, after all), and proudly uses the word "Artsy" in the product title. With 7,742 global ratings, I have a feeling this product is less of a novelty and more of a practicality for people. And there are more options, like <a href="https://amzn.to/3fMkw7Y">this one</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/3CECFO8">this one</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/3CBqFN6">this one</a> (I could go on).</p>
<p>What's going on here?</p>
<p>In a word: <em>distrust</em>. The reality is that some companies watch their employees. Some companies watch more closely than others. Others can go into far more detail, but you've known for a long time that you shouldn't conduct personal business on company hardware and networks, right? Your network traffic is likely being sent through a VPN, which means the company can see, track, and log where you're going. Beyond that, companies can deploy software like keyloggers and other software to ensure you're being productive.</p>
<p>But what's productivity, anyway? And how did we get to the point where there was so much distrust?</p>
<p>This topic reminds me of the 2013 case of <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2013/01/16/169528579/outsourced-employee-sends-own-job-to-china-surfs-web">an employee who outsourced his own job to China</a>. He paid 20% of his salary to his Chinese counterpart, and it wasn't even a work-from-home situation! He showed up to the office, day after day, and did what many employers fear their employees are doing: shopping, playing games, social media ... but he got his job done. Enterprising? Deceptive? Both?</p>
<p>The deployment of surveillance technology is a canary in the coalmine. The tip of the iceberg. A warning that there are larger, more systemic problems at play.</p>
<p>As an employee, you <em>should</em> want to do you very best work every day, regardless of where you're sitting vis-à-vis your peers. I think most do. However, if you think that working from home means you can slack off more than your office-bound counterparts, I can't help you. And the sad part is that some of the distrust comes from a history of dealing with workers who want to get away with doing <em>less</em> work than their peers. And that has employers asking, "How can I trust that you're working if I can't actually <em>see</em> you working?</p>
<p>Now, I totally understand the use of surveillance technology in certain cases. But, I'd reframe it as a performance-measuring tool and be transparent about it. If you're in a job that's correlated with time, like a call center, I would expect systems in place to monitor the efficacy of workers: time per call, calls per hour, and the like. These metrics may be correlated with your incentive compensation and performance rankings. However, what if your performance is correlated with deliverables like design, software, illustration, or writing? How does it matter during what hours that job gets done? As long as you're not outsourcing your job to another person, that is.</p>
<p>So, how do you establish trust when you're not in person, and when you're not relying on surveillance? It's a very simple recipe:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Show up. Do good work. Repeat.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Notice that nowhere in there does it say that you're in your seat from 8-5. Nowhere in there does it say you're allowed two 15-minute breaks per day. Simply show up. Do good work. Repeat.</p>
<p>Jason Fried published <a href="https://m.signalvnoise.com/the-presence-prison/">the presence prison</a> in December 2017. If you have green dot anxiety and constantly fear that others will see your status as 'Away' and judge you, read the article. Does it matter where people are right now? To quote Jason, “The vast majority of the time, it just doesn’t matter. What matters is letting people design their own schedule around when they can do their best work.”</p>
<p>Asychronous communication is the future. The fine folks at <a href="https://doist.com/">Doist</a> (makers of Todoist, a fantastic productivity app) published <a href="https://blog.doist.com/asynchronous-communication/">Asynchronous Communication: The Real Reason Remote Workers Are More Productive</a>. If you're a company that feels that your workers need to be surveilled to be accountable, and that all communication has to be synchronous to be effective, read this. Asynchronous communication can level up your team's efficiency and productivity.</p>
<p>If your employer has you stuck in a presence prison, find another employer that will foster a trustful relationship with you. Conversely, if you have an employee who uses remote work as justification for slacking off, let them go. If you're a solid remote worker, though, don't worry about the presence prison. Show up. Do good work. Repeat. And leave the mouse jigglers on the shelf.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: February 82021-02-08T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/february/8/<p>If you rely on heroics to get your job done, you're doing it wrong. Whether it's relying on a star performer, burning the candle at both ends, or constantly asking your team to do more with less, heroics are not a sustainable business strategy. If you feel like you're the hero, remember that success is bigger than yourself. Success takes healthy relationships, strategic partnerships, and effective communication. Put your focus there and you'll all grow together.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: February 72021-02-07T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/february/7/<p>You don't have all the answers. You don't! You can, however, get them. When you have a tough problem to solve, talk to others who know what you need to know. When you take the time to get perspective and background from others, you'll have far more context to draw on when you moderate a meeting, propose a solution, or weigh in with your advice or opinions.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: February 62021-02-06T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/february/6/<p>Let's say you're in charge of producing widgets. Day in, day out, that's what you do. But one day, you have an idea to improve the design of the widgets. You tell yourself, "You're a producer, not a designer." And your idea dies right there. Transcend your title and let it live. Share it with those who need to hear it. It may go nowhere, or it may result in an evolutionary change for you. You won't know unless you share.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: February 52021-02-05T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/february/5/<p>When you're working in a shared space with others, discipline can come more easily because of the inherent oversight. When you're alone, you alone are responsible for getting your work done. You're in control. If you are easily distracted or procrastinate, try to find methods that will help you be disciplined about your work. One surefire method: make a plan and share it with others who will hold you accountable.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: February 42021-02-04T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/february/4/<p>We live and work in an international, intergenerational world. Names can be unique and sometimes it's not obvious how to pronounce them. Learn how: listen to the person introduce themselves (to you, or others), or simply ask them how to best pronounce their name. Also, learn and use the proper pronouns for those you're close with. It's important and conveys respect.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: February 32021-02-03T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/february/3/<p>You've hired the right people, given them the right tools, and set solid success parameters, right? As a manager, do your best to shield your team from the noise and distractions that can kill their productivity. Your defense in favor of their productivity is a fantastic strategy for success.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: February 22021-02-02T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/february/2/<p>Do you ever get overwhelmed by the sheer enormity of a task? Break it down into smaller bits, so each one seems manageable. When you plan down to this level, you'll be far more comfortable with your ability to make steady progress. Marathons, after all, are run one step at a time.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: February 12021-02-01T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/february/1/<p>Where do you sit or stand when you work? One of the benefits of distributed work is that you don't always have to work in the same space. You will find, however, that you spend most of your time in one area. Consider the view outside, your desk and chair, lighting, wall colors, and what you surround yourself with. Create a space that delights you!</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: January 312021-01-31T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/january/31/<p>Don’t settle for a job that has you doing something you’re either not the best at, or not enthusiastic about. When you can leverage your strengths, you’ll be far happier and productive as a worker. If you’re a remote manager, get to know your team members and their strengths. Find opportunities to help them use those strengths daily, even if it ultimately leads them away from your team to another place in your organization.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: January 302021-01-30T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/january/30/<p>One of the benefits of working remotely is the ability to put in extra effort when it's needed. If you're on a deadline, are attending to some kind of work-related emergency, or trying to wrap up something you figured out how to do, it can pay great dividends to invest non-work time to getting it done. Flexibility goes both ways.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: January 292021-01-29T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/january/29/<p>One of the oft-cited drawbacks of working remotely is having blurry boundaries. Define an end to your work day so you can do other things that fulfill you before the next work day begins. And that project or task that you're leaving unfinished? It'll be waiting for you tomorrow.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: January 282021-01-28T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/january/28/<p>Faced with a tough decision? Make it and own it. Small incremental decisions made in favor of avoiding the discomfort or inconvenience of a larger impactful decision may not cut the mustard, so to speak. It's far better to make a big decision that will truly solve a problem instead of applying band-aids you hope will solve it.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: January 272021-01-27T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/january/27/<p>Regular physical activity can be so important to your health. It can help your concentration, memory, and creativity. Anyone out there want to lower their stress level? Exercise does that, too. Make personal fitness a priority: make a plan to incorporate it into your day. It may be a brisk walk before work, a run or hike between appointments, weight training before dinner, or yoga before bed. Planning in advance will help you keep accountable.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: January 262021-01-26T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/january/26/<p>Joy is defined as "a feeling of great pleasure and happiness." I don't know about you, but I don't always correlate my 9-5 with pleasure and happiness. But I certainly don't correlate it with the opposite. If you do, take stock of where you're at in your career. It might be time to refine your goals, do some professional development, or reboot into a totally different industry that'll up your joy factor.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: January 252021-01-25T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/january/25/<p>You probably know how "society" views success in your field. Can you define what success means to you, though? When you define your own success criteria, you'll do it in terms that are important to you. Those terms may not be all about the money, promotion, or notoriety. But they'll be 100% tailored to you, and that's a bar worth hitting.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: January 242021-01-24T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/january/24/<p>You know that moment, when you're totally stuck and don't know how to proceed? It's frustrating. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone for a midday run, walk, or hike, and come up with the solution to a problem in the first 10 minutes. Next time you're stuck, get up and so something else. It might be the thing that gets you going again.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: January 232021-01-23T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/january/23/<p>Business is about relationships. In relationships, candor is key. If you have something to say, don't "beat around the bush" and hope that your message will be received. This is especially important when you have someone difficult to communicate. It's never a license to be rude or caustic, though. Balance your openness and honesty with tact and sensitivity.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: January 222021-01-22T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/january/22/<p>One of the most important items in my remote work arsenal pivots on a trio of hinges. A door can be shut when you need privacy for an important meeting. A door signals to others that you're busy. A door can dampen noise coming from other rooms where you're working. If you have the luxury of a workspace with a door, you're in good shape.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: January 212021-01-21T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/january/21/<p>When you're not physically with others on your team, or with your manager, you need to be very intentional about communicating your impact. In a distributed meeting? Great. Contribute, ask questions, and speak up. Did you receive a compliment about your work from someone outside your group? Share it. Does your team use a collaboration platform? Be active, proactive, and helpful there.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: January 202021-01-20T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/january/20/<p>Whether it's part of your normal work responsibilities or after-hours "extra credit" time, seek out new challenge to open new professional pathways. Express interest in a new project at work. Try out a new technology or skill with online or real-life learning. It's a simple cause-and-effect: when you challenge yourself, you grow.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: January 192021-01-19T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/january/19/<p>Think working from home excuses you from truly taking time to recuperate? Think again. You might choose to work at times you feel subpar, and that's okay. Know where the line is, though. If you feel sick enough, take time to recuperate. Rest. Don't check email. Don't take calls. And don't apologize for taking care of yourself.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: January 182021-01-18T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/january/18/<p>It’s worth the extra time and effort to not only answer the question or solve the problem, but to help teach along the way. You may find that what you’re teaching may be useful to many people, so take the time to share more broadly: a Wiki update, a blog post, or an update on social. Sharing is caring!</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: January 172021-01-17T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/january/17/<p>Sometimes, Google just can’t help you and you need to ask someone for help. That’s okay! People like to help, especially if you’ve tried everything you can and are genuinely stuck. Take time to communicate what you’ve tried, which in itself may reveal the answer. Then, ask away.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: January 162021-01-16T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/january/16/<p>This key clause of the serenity prayer can unblock so much of the angst that comes with an unpleasant situation. You may be stuck with a bad boss, a tough client, or an annoying colleague. If you accept the situation for what it is, at least for the moment, you can more readily take steps to make the situation more bearable.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: January 152021-01-15T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/january/15/<p>See something you think can be improved? Speak up. Witness a wrong that should be righted? Speak up. Need something, like training or tools, to make your work life easier? Speak up. You many not get the response you're hoping for, but speak up. Silence is consent.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: January 142021-01-14T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/january/14/<p>Think about how you can best save others' time. Before you schedule a meeting, ask: can I accomplish the same thing asynchronously? If you are meeting, before requiring someone's attendance, ask: are they truly required? Give them the option to attend, and graciously accept it if they don't.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: January 132021-01-13T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/january/13/<p>When you’re on video, be aware of what your background says about you. It’s your chance to express your personality, but appropriately so. Art, photos, books, plants, or other personal effects are all fair game. Piles of bills, laundry, or clutter are not. If you must use a virtual background in a bid to hide clutter, go for it. Just be aware that a virtual background can be distracting and can hamper authenticity.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: January 122021-01-12T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/january/12/<p>Ah, administrivia. Trivial tasks - emails, bill paying, cleaning, and social media - can consume swaths of your schedule if you let them. Put together a strategy for tackling administrivia without sacrificing workday productivity. One tried-and-true method is to chunk up each type of task and do them all at once: daily at a specific time, weekly, or some other sensible schedule.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: January 112021-01-11T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/january/11/<p>You take a break in the middle of the work day to eat, right? Be intentional about your plan and you'll be less likely to improvise (unhealthily, I might add) when it's time to eat. Try to prepare your lunch in advance. Crock-Pot makes some fantastic personal-sized warmers, too: there's nothing better than piping hot food when you're ready for it.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: January 102021-01-10T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/january/10/<p>Most remote work interactions are virtual. Consider the importance and persistence of written communication: emails, instant messaging, documentation, status updates, and texting. People will judge the quality of your communication. When you write something, write it well.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: January 92021-01-09T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/january/9/<p>You may have heard advice like "stay in your lane" or "stick to your knitting." Specialization can make you a star, depending on where you are. However, consider exploring areas peripheral or seemingly unrelated to your core mission. You might learn something that, when intersected with your "bread and butter", creates an entirely novel and magical thing. So go make magic.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: January 82021-01-08T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/january/8/<p>Need to demonstrate your effectiveness to someone, even if that's just you? Take stock of your accomplishments at a set interval: the end of the work week is as good a time as any. Set a recurring reminder in your calendar and document things that are important to you and interested parties. The more quantifiable, the better. Do you have a formal review at the end of the year? Good. Your documentation will be invaluable as you paint a comprehensive picture of your work.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: January 72021-01-07T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/january/7/<p>Ah, the collision of two adages. It's said that the definition of insanity is repeating the same steps and expecting a different result. It's also said that practice makes perfect. Sometimes, though, the path to success lies in traversing another path, approaching the problem from another angle. Step away, evaluate your approach, adjust your plan, and try again.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: January 62021-01-06T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/january/6/<p>Ah, curiousity. The facts are rarely all on the table from the onset, so ask relevant "why" questions until you get them. Being informed can help you make better decisions.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: January 52021-01-05T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/january/5/<p>You’ll spend a ton of time in your remote workspace. Any investment you make in it — in making it more ergonomic, pleasant, or comfortable — is a wise one.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: January 42021-01-04T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/january/4/<p>Troubled by an interaction with a boss, colleague, or someone else? You never know where, when, or how your paths will cross again. Upset by something in the moment? Step away, disconnect, and return when calmer heads prevail.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: January 32021-01-03T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/january/3/<p>Spend time with everyone in your circle, not just the "squeaky wheels." You may get reinforcement of the things that are going well, but you might find something new, too. You'll be a better manager for asking, and you'll paint a more comprehensive picture of your team.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: January 22021-01-02T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/january/2/<p>Change is the one thing you can count on in this life. You can embrace it, tactfully challenge it, or remain unaffected by it. It's your choice.</p>
365 Days of Distributed Tips: January 12021-01-01T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/365-distributed-work-tips/2021/january/1/<p>Whether it's a personal or professional goal, the toughest step can be the first one you take. Make a plan, gather your resources, and take that step. Momentum will follow.</p>
Sprint to 2021: Get an Autographed Copy of The Art of Working Remotely2020-11-27T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/book/news/sprint-to-2021-get-an-autographed-copy-of-the-art-of-working-remotely/<p>There are just 5 <a href="https://artofworkingremotely.com/remotechat/">#RemoteChat</a> opportunities left in 2020, culminating in our <strong>200th chat</strong> on December 30. To mark the occasion, I'm gifting an autographed hardcopy of <a href="https://artofworkingremotely.com/book/">The Art of Working Remotely</a> to 5 people, along with a remote work sticker or sticker sheet.</p>
<div style="position: relative"><img class="lazy" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 700 400'%3E%3C/svg%3E" data-src="/static/img/scott-dawson-holding-three-books.jpg" alt="" title="" /></div>
<p><strong>Want in?</strong> There are a few ways to enter:</p>
<p>Each of these gives you an entry in the random drawing:</p>
<ol>
<li>
<p>Participate (answer at least one question) in one of December's <a href="https://artofworkingremotely.com/remotechat/">#RemoteChat</a> sessions. Hit all five? <em>Sweet.</em> That's five entries.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/workingrem/status/1332343757455364098">Retweet this tweet</a> with your answer to the questions it asks:</p>
</li>
</ol>
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What's something you learned about remote work in 2020? What do you hope to learn in 2021? <a href="https://artofworkingremotely.com/book">artofworkingremotely.com/book</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RemoteChat">#RemoteChat</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RemoteWork">#RemoteWork</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RemoteWorking">#RemoteWorking</a></p><div class="tweet-images"></div><div class="tweet-footer"><a class="tweet-like" href="https://twitter.com/intent/like?tweet_id=1332343757455364098"><div class="tweet-like-icon" aria-label="Like" title="Like" role="img"></div><span class="tweet-like-count">2 </span></a><a class="tweet-date" title="Time Posted: Nov 27, 2020 03:21:20 (UTC)" href="https://twitter.com/workingrem/status/1332343757455364098">03:21 PM · Nov 27, 2020</a></div></blockquote>
<ol start="3">
<li>
<p>Invite a friend to one of December's <a href="https://artofworkingremotely.com/remotechat/">#RemoteChat</a> sessions. Tag your friend, tell them why they'd love the chat, and tag @workingrem. You can do this one as many times as you like.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Share a picture of you holding a copy of The Art of Working Remotely, on any social platform, along with your favorite part of the book. If you get another copy, I'll send it to whoever you'd like to gift it to. Send a link to your shared post/tweet to <a href="https://artofworkingremotely.com/book/news/sprint-to-2021-get-an-autographed-copy-of-the-art-of-working-remotely/scott@artofworkingremotely.com">scott@artofworkingremotely.com</a>.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>I'll announce the recipients on December 31. <em>Good luck!</em></p>
Work-From-Home Soundscapes2020-09-12T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/topics/humor/work-from-home-soundscapes/<div style="position: relative"><img class="lazy" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 700 400'%3E%3C/svg%3E" data-src="/static/img/wfh-soundscapes.png" alt="" title="" /></div>
<p>Ah, working remotely from a tranquil corner of your home. Is there anything better? Until the noises start, that is. Eliminating those is a key to mastering the art of working remotely. Yes, this is a parody of quality ambient noise generators like Noisli and Coffitivity. Stick around if leaf blowers are your jam ... we won't judge! I created this as a passion project, and can honestly say it's the most fun I've had working outside of my day job.</p>
<p><a href="https://wfhsounds.netlify.app/">Work-From-Home Soundscapes</a></p>
<p><strong>Hint:</strong> want to have some out-of-the-box fun? Click <strong>Wreck My Flow</strong> once you're in.</p>
An Innovative, Heart-Rate Boosting Way to Hold Remote 1:1s With Your Manager2020-08-08T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/topics/communication/an-innovative-heart-rate-boosting-way-to-hold-remote-11s-with-your-manager/<p>It's time for your weekly 1:1 with your manager. You have those, right? I hope so. That's fodder for another time, because it wasn't always that way for me. My manager and I are both remote, in the sense that we're working from our homes, neither one of us in a traditional office setting. With all of my meetings being Webex-based, I quickly grow tired of sitting in front of my camera and talking, whether it's with a group or one-on-one.</p>
<p>One one of the plentiful sunny days we've had here in upstate New York this summer, I looked out the window and felt the pull to be outside. I had a half-hour 1:1 scheduled in a few minutes. I wondered: would my manager, who lives 350 miles away from me, be up for a walk? I sent him a note in Teams to ask. Yes! He was game. We gave each other a few minutes to lace up and get out of our respective front doors.</p>
<p>We had a delightful half-hour walk and talk. We talked about my career aspirations, how things were going on projects, and how we could better manage our team and processes. The time flew by. We talked for a few minutes about what things looked like for us as we walked in our respective neighborhoods. I know he has a big hill near the end of his walk before he gets back home. He knows that my town has no traffic lights. Little things, but more of a connection nonetheless.</p>
<p>We've had three such 1:1 meetings, and each one has been better than the last. I even walked my way through a sprint retrospective (software developers will know what that means) and found myself more engaged and talkative than had I been at my desk. So there you have it: an innovative, heart rate-boosting way to hold remote 1:1s with your manager.</p>
Desk Demo: What's On My #WFH Desk?2020-06-06T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/topics/workspace/desk-demo-whats-on-my-wfh-desk/<p>This post was inspired by <a href="https://twitter.com/TammyBjelland/status/1263558038503542789">this tweet from Tammy Bjelland</a> where she showed off her workspace with a 2D tour. Here's my desk demo, the product of 22 years of working remotely.</p>
<div style="position: relative"><img class="lazy" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 700 400'%3E%3C/svg%3E" data-src="/static/img/scott-dawson-desk-annotated-scaled.jpg" alt="" title="" /></div>
<ol>
<li>I bought the <a href="https://amzn.to/3eYRaxc"><strong>Philips 346B1C UltraWide 34" Curved Monitor</strong></a> to minimize desk clutter. I used to have an iMac and a laptop with external monitor on the same desk. Now, with the Philips' KVM switch, I can use a single keyboard and mouse with my home computer and my work computer.</li>
<li>When that decade-old iMac became a little too slow, I upgraded to a <a href="https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro-13/"><strong>13-inch MacBook Pro</strong></a>. Am really happy to have a faster (and portable) rig for nights-and-weekend use. The USB-C connection to the monitor doubles as a power source.</li>
<li>The <strong><a href="https://amzn.to/3h1SxNN">Dell Latitude E7470</a></strong> was not my choice: my company provided it for me, and I connect to our company's VPN to work during the day. It's nice to have the second screen off to the right for my calendar, while my main work is on the Philips in front of me.</li>
<li>I bought the <a href="https://amzn.to/2BFJOAz"><strong>Logitech C270 Webcam</strong></a> in 2013, just after switching jobs and seeing that some people were using video in WebEx meetings. It took five more years for video to become prevalent in my team's culture, but now that it has, this camera still performs flawlessly.</li>
<li>I adore my <a href="https://www.fully.com/standing-desks/jarvis/jarvis-adjustable-height-desk-bamboo.html"><strong>Jarvis Bamboo Standing Desk</strong></a> from <a href="http://fully.com/">fully.com</a>. It's so nice to be able to stand at times, with my laptops and monitor all at a comfortable height. The desk has a smooth lift operation, and I love the bamboo surface.</li>
<li>I won the <strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rain-Design-mStand-Laptop-Patented/dp/B000OOYECC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=sl1&tag=lunchtaker-20&linkId=c6a2b68f691a843ea63d6ec4d106bfd6&language=en_US">Rain Design 10032 mStand Laptop Stand</a></strong> in a Twitter contest, and really love it. You only need one close call spilling a coffee on your laptop to realize the importance of something like this. And, it elevates it to a a nice height, too!</li>
<li>I bought the <strong><a href="https://amzn.to/3eVvYIx">Ember Smart Mug</a></strong> when it first came out, and we just bought another one for my wife to enjoy her hot drinks, too. It's fantastic to have every sip of my morning coffee be the proper temperature!</li>
<li>This <strong>ceramic lizard</strong> is a personal touch with a story. It's a souvenir from a trip to Moab, Utah that we won from Men's Health magazine. This little guy reminds of that happy weekend trip, and how important experiences can be.</li>
<li>The <strong><a href="https://amzn.to/3gZMnxG">Bose QuietComfort 25 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones</a></strong> are the second-most important defense for staying in flow, behind my door as the primary defense. I don't like to close my door, truth be told. These are also great for conference calls, because the sound isn't going <em>directly</em> in your ear (looking at you, earbuds).</li>
<li>The <strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TG75EG">Logitech M705 Marathon Wireless Mouse</a></strong> and <strong><a href="https://amzn.to/3eXHRxO">Belkin WaveRest Gel Mouse Pad</a></strong> are a really good combination for me. I used to have wrist pain before I used a gel mouse pad. The wireless mouse is great for travel, too!</li>
<li>These <strong>homemade magnetic boards</strong> were fun to make, and more fun to host pictures of my family and other papers. They were simple enough to make: wood trays from a craft store, glue, and plenty of beer bottle caps.</li>
<li>My daughter fell in love with making pottery in high school, and now she's continuing to make more as she's in college (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/pottery_by_elizabeth/"><strong>Pottery by Elizabeth</strong></a>). I store my pens and pencils in an early piece she made.</li>
<li>Yes, that's a <strong><a href="https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/bluetooth-banana-phone">Bluetooth Banana Phone</a></strong>. It's a gag that's good for one-time use with a new team, but oh-so-much-fun. The call quality is pretty good, too!</li>
<li>The bookshelf is a great place for more personal effects. There's a good luck charm that my sister in law gave me, and a <strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=%22lego+city%22&ref=nb_sb_noss_2">mini Lego City set</a></strong> that I can't bear to take apart.</li>
<li>I love my <strong><a href="https://www.funko.com/">Funko</a></strong> characters. These guys all keep watch over me as I work: <strong><a href="https://amzn.to/37as6Rw">Doc Brown</a></strong> <em>(he says "Great Scott! all the time)</em>, <strong><a href="https://amzn.to/2MAWE5e">Jack Sparrow</a></strong> <em>(uses wit and negotiation to get by)</em>, <strong><a href="https://amzn.to/2z6xkkq">Rick Grimes</a></strong> <em>(doesn't take any bulls$!t)</em>, <strong><a href="https://amzn.to/3dCLCIA">Grumpy</a></strong> <em>(because we all have those days, right?)</em>, and <strong><a href="https://amzn.to/2MDtkuM">Mickey as Steamboat Willie</a></strong> <em>(because we all start somewhere)</em>.</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>Want to share yours?</strong> I'd love to cultivate a list of inspired workspaces here, so send me a DM <a href="https://twitter.com/workingrem">@workingrem</a> with a link to your desk demo!</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://twitter.com/TammyBjelland/status/1263558038503542789">Tammy Bjelland</a></li>
</ul>
Zoom Call (SNL)2020-04-15T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/topics/humor/zoom-call-snl/<p>Remote work veterans are no strangers to virtual collaboration, be it phone, instant messaging, or video collaboration. With so many people jumping into collaboration for the first time due to Covid-19, there can be a learning curve. In classic spoof fashion, SNL nailed the Zoom call.</p>
<iframe width="100%" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3byTN8NTCkc" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>Close Companions: COVID-19 and Coworking2020-03-14T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/topics/communication/close-companions-covid-19-and-coworking/<p>A lot of advice about remote work in the wake of COVID-19’s rapid spread around the world has been centered on two things: an employer’s ability to take their company remote, and an employee’s ability to function while working remotely. They’re both incredibly valid points, with multi-faceted issues for everyone involved. However, there’s an equally large challenge that is looming for some, and has already arrived for others. Literally overnight, most homes in the world, where there’s more than one occupant, are becoming diverse coworking spaces.</p>
<p>First, some personal context. I’ve been working remotely since 1998, so none of this is entirely new. I enjoy breakfast with my family and then see them off as they head out to teach and learn. My wife is an 8th grade math teacher (in addition to baking for Emoticakes from her home-based commercial kitchen), my daughter a freshman in college, and my son a sophomore in high school. I’m alone during most of the day … at least I used to be.</p>
<p>Early this week, we learned that Ithaca College would be extending its spring break by a week, then having online-only classes (on a normal schedule) until at least early April. They’d reassess after that. So, my daughter, a music education major, would be taking classes, studying, and playing piano at home for the foreseeable future. Last night, our county health administrators decided to close all county schools for 30 days. When the news broke, my son was in one of the last rehearsals for the school musical, where he’s a saxophone and flute player in the pit band. Tears were shared by the directors and kids alike, as they were so close to the finish line of a creative production that brought them all such joy. The closure means so many things to the kids — trips they won’t go on, musicals nobody will see, games they won't play … not to mention the shift to online learning. My wife had retrieved most things from her classroom after school, anticipating the potential for disruption. When the news broke, she headed back to the school to get the rest of the things she’d need. My son cleaned out his locker when we picked him up from his rehearsal. We were going to be home, for the duration.</p>
<p>This leads me to the analogy of a coworking space. Yes, we all need to be as productive as we can be with our respective jobs and education. Yes, we need to communicate readily with our teachers, administrators, and supervisors. More importantly, we’re all new members in the “Dawson Family coworking space.” Since we’ll be sharing the home together, there are some things that we’re going to have to do, some more purposefully than we’ve done in the past.</p>
<h2 id="communicate">Communicate</h2>
<p>We are going to have four distinctly different schedules running in parallel with each other. An added complication is that my daughter is a pianist and my son is a piano, saxophone, and flute player. These things are not inherently quiet. When virtual lessons happen, the rest of us should be aware so we can adjust accordingly. Perhaps we need a few more doors shut during those times, or make sure that we’re doing something where there can be background music. Or, maybe it's time to use our lovely noise-canceling headphones. Same goes for when Amy is leading virtual training for her peers, or recording a lesson to post to Google Classroom. We’re going to have to communicate what we’re doing and when we’re doing it, along with our expectations of privacy when we need it.</p>
<h2 id="calendar">Calendar</h2>
<p>We’ve had a shared family calendar for a while now, and I’m so grateful that we do. I’m sure we’ll be leaning on this more now, so we can see at a glance what each day looks like. Want to be sure that everyone knows what’s going on in your day? Put it in the calendar. It’ll be colorful, for sure.</p>
<h2 id="responsibilities">Responsibilities</h2>
<p>We’ve been taking turns with preparing dinner each night of the week already, but now we’ll all be together for lunch, too. Perhaps we’ll continue to pack lunch in the morning as part of our routine, but it’s equally likely that we can enjoy something that’s prepared in the moment. We’ll need to be up front with everyone about who’s available each day to help prepare lunch and dinner. There are also household chores to consider. Everyone likes to clean the bathroom, right?</p>
<h2 id="sensitivity-and-empathy">Sensitivity and Empathy</h2>
<p>This isn’t going to be all roses. Who’s stressed out there already? Show of hands? We’re all going to have daily stressors and we’re going to step on each others’ nerves. When that happens, all of us will have to “row together” and have sensitivity to the stress that others may have, and empathize when those stresses come to the fore. Our mantra needs to be like that “Keep Calm” posters, but without a punchline. Simply, “Keep Calm.”</p>
<h2 id="routines">Routines</h2>
<p>We all have things that we like to do to start and end our days. Most of the time, they align. Mornings are easy, since we’re all up and eating breakfast at the same time. I imagine for some households this can be very different. At the end of the day, some of us like to wind down with a show, and some of us like to quietly read. It’ll vary day-by-day, and it’ll take communication and respect to keep things harmonious. Communicate what you would like to do, and respect when others have different plans for themselves.</p>
<p>I feel fortunate that my kids are old enough to be autonomous during this time, and I know there are plenty of households where there are younger kids who can’t (or shouldn’t) be alone while their school is closed. This coworking scenario is going to look rather different for everyone. What if you don’t have daycare lined up and need someone to watch after your child because you have a job that you cannot do remotely? There’s no easy answer, and it’s going to require some creative community-based solutions. What if you are working remotely, but your child is young enough that they need supervision from you during the day? Again, not an easy answer, but one that can be mitigated with shared responsibilities if there’s another adult in the home, leaning on your community if you can, and being transparent about your unique challenges with the people you work with.</p>
<p>Ironically, the virus — that’s driven so many of us apart due to social distancing and challenged logistics — may be <em>the thing that brings families and friends closer together</em>. It’s all about communication, empathy, and love for each other. <strong>Godspeed.</strong></p>
Free Download: The Space and the Habits That Can Help You Thrive as a Remote Worker2020-03-12T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/book/news/free-download-the-space-and-the-habits-that-can-help-you-thrive-as-a-remote-worker/<p><strong>We're going through an unprecedented time.</strong> I've always had a special place in my heart for remote work, having worked remotely since 1998, and I wrote and published The Art of Working Remotely last summer. In light of the worldwide events surrounding COVID-19, and the influx of people having to find their way while working remotely for the first time, I asked myself ... what can I do to help?</p>
<p><strong>I'm giving away 2/3 of the book as a free PDF, through May 10, 2020.</strong> If you've found yourself thrust into the world of remote work, you're going to find these sections tactically helpful to getting yourself set up and effective while remote. If you're interested in anecdotes and stories that will be additionally helpful to remote workers who are in it for the long haul, <a href="https://artofworkingremotely.com/book">you'll likely appreciate the full copy</a>.</p>
<h2 id="what's-included%3F">What's included?</h2>
<p>This is not a sample chapter. It's not a preview, or a sneak peek. It's literally two of the three sections of the book, and they'll help you jumpstart your remote work setup, regardless of how long you'll be doing it.</p>
<p><strong>Section II: The Space</strong> covers the physical aspects of a quality remote workplace. How can you set up an effective work area? What infrastructure will you need? What about office pets? What should you wear? How can you keep from raiding the pantry?</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Workspace</strong> Your work location and environment is critical to your happiness and productivity</li>
<li><strong>Infrastructure</strong> What technology and services will you need to be effective from a remote office?</li>
<li><strong>Mobility</strong> Sitting all day long is not good for your health or productivity. How can you move around?</li>
<li><strong>Clothing</strong> Wardrobe flexibility is one of the biggest benefits of working remotely</li>
<li><strong>Food</strong> Take time for lunch, but beware of the temptation to graze all day long</li>
<li><strong>Companions</strong> Office pets can be a staple of a home office and help keep you happy throughout the day</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Section III: The Habits</strong> reviews behaviors and practices that can contribute to remote worker success. How can you manage remote teams and be a good remote employee yourself? What is good communication and how can you promote transparency with what you’re working on? What are the key habits employers are looking for in remote employees?</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Measurement</strong> Keep track to help plan your marketing, budgeting, time management and focus.</li>
<li><strong>Communication</strong> People will judge you based on the quality of your communication, so do it well!</li>
<li><strong>Task Management</strong> You’re unique and your workflow is distinctly yours.</li>
<li><strong>Managing Remote Teams</strong> Virtual teams are many shapes and sizes. How do you manage remotely?</li>
<li><strong>Managing Up</strong> Think you’re not in management? Think again.</li>
<li><strong>Discipline</strong> Laundry. Dishes. Floors. Cleaning. Groceries. Discipline takes discipline!</li>
<li><strong>Inquisitiveness</strong> Being informed and honest helps you make better decisions.</li>
<li><strong>Transparency</strong> When you’re out of sight, try to remove several shreds of doubt as to your productivity.</li>
<li><strong>Setting a Course</strong> Don’t be complacent with the status quo. Make a plan!</li>
<li><strong>Evolution</strong> Change is inevitable: the important part is how you react to it.</li>
<li><strong>Combating Loneliness</strong> How can you counter the effects of loneliness?</li>
<li><strong>Get Involved</strong> Getting involved can help counter the isolation you may experience working remotely.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="download-the-free-pdf-through-may-10%2C-2020">Download the free PDF through May 10, 2020</h2>
<p>To download the free PDF, <a href="http://eepurl.com/dw045L">subscribe to my newsletter</a>. <strong>You'll get an auto-reply with the download link.</strong> It's that simple. If you remain a subscriber, you can look forward to a monthly recap of all things remote work, including what happened in some of the weekly <a href="https://artofworkingremotely.com/remotechat/">#RemoteChat</a> sessions on Twitter. I won’t spam you or sell your email, because that’s not cool. If you already subscribed and want the free download, that's cool, too. Send me a DM at <a href="https://twitter.com/scottpdawson">@scottpdawson</a> and I'll send you the link.</p>
<p>If you find the download useful, I'd love to hear about it! Drop me a line at <a href="https://twitter.com/scottpdawson">@scottpdawson</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/workingrem">@workingrem</a> on Twitter, or on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottpdawson/">LinkedIn</a>.</p>
Could Openness and Vulnerability Enable Meaningful Remote Worker Connection?2019-11-09T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/topics/health/could-openness-and-vulnerability-enable-meaningful-remote-worker-connection/<blockquote>
<p><em>Change your inner dialogue and thrive as a remote worker: get involved, be social, and be open and vulnerable in doing so.</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p><em>This is adapted from a talk I gave at “Remote AfterWork Volume IV” on September 12, 2019 in HelpScout’s beautiful downtown Boston location. It was Remote AfterWork’s first breakfast edition, and a fantastic venue to connect with other remote workers.</em></p>
<p>Back-to-school can be a struggle for all involved: students, parents, and teachers. Emotions can be particularly amplified for college students, some of whom may be experiencing their first time living away from home. They’re adjusting to new living situations, cafeterias, and getting access to resources on their own. Oh, and then there’s the academics, too! It can be easy for someone exposed to all that novelty to start to get a negative feedback loop in their head:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I’m all alone. I’m an imposter. I don’t belong here.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The advice I’d give someone in this situation is not dissimilar to what my parents gave me in 1991. I was in college for the first time and experienced similar thoughts. I called my parents every day and begged to come home. They said no. I called my grandmother, then, who took pity on me and called my parents. They still said no.</p>
<p>I watched “Ducktales” every afternoon and stress ate out of a box of Captain Crunch I kept by my bed. I didn’t have a car, so didn’t have a way to “escape”, even to a restaurant or the mall. Cell phones were not a thing, so I couldn’t text my friends. Email was a fledgling technology, and most of us needed to go to a computer lab to use it. The only lifeline was the corded phone in the room, and each of us had to have an account with the campus phone company to use it. Long distance calling was not unlimited. A lot has changed in 28 years!</p>
<p>I had that same inner dialogue in my head:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I’m all alone. I’m an imposter. I don’t belong here.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>My parents advised me to get out of my room, to be social, to get involved. “Nah, that won’t help,” I thought. But slowly, it did. I started sitting in the front row of my classes. I started talking more to the other students around me (one of them would turn out to be my wife, by the way). I got involved in campus life, mostly with Activities Commission. The organization was fantastic: we booked the entertainment that came to campus. That first year, Barenaked Ladies came to campus. Not only could I see the show for free, I’d be working security between the crash barrier and the stage. The band’s own security people briefed us on one particular part of the show. During the “million dollar song” there was a line “Of course we’d eat Kraft Dinner, we’d just eat more!” They warned us that we should duck because fans would throw macaroni and cheese at the stage. As that part of the song arrived, I crouched down and stared upward as the air turned a hazy shade of orange. Packets of cheese powder and macaroni were flying everywhere. Yeah, that was pretty cool. “I’m definitely involved,” I thought.</p>
<p>Another piece of advice I’d give is to open up to others, to be vulnerable. This one can be challenging to hear, because it can feel awkward to be vulnerable with people we don’t know. I never heard this advice directly, but as I’ve come to practice it, I know that it’s the fastest way to friendship. We’re all human, and people can help you just as much as you can help them. Talk to them: find out their interests, their hopes and their fears. Find out what they’re doing. You never know how what you’ll learn will help you in the future. Vulnerability, though we think it exhibits a weakness, is the fast track to meaningful, impactful discussions.</p>
<h2 id="vulnerability-and-remote-work">Vulnerability and Remote Work</h2>
<p>These two themes - openness and being involved - are directly related to what I go through as a remote worker. I’ve had similar feelings lately:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I’m all alone. I’m an imposter. I don’t belong here.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>As an adult, I’m able to talk myself off the ledge … most of the time.</p>
<p><strong>Are you alone?</strong> Well, technically right now you are, because the house is empty, but you’re not alone. <strong>Are you an imposter?</strong> Yes! Wait, no. You’re not. You’ve been doing this job, and doing it well. Keep doing it. <strong>Do you belong?</strong> I guess so.</p>
<p>My wife was around the house during the day until 2 years ago. She began teaching again after taking time off to be home for the kids. During the time she was home, she worked at her home-based bakery and shared the same space. Just a few minutes at lunch time was a wonderful way to fill my social needs. We enjoyed a 20-minute loop walk around the neighborhood during my lunch break.</p>
<p>Now that she was teaching, I said goodbye to her and the kids at 7:30 every morning, then had the house to myself until at least 3:30 or 4. I hadn’t had this much “me time” in 18 years of working remotely.</p>
<p>It was SO QUIET. I was really lonely. Nobody was around! Those fancy noise-canceling headphones were sitting on my desk, unused. After a few weeks, I was desperate for human connection. I put out a query on Facebook to see if anyone wanted to go for a hike. Some of my kids’ friends at school saw my post and had a decent laugh at my expense. My kids asked me, “Dad, that was really embarrassing … what’s going on?” Clearly that was not going to be the way to socialization.</p>
<h2 id="building-a-community">Building a Community</h2>
<p>This feeling of isolation was one of the key reasons I started <a href="https://artofworkingremotely.com/remotechat/">#RemoteChat</a>. I had signed up for a Twitter account after thinking it’d be a good way to plug into thought leaders in my field. One of the vibrant social corners of Twitter is runners, and there’s a recurring #runchat for them. Maybe I could apply this same concept to remote work? Surely I wasn’t the only one feeling this way, and this would be a fantastic way of finding my tribe. There were early struggles (I was literally chatting w/ myself for a few weeks) but <a href="https://artofworkingremotely.com/remotechat/">#RemoteChat</a> gradually gained traction. Now, we have participants from all over the world, with many people contributing diverse points of view to the conversation.</p>
<p>In a way, this is like the advice that I received from my parents so long ago: to get involved, to be social, and to be open and vulnerable in doing so.</p>
<h2 id="how-can-you-can-be-social-when-you-work-alone%3F">How can you can be social when you work alone?</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Talk to coworkers about non-work stuff.</strong> Mine’s a little tough because my coworkers are onsite, but you can still do it. Talk with your colleagues about topics outside of your daily responsibilities. It’ll help strengthen and enrich those relationships. You’ll be a better person and colleague by knowing who they are. What do they like? What are their fears? You'll realize that they, like you, are human. Keep your ears open and listen. You’ll learn a lot.</li>
<li><strong>Work a few hours at a coffee shop.</strong> Anytime I’ve done this, all I need is just the 5 or 10 minutes of chatting up a friend who walks in the door, or exchanging some banter with the barista.</li>
<li><strong>Plan lunch dates.</strong> I go to school a few times a week to have lunch with my wife, and sometimes meet up with non-work friends for lunch.</li>
<li><strong>Switch up where you’re working.</strong> Check out your local library for a few hours, or try out a local coworking space. Depending on where you live, there might be plenty of opportunity to work in shared spaces.</li>
<li><strong>Join a community activity.</strong> For me, this is a weekly community chorus, summer musical, athletic events.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="how-can-you-get-involved-as-a-remote-worker%3F">How can you get involved as a remote worker?</h2>
<p>I think this one is key to the success of remote workers as we go into 2020. There is literally a global conversation going on now about remote work. None of us are taught how to do it, but all of us are, in our own special way.</p>
<ul>
<li>Join the conversation.</li>
<li>Share your experiences.</li>
<li>Contribute to the community.</li>
</ul>
<p>There are tons of opportunities to join in. <a href="https://artofworkingremotely.com/remotechat/">#RemoteChat</a> is just one of them. I’ve enjoyed participating in Workplaceless events and a virtual book club. There are many remote-focused Slack channels, LinkedIn groups, and Facebook groups. You can attend a remote work conference, like <a href="https://www.nomadcity.org/">Nomad City</a>! And today, we’re all at a meetup, sharing our experiences with each other.</p>
<p>That’s what it’s all about.</p>
<p>I believe that we’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible to bring remote workers together. Collaboration and social platforms can only go so far. Yes, they unify us globally, but at a very superficial level. They’re the low-hanging fruit of social interaction, and as a society of remote workers, we can go further. I believe that real life interactions are where the good stuff is. It’s at a meetup. It’s at a conference for remotes, or for your industry. But the most value, I believe, lies in our local communities where we live and work. Virtual will always complement “real life” nicely, but ask yourself: what opportunities do I have for physical connection? What opportunities could I have for physical connection?</p>
<p>When I first moved to where I now live, I met a fellow remote worker at church. He worked for Microsoft. We shared enough with each other to know that we had a lot in common, and we started getting together Thursday mornings for what we termed a “telecommuters’ breakfast.” We were usually a group of 5-6 and met for an hour. We talked about work, sure, but we also talked about life. It was an oasis of social interaction before we went back to our respective home offices and got to work.</p>
<p>I believe this is what’s behind the rise in coworking and prevalence of shared office spaces for smaller companies. As humans, we crave connection with others. We crave community. I was saddened in my local community when a fledgling coworking space decided to shut its doors and reopen as an Airbnb instead. I live in a really small town, and there never was enough critical mass to make it worth the owner’s effort. In small communities like mine, I wonder what can work, and it’s a question I ask myself often.</p>
<p>You’ve all heard of the concept of a restaurant or bar opening its doors to welcome workers during the day, when they aren’t open for business. All it takes is some ground rules, a good coffee machine, and some decent wifi, and you have an instant coworking space. I keep thinking about how I could get something like that going in my community.</p>
<p>Nobody has all the answers, though. There’s no one-size-fits-all advice that anyone can dispense. That’s the key. We are all working in our unique geography on our unique projects in our own unique way. We can all share our successes and trials, though, and learn from each other’s experiences.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I’m all alone. I’m an imposter. I don’t belong here.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>It doesn’t have to be that way. I’ve learned that getting involved, being social, and being open and vulnerable in doing so have helped change my inner dialogue and help me thrive as a remote worker.</p>
<p>I think it’ll be key for remote workers in the future.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I’m not alone. I have something to contribute. I belong.</p>
</blockquote>
Remote Workers and the Quest for Human Interaction2019-09-28T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/topics/health/remote-workers-and-the-quest-for-human-interaction/<p>I was intrigued when <a href="https://twitter.com/brhea">@brhea</a> posed this series of tweets. I'm a remote worker in a small town, and I also struggle with how to get my "human interaction fix" during the work week. It can be a struggle for everyone, so I was grateful that Brian told me to <em>"go for it"</em> when I asked if I could write this post. Here's how he started the conversation:</p>
<p><em>Brian's account no longer exists, so take my word for it ...</em></p>
<p><a href="https://artofworkingremotely.com/topics/health/shining-a-light-on-loneliness/">I wrote an article last year about loneliness</a>, and lately, more people are shining a light on this drawback of working remotely. <a href="https://buffer.com/state-of-remote-work-2019">Buffer's 2019 State of Remote Work</a> cited <em>"loneliness"</em> as a key struggle, only marginally behind <em>"unplugging from work"</em> (which I, for the record, do not struggle with).</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Remote work isn’t always as Instagram-worthy as it may seem. In fact, many remote workers struggle with unplugging from their work, loneliness and communicating. - <a href="http://buffer.com/">Buffer.com</a>'s 2019 State of Remote Work</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Brian continued, "For sure there are people who have not (and perhaps will not) experience this. In traditional companies, the notion of <em>'people don't quit their job, they quit their boss'</em> is an expensive problem that costs companies their most talented team members because they have options. I suspect that <em>'people don't quit their job, they quit their lack of human interaction'</em> will be an expensive and inherently more common problem that remote-first companies will have to solve."</p>
<h2 id="what-can-companies-do-to-help-remote-workers-combat-loneliness%3F">What can companies do to help remote workers combat loneliness?</h2>
<p>Companies with remote workers have to actively help workers create and cultivate connections with each other. This can be as passive as creating environments for that to occur (technically speaking). It can also be active: fostering collaboration with structured virtual activities, retreats, summits, or conferences. I've heard many anecdotes from remote teams about throwing virtual pizza parties, happy hours, or coffee breaks. No matter the solutions, companies must not treat office workers differently than their remote counterparts.</p>
<h2 id="how-can-remote-workers-combat-loneliness%3F">How can remote workers combat loneliness?</h2>
<p>Brian's conversation led to some common themes and suggestions for combating loneliness.</p>
<p><strong>Communications Culture:</strong> Having a "cameras on" culture can be helpful, as can regular video chats. Free-flowing moments before, during, and after meetings should not be viewed as wasted time, since those moments can help foster connection. There is a fine line there, though, so it's best to steer the meeting back on track if it goes too far afield. Dedicated channels for casual interactions in Zoom can help, as can plug-ins like Donut for Slack.</p>
<p><strong>Local Communities:</strong> Find IRL (in real life) opportunities to meet with others by attending meetups, local professional groups in your chosen field, or having one-on-one interactions with other remote workers who live nearby. Coworking is becoming popular, and depending on where you live, can be a viable option for finding social connection. There are many styles of coworking: full-time, part-time (either full days or partial days at a coworking space), or rolling your own space with other remote workers. You might need to consider the latter if you live in a rural community. Bonus points for all of these options, because they get you out of the house and interacting with others. Don't confine yourself to professional communities, either: there are likely many social and creative outlets that'll give you similar satisfaction by interacting with others outside of your normal work hours.</p>
<p><strong>Online Communities:</strong> Join a Slack channel or participate in virtual networking events like <a href="https://artofworkingremotely.com/remotechat/">#RemoteChat</a> and <a href="https://www.workplaceless.com/networkplaceless">Networkplaceless</a>. Start communicating about your experience as a remote worker, too: one respondent cited their own podcast as a direct avenue to making new connections and building relationships. Whether you communicate using a web site, newsletter, or social media, join the global conversation as a contributor and a reader.</p>
<p><strong>Team Retreats, Summits, and In-Person Meetings:</strong> Details of implementation vary, but this was a common suggestion in the thread. Getting your team together periodically can make sense, but monitor and adjust based on the feedback. Having too great an in-person frequency might not be the best option for a remote team. If it's geographically possible, in-person meetings can help build one-on-one relationships, as can events like periodic team lunches.</p>
<p><strong>Home Office Companions:</strong> Having a partner who works from home with you can be a fantastic foil for loneliness. You may not be working on the same thing, but proximity and casual interactions can be priceless. Home office pets are also fantastic for combating loneliness. We all love our dogs, cats, and rabbits!</p>
<p><strong>Cater to Your Inner Disposition:</strong> How can "remote work" work best for you, or for someone you manage remotely? You might find that some adjustments in job responsibilities can help someone thrive in a remote role. One respondent said, <em>"One teammate missed interactions. We moved him into a more phone-heavy support role and it filled the gap."</em> No matter how hard they try, employers should help employees know if their disposition is right for remote work. It simply may not be the best choice for someone, and giving them the feedback to know that can be priceless.</p>
The Art of Working Remotely: LAUNCH DAY!2019-07-25T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/book/news/the-art-of-working-remotely-launch-day/<p>I'm SO excited! You know why? <a href="https://artofworkingremotely.com/book/">The Art of Working Remotely</a> is available <strong>TODAY</strong>. This project has been so fulfilling for me. I've been working remotely for 21+ years, and I'm so happy to share my book with you!</p>
<p>I dedicate this book to my family. The feature picture on this post was taken the evening of my daughter's high school graduation. Amy has been with me on this remote work journey right from the start, supporting me through the tough times and celebrating the successes. It's no mistake, then, that this book launch coincides with our anniversary! Elizabeth and Xander were born and raised during the years I worked remotely, and remote work’s inherent flexibility helped me change countless diapers, be there for unmissable moments, and support them as they grew into fine young adults.</p>
<p>If you've read some of the early reviews of the book, you'll understand that this isn't purely a prescriptive work. I enjoy getting to know an author as I read something they wrote. I created The Art of Working Remotely with this in mind. The first section of the book is packed with personal anecdotes that formed many of my professional values. If these stories make you laugh just once at my expense, it will have been worth penning them!</p>
<div class="rt"><img class="lazy" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 317 317'%3E%3C/svg%3E" data-src="/static/img/hardcover-and-paperback.jpg" alt="" title="" /></div>
<p>Of course, the book covers the "bread and butter" of getting started working remotely: your environment. Whether it’s your workspace, WiFi, or your wardrobe, the key is make sure you’re as comfortable as possible and positioned for peak productivity. You'll also read about the habits of a quality remote worker. At the end of the day, we’re all human, and have different ways of managing, communicating, learning, and coping with being in different environments.</p>
<p>That said, there’s no one-size-fits-all advice that anyone can dispense. We can all share our successes and trials, though. We can all learn from each other’s experiences. I encourage you to reach out to other remote workers through any of the fantastic networks that are (or will be) available to support this fantastic way of working.</p>
<p>I've always enjoyed writing, but this is the biggest writing project I've completed so far. It marks the beginning of my journey as an author. As we weave our way through the coming year, I'm going to be working on another writing project. This one's for the tween set, but based on early beta reading, it's going to be a fun read for people of all ages. I can't wait to work on it more, and to share it more broadly when it's ready!</p>
<p>That's it. Enjoy the day. Enjoy what summer has yet to show you.</p>
<p>Thank you for your support of <a href="https://artofworkingremotely.com/book/">The Art of Working Remotely</a>!</p>
How many people work remotely where you live?2019-02-04T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/topics/communication/how-many-people-work-remotely-where-you-live/<p>Want to find out how many people work remotely where you live in the United States? Well, the US Census has you covered. The navigation is a little tricky, so check out this animation and step-by-step instructions to get you there.</p>
<ol>
<li>Go to <a href="https://data.census.gov/">https://data.census.gov</a></li>
<li>Search for the geographic area you're interested in</li>
<li>Select the <strong>Place Profile</strong> (the top search result)</li>
<li>Go to Employment, then the "Average commute to work" section</li>
<li>See the "Worked at home" percentage</li>
</ol>
<p><img src="https://artofworkingremotely.com/static/img/census.gif" alt="" /></p>
Tips for maintaining a good remote work schedule2018-12-09T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/topics/discipline/tips-for-maintaining-a-good-remote-work-schedule/<p>I hear a common refrain when I share my remote work situation with someone.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“Oh, I don’t have the discipline for that!”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The workday parameters are well defined when you’re in an office. You arrive before the majority of your colleagues. You don’t take too long of a lunch unless the entire group is going out. Heck, you probably eat at your desk sometimes. You stay in your seat unless you’re in a meeting or on your way to one. You never know when your manager may walk by! You wait for the moment your manager leaves for the day and then do the same moments later. That sounds like a lot of discipline, but when you’re focused on looking busy instead of doing work, you lose time and energy that could be spent more productively!</p>
<p>These artificial checkpoints disappear when you’re working remotely. Sure, you have to show up to meetings as expected, but everything else — including when you start and stop working — is largely up to you. The important part is getting your job done, and that takes some structure and preparation.</p>
<h2 id="set-up-your-environment">Set up Your Environment</h2>
<p>You need an environment that’ll help you stay on schedule. If you’re already working in a comfortable, distraction-free space, read on. Otherwise, look critically at where you’re working. Are you distracted by another computer that has personal email and apps on it? Put it to sleep. Are people constantly interrupting you? Close your door. Is your device pinging you incessantly? Turn off notifications or put it in airplane mode. Is the silence deafening? Put on some good music or something soothing to help get you into flow.</p>
<h2 id="set-a-schedule">Set a Schedule</h2>
<p>Set attainable start and end times and respect those boundaries. You won’t be tempted to check your work email in the middle of the night when you have predefined working hours, and your family and friends can easily plan around your schedule.</p>
<p>It’s up to you to structure your workday effectively. You know when you’re the most focused and productive. Schedule important tasks during this productive time. Avoid the temptation to multitask. Relegate your other tasks to a list — analog or digital — so they won’t occupy space in your mind. There are plenty of methods and processes for segmenting your day: 1-3-5, time blocking, Pomodoro, and more. You can spend so much time looking for a perfect process, but it’s more important to find one that works for you and start using it. You’re unique, and your workflow is distinctly yours. Once you find something that fits the bill, use it.</p>
<h2 id="take-yourself-to-lunch">Take Yourself to Lunch</h2>
<p>Block out a full hour in your calendar and enjoy this midday break. Literally make an appointment with yourself to safeguard that time from last-minute meetings. Take time to smell the roses, whatever they may be for you. Go for a walk, play an instrument, or read a book. It’s important to schedule that time for yourself and protect it.</p>
<h2 id="take-reasonable-breaks">Take Reasonable Breaks</h2>
<p>Laundry. Dishes. Cleaning. Groceries. If you’re not careful, every day could look like a weekend full of chores! It helps to work in a space away from visual reminders of “things that need doing” (e.g. in a home office or coworking space instead of your kitchen).</p>
<p>Processes can help, too. For example, set up a recurring chore rotation. When a chore’s designated day comes up, complete it and move on to work or other tasks. If you do a chore before your workday or during a break, you’ll feel that sense of accomplishment for keeping your place tidy and can focus your efforts on work.</p>
<p>Breaks are also helpful for rejuvenation or creative thinking. I commonly go for a lunchtime walk in the summer — it allows me to return to work refreshed and recharged. If I’m spinning my wheels on problematic code or a thorny design issue, going for a walk, hike, or run helps me focus on something else. Solutions pop into my head and I’m eager to return to try them out.</p>
<p>Discipline isn’t just about avoiding the things that siphon time and productivity from your day. It’s also about ensuring you do things that enrich your life and bring you joy! These passions may be fitness-oriented, social, or a hobby. Make the time to do these things and be disciplined about how much time you spend on them.</p>
<h2 id="deal-with-digital-addiction">Deal with Digital Addiction</h2>
<p>Digital addiction is real. If you have an unhealthy relationship with your phone, an app, or a game, the first step is to acknowledge the problem. When you’re constantly scrolling through photos or checking to see if your ex liked your latest post, you’re not working. But you’re not alone, and you don’t have to solve the problem by yourself. If these tips don’t work, seek outside help.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Turn off notifications</strong> — curbing your phone’s ability to interrupt you, at least on a selective basis, can go a long way in cutting down how many times you pick up your device.</li>
<li><strong>Track your time</strong> — there are tons of ways to track your time. Apple’s latest update adds “Screen Time” tracking so you can see how much time you spend in each app. Just being aware might help limit usage. For desktop users, look into options like RescueTime. There are options to limit your access throughout the day, too.</li>
<li><strong>Make it uninteresting</strong> — The New York Times wrote about how <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/12/technology/grayscale-phone.html">switching your display to grayscale can help cut usage</a>. It might work for you!</li>
<li><strong>Uninstall it</strong> — I used to play Need for Speed and Age of Empires earlier in my career. I realized that I was addicted and solved the problem by uninstalling them and discarding the media. It’s tougher now with digital downloads and apps on our phones, but you have to be vigilant. Recognize when your favorite game or app is hindering you and delete it.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="parting-advice">Parting Advice</h2>
<p>If you’re having trouble getting things done, check out these practical tips to get back on schedule.</p>
<ul>
<li>Set a timer. Don’t stop working on a task until the time is up.</li>
<li>Commit to complete one task before switching to another. Better yet, promise yourself a “reward” — going for a walk, running an errand, or refilling your coffee — when a task is done.</li>
<li>Move to another location — another room or a coffee shop — and set a goal to complete the task before you get up again.</li>
<li>Declutter your workspace. You’re not focused on your task if you’re distracted by something in your periphery.</li>
<li>Get rid of visual reminders that you have other things to do.</li>
<li>Turn off your phone’s notifications and place it face down. Better yet, use airplane mode.</li>
<li>Quit apps on your computer that may distract you.</li>
</ul>
<hr />
<p><strong>About the Author:</strong> Scott Dawson lives and works remotely in Trumansburg, New York with his wife Amy and two children. He’s a web designer and developer and moderates the weekly <a href="https://artofworkingremotely.com/remotechat/">#RemoteChat</a> on Twitter. Connect with him at <a href="https://scottpdawson.com/">scottpdawson.com</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/scottpdawson">@scottpdawson</a>. Scott wrote this post as a collaboration with <a href="https://www.sococo.com/">Sococo</a>. Connect with them at <a href="https://twitter.com/sococo?lang=en">@sococo</a> and <a href="https://www.sococo.com/5-tips-for-maintaining-a-good-remote-work-schedule/">read their re-post of this article</a>.</p>
Valentina Thörner: Managing from a Distance2018-10-14T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/topics/management/valentina-thrner-managing-from-a-distance/<p>I had the recent pleasure of reading Valentina's how-to guide about remote leadership. <strong>From a Distance</strong> is a step-by-step guide to creating and operating a remote support team, though I think the principles she talks about can be applied to any remote environment. Valentina interviewed leaders from remote companies to find out how they effectively operate their remote teams.</p>
<p>If you are a frequent reader of <strong>The Art of Working Remotely</strong>, you know a remote team's success doesn't depend on location or time zone. It depends on creating a structure – including effective leadership and tools – that can help remote workers thrive while distributed.</p>
<p>Here's my take on From a Distance. But hey, don't take it from me, <a href="https://valentinathoerner.com/blog/from-a-distance-a-comprehensive-how-to-guide-to-remote-leadership/">grab this free book today</a> from Valentina's web site!</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I particularly enjoyed reading From a Distance! You've done a great job capturing a lot of fantastic talking points about remote management. As I read, I couldn't help but think (which I already knew) that Automattic really has their stuff together. I've interacted with Automattic support several times in the past year: all timely, effective, satisfying encounters. Sounds like a fantastic place to work, especially with the context from your position as a remote manager.</p>
<p>The quote that stood out for me most was "If you don't believe in 1:1s and regular updates, remote work is not for you." So true. As an avid skier, your comment about split days with a lengthy ski-filled lunch break made me smile. It'll be winter soon!</p>
<p>Thank you for publishing this and for making it so freely available!</p>
</blockquote>
How to find or build a community when you’re working remotely2018-09-25T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/topics/health/how-to-find-or-build-a-community-when-youre-working-remotely/<p>Those first few days or weeks of a remote gig can be so refreshing. Working remotely may be rather peaceful when compared to occupying a spot in cubicle-ville. Productivity soars, stress abates, and you experience a greater sense of well-being. Life is good!</p>
<p>You’ll realize something, though, during one of the many trips you make from your home office to your kitchen. As you pour another cup of coffee, grab a healthy snack (you do that, right?), and stare out the window at the relatively calm neighborhood traffic, you’ll have a thought that many remote workers have had.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“Huh. I think I miss people.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Community can be so important when you’re working remotely. But it can be hard to find one, especially when the place you’re working doesn’t provide built-in companionship. Friends at coworking spaces or pets can help blunt the effects of working alone, but not everyone can be so lucky! How do you find a community that resonates with you?</p>
<h2 id="start-the-conversation">Start the Conversation</h2>
<p>I didn’t know many remote professionals when I moved to my current town. I struck up a conversation with a fellow churchgoer on a Sunday morning. I discovered that Eric also worked remotely for a large company. He managed a remote team and also had two school-age kids. Of the relationship Venn diagrams I’ve seen, our circles certainly overlapped a lot! We planned to get together for breakfast Thursday mornings. It didn’t take long for our ranks to grow: at its peak, our Thursday “telecommuter’s breakfast” included music teachers, consultants and small business owners. It was a refreshing start to each Thursday, knowing I’d have a chance to catch up with friends outside the structure of work. The breakfast recurred weekly for several years, even after Eric and his family moved away (ironically, for an office job).</p>
<p>It all begins with a conversation. A smile in a coffee shop. Saying hello in the grocery store. A break to talk to someone working near you at a coworking space. Simply talking to someone can highlight common interests or help them give you an idea of where to find community. I’m continually amazed at how many people I meet who work remotely. You really don’t know unless you ask.</p>
<h2 id="find-your-tribe">Find Your Tribe</h2>
<p>Start with your professional circle. Within the technology sector, for example, there are plenty of <a href="http://meetup.com/find/tech">meetups</a> where companies or groups host gatherings. I found a half-dozen local technology-oriented groups that sound interesting.</p>
<p>Keep your eyes open for local conferences or seminars, too. These events will be well-attended by other local professionals who might be great connections for you.</p>
<p>You can also explore special interest groups. Try one centered around religion, hobbies or sports. Joining a group outside of work can help you feel socially and emotionally fulfilled. I joined a church-affiliated softball team when I first started working remotely. I met a bunch of great people and enjoyed a game I’d never played before, at least not outside the confines of a high school physical education class.</p>
<p>Here’s a list of opportunities that offer socialization beyond the structure of professional groups:</p>
<ul>
<li>Join a faith-based organization for fellowship and social activities — larger organizations tend to have smaller specialty groups you can join</li>
<li>Volunteer — consider helping out your local school, library, food pantry, Habitat for Humanity chapter or fire department</li>
<li>Get involved with youth organizations</li>
<li>Join a running group through a local running store</li>
<li>Join a civic group that helps spruce up your community</li>
<li>Help organize or run local festivals or concerts</li>
<li>Join a community chorus</li>
<li>Attend concerts or classes at a local college or university</li>
</ul>
<p>As an added bonus, social networking can feed back into your professional life. People you meet in non-professional circles might need the freelance or consulting services you can offer, or they may know someone who can use your skills. However, it doesn’t have to be like <em>Glengarry Glen Ross</em> — you don’t need to “Always Be Closing.” Your primary goal in attending these events is to fulfill a social need, so resist the urge to sell yourself too hard. Enjoy the socialization and relax!</p>
<h2 id="found-your-tribe">Found Your Tribe</h2>
<p>What if you can’t find a pre-established group that resonates with you? I’ve been there before. This is where you put on your DIY hat — just like Eric and I did with the “telecommuter’s breakfast” — and create your own group!</p>
<p>I sometimes participate in running-related chats on Twitter. I’m a runner and thought it was cool to chat with others who share the same passion—I even met several local athletes through what is essentially a worldwide chat! I wondered if the same type of chat would lend itself to the remote work community. I started <a href="https://artofworkingremotely.com/remotechat/">#RemoteChat</a> several years ago, and it’s been a wonderful way to connect with remote workers from next door or halfway around the world.</p>
<p>You can use almost any activity as an avenue to creating community. All you need is “the thing” and at least one person to show up. Believe me, I had weekly chats in the beginning that were just me talking to myself. It was tough not to get discouraged. But, as the quote from Field of Dreams goes, "If you build it, he will come." The first step is often the most difficult one.</p>
<p>What are some things you can do once you’ve committed to creating a community? If you’ve already identified a group of people, propose a recurring time to do an activity you love. It doesn’t have to be centered around food, either, though that can help. Here are some ideas to get you started.</p>
<ul>
<li>Coffee, breakfast or lunch groups</li>
<li>Biking, running or hiking groups (different routes each week)</li>
<li>Stereotypically touristy things in your area (going to museums, points of interest, boat rides, wine tastings, etc.)</li>
<li>Game nights with spouses and significant others</li>
<li>Group fitness, yoga or pick-up basketball</li>
</ul>
<p>Even if you haven’t identified a group of people, advertise the group and start meeting. Share it on social media, at a meetup or on a community bulletin board. See if local coworking spaces or coffee shops might help advertise your group. It may take some time to get traction, but don’t give up!</p>
<p>If you build it, they will come.</p>
<hr />
<p><strong>About the Author:</strong> Scott Dawson lives and works remotely in Trumansburg, New York with his wife Amy and two children. He’s a web designer and developer and moderates the weekly <a href="https://artofworkingremotely.com/remotechat/">#RemoteChat</a> on Twitter. Connect with him at <a href="https://scottpdawson.com/">scottpdawson.com</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/scottpdawson">@scottpdawson</a>. Scott wrote this post as a collaboration with <a href="https://www.sococo.com/">Sococo</a>. Connect with them at <a href="https://twitter.com/sococo?lang=en">@sococo</a>, and <a href="https://www.sococo.com/how-to-find-or-build-a-community-when-youre-working-remotely/">read their re-post of this article</a>.</p>
Shining a Light on Loneliness2018-07-21T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/topics/health/shining-a-light-on-loneliness/<p>A thousand apologies, but this isn’t going to be an uplifting dispatch about remote work. Rather, this is an exposition on loneliness. It’s an emotion that’s cited as one of the drawbacks of working remotely (along with first cousins “isolation” and “depression”) so I think it’s appropriate to share here. First, I ask that you head on over to the <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/work/rising-epidemic-workplace-loneliness-have-no-office-friends/">Telegraph</a>, where <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/work/rising-epidemic-workplace-loneliness-have-no-office-friends/">Jo Carnegie has done a fantastic job of writing about loneliness in the workplace</a>. A lot of the themes she brought up resonated with me, and I’ll tell you why as soon as you’re back. Go ahead. I’ll wait.</p>
<h2 id="post-article-thoughts">Post-Article Thoughts</h2>
<p><strong>So, what’d you think?</strong> Can you relate to much of what she’s written? They did with me. I’ve worked remotely for 20 years now, and have had periods where I’ve definitely felt lonely, even depressed. Jo’s article cites the changing workplace as a major impetus for this emotion but I think it runs deeper. I think societal changes have created a breeding ground where loneliness can thrive.</p>
<p>Wait, what societal changes? I can think of three:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>The death of the proverbial front porch.</strong> In my community, and I suspect many others, the literal front porch has shrunk in size or been fully eliminated from homes. The front porch as a metaphor is not lost on me. Nobody sits “out front” anymore, exposed to whoever happens by. Interactions are superficial. Rarely are you invited to someone’s backyard where secrets are bestowed, emotions shared, insecurities laid bare.</li>
<li><strong>Loose connections and social media’s rise in popularity.</strong> How many followers do you have? What was your engagement this week? Did the people you wanted to like your post even see your post? We’re all about the metrics, constantly scrolling and refreshing to see what’s new. Beyond the like and retweets, the deeper level of engagement is a comment or reply, and rarely does that get beyond what you’d say to someone in passing. Conversations in real life, even when superficial, are far more engaging.</li>
<li><strong>Selfishness.</strong> This word has so many negative connotations, and I don’t mean them all in this context. When given a choice, and probably due to a combination of the above two phenomena, we focus on serving ourselves rather than serving the general community. When we’re all promoters of ourselves, the sounds of the social media echo chambers can be deafening. There needs to be more of helping your neighbor; supporting a cause you believe in; doing something because it’s the right thing to do, not because of how your status will be elevated because of it.</li>
</ol>
<p>Okay, enough of that. Let’s get back to the loneliness and depression!</p>
<h2 id="relationships">Relationships</h2>
<p>I’m an introvert. I struggle to create and cultivate relationships. It’s not a new thing for me, either. I remember feeling this way in grade school and college. I suffer from confidence issues and serious <a href="https://hbr.org/2008/05/overcoming-imposter-syndrome">imposter syndrome</a>. These are not diagnosed but I know they’re not uncommon in my vocation and hobby circles. It’s just that nobody talks about it. I do a pretty good job keeping these insecurities shelved deep inside of me in locked rooms where the keys are mostly hidden. However, sometimes those doors fling wide open, and reveal the shelves that had so deftly held those insecurities out of view.</p>
<p>I live in a small town in upstate New York and work remotely. I’ve done so for twenty years. As a result, many of the connections I have are not work-related, but rather drawn from social or extracurricular circles. Add to that the prevalence of loose connections (thanks, social media) instead of close connections — and the fact that as a couple we have had a hard time finding other couples with whom we “click” — it’s easy for my wife (who’s also introverted) and I to get down on ourselves. When we talk about it, we realize that all we truly have is each other. Trust me, that’s enough most of the time. Sometimes we aspire to expand our social circle, as most of us would reasonably strive for.</p>
<p>It wasn’t always this way. Years ago, we met another family in church. They had two kids roughly the same ages as ours, and the Dad also worked remotely. We had our home offices and parenting in common. We were socially close as families for several years until they moved away. Oddly, the distance was all it took for us to lose that closeness, too. Since then, we’ve not found a similar connection with anyone else. We’ve tried, too! However, it was frustrating for us as a couple to always be taking the initiative to get together most of the time. We’d invite people over for dinners, but they seldom reciprocated. The same went for the one-on-one friendships we tried to cultivate, too. I came away from most interactions feeling like I was the one who needed the friendship more, which in turn fed my insecurities. With the family that moved away, it was far more of a two-way street.</p>
<h2 id="acupuncture-as-a-(partial)-remedy">Acupuncture as a (Partial) Remedy</h2>
<p>During one of my recent troughs of emotional turmoil (and there are peaks and troughs, for sure), I paraphrased how I was feeling for my acupuncturist. I told her that one day I was fine and another was massively emotional again. I hopefully asked, “Is there something you can do to help reset, or re-center, me?”</p>
<p>She told me about the <a href="http://www.shen-nong.com/eng/principles/sevenemotions.html">“7 Emotions”</a> in traditional Chinese medical theory. She explained that an excess of any of these most common emotions (joy, anger, anxiety, overthinking, grief, fear and fright) could cause dis-ease in the body. That spelling is intentional: dis-ease representing a lack of feeling of ease or well-being, as well as potential illness. Rather than holding strong emotions in and allowing them to create tension and illness, my acupuncturist talked about methods for releasing them in traditional Chinese medicine:</p>
<ul>
<li>physical expression <em>(exercise, acupuncture, tai chi)</em></li>
<li>mental/emotional expression <em>(writing, talking about feelings, therapy)</em></li>
</ul>
<p>In addition, she noted more traditional methods for calming the body and mind, including acupuncture, tai chi, yoga, meditation and breathing techniques. We talked about how I already physically express things through exercise and acting, and emote using writing (see: this piece), therapy and a fledgling meditation practice. She continued, saying that the treatment she’d give me would include acupuncture points traditionally understood to promote the smooth movement of energy in my body and calm and settle the mind. Normally I walk out of a treatment feeling relaxed, almost foggy in the aftermath of the acupuncture. This time, I walked out with a sense of clarity and purpose I’d not felt in a long time. My acupuncturist smiled at me and said, “Nice, isn’t it?” I think I’ll ask for that treatment again!</p>
<h2 id="techniques-for-overcoming-loneliness-as-a-remote-worker">Techniques for Overcoming Loneliness as a Remote Worker</h2>
<p>I don’t pretend to have all the answers (any, really). If I did, I wouldn’t be writing this post. I do think that sharing how you feel, first with yourself, is an essential first step.</p>
<p>I know I’m not alone, either. When I shared a poll on this web site’s Twitter account, followed mostly by remote workers, 53% of the respondents said they were often or sometimes lonely, with another 13% saying they wouldn’t share if they were. True, I think there’s a perceived stigma to speaking up.</p>
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<p>From the article above, Jo has a helpful sidebar on some ideas for beating loneliness. I’ll summarize them below, and provide my own thoughts on how each applies to my own situation.</p>
<p><strong>IDEA:</strong> <em>When you meet up with close friends, talk about your feelings not just your jobs or families. Being honest about your life helps people feel closer to you.</em></p>
<p>This one is tough for me, since I don’t feel like I have many close friends. It’s almost like a chicken and egg problem, where being honest about your life with someone might help you achieve that closeness, and further make it okay to be honest. I’ve focused, then, on being honest wherever I can. Sometimes it may push someone away, and other times it may bring them closer. I don’t know until I try, though.</p>
<p><strong>IDEA:</strong> <em>Plan holidays or birthdays well in advance so that you are never lonely at times when it really matters.</em></p>
<p>I’m lucky to have family around me all the time, so this idea is easy to check off. My wife’s parents and my parents are both in the same town with us, too. My wife is super supportive and we’re each other’s best friend. We don’t place a lot of emphasis on birthdays or holidays, but we do get together with extended family for the major holidays.</p>
<p><strong>IDEA:</strong> <em>Invite out a new person – someone you’ve met in the last month. Take them to a play, film, or out for supper.</em></p>
<p>This is hard for me to do over and over. I’ve reached out to someone new maybe twice in the last year? It implies that I’ve met enough “new” people to ask them to do something. So, just like a conversion funnel, perhaps I need to find opportunities to meet more people in order to be able to ask some of them to have coffee.</p>
<p><strong>IDEA:</strong> <em>If you have feelings of loneliness at work, fill your lunch hour with an enjoyable activity: listen to a play on your iPad or start learning a language.</em></p>
<p>I’m nailing this one. When my wife is home during the day with me, we make a point to go for a walk after lunch. I take breaks during the day for fitness, to work on Duolingo (Spanish and French) and to play guitar.</p>
<p><strong>IDEA:</strong> <em>Give yourself permission to say no to events where you can’t take a plus one – I finally realised this after an agonising wedding party last summer.</em></p>
<p>I haven’t encountered this, but totally agree that it would be a dealbreaker. If I can’t go somewhere with my wife with me, I’m not going to enjoy myself as much as I could otherwise. Back when I was single I did go to a wedding where I didn’t have a plus one. It was really depressing!</p>
<p><strong>IDEA:</strong> <em>Don’t wait for someone to call or email – contact them. If they’re busy it doesn’t mean they are rejecting you. Try again.</em></p>
<p>The last idea is also a tough one, because as humans we’re wired to think that someone is rejecting us when they say they can’t get together. When you string enough “I’m sorry, but I’m busy” responses together, how can you not think that it’s just not worth the effort? It is easier to just forget it and move on, but I agree, you’re making an assumption there that may be false. One thing I’ve tried with varying success is to have reminders to get in touch with specific people every few weeks or months. Without that reminder, sometimes we get so busy that time silently slips by. It’s nice to have the reminder to check in, even if it’s just a quick phone call or a cup of coffee.</p>
What do remote workers love about their remote offices?2018-06-02T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/topics/workspace/what-do-remote-workers-love-about-their-remote-offices/<p>One of the benefits of having a remote office is being able to outfit it any way you want. You can choose a room with a view, a room that's quiet, or a room that's colorful. You can put a drum set in there or a few guitars, and you can have your family pet crash with you for the day. When we asked remote workers about the things they've bought that seemed like a splurge, but totally worth it, they didn't hold back. Here are some of the highlights:</p>
<ul>
<li>An expensive couch and chair</li>
<li>Solid desk furniture, and more than a few votes for stand up desks</li>
<li>A second monitor</li>
<li><a href="https://twitter.com/bpmarkowitz/status/997155466512945154">Herman Miller Setu chair</a></li>
<li>Professional paint job on the walls</li>
<li>A <a href="https://twitter.com/breathingpoet/status/852216010581188608">decent teapot and loose leaf tea</a>, or an <a href="https://twitter.com/scottpdawson/status/996806015084630016">Ember mug</a> for keeping hot drinks hot</li>
<li><a href="https://twitter.com/laurel_farrer/status/996807066948947968">High quality headphones</a> (and a moderator's vote for Bose noise-canceling headphones)</li>
<li><a href="https://twitter.com/KatherineSliter/status/996806107669594113">Walking workstation</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Of the things that people want, but haven't gotten <em>yet</em>, really <a href="https://twitter.com/workingrem/status/996803464683372544">great lighting</a> seemed to top the list, followed closely by a <a href="https://www.autonomous.ai/?is_marketplace=0&category=Standing-Desks-6">standing desk</a>.</p>
How to cultivate a strong and engaging relationship with a virtual team2018-06-02T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/topics/management/how-to-cultivate-a-strong-and-engaging-relationship-with-a-virtual-team/<p>When you're working a virtual team, you connect on two levels: professional, and personal. Professional is ironically the easiest to excel at, since you're likely good at your job. Do solid work, deliver on time, communicate well and give credit where credit is due. The professional aspects of the relationship will fall into place if you're a team player.</p>
<p>You also need to connect personally with your team. We're all unique, and bring different strengths to the table. Our interactions can only be strengthened when you let others on your team know what you're working on personally, as well as professionally. That advice is relevant whether you're talking about your peers, your manager, or people you directly manage.</p>
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<p>Since you’re seldom face-to-face with your team, you must rely on voice, email and chat. It’s important, if possible, to physically meet the people on your team and establish some rapport. It’ll ease future virtual interactions, as you’ll understand the background and personality of the person you’re talking to. Make an effort to get to know each person as an individual. It'll make the professional encounters that much more effective. Jackson Mahr, one of my former teammates, says it best:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“Personal rapport is critical, and for all the books, tutorials, speaking tours and management consultancies promoting teamwork, I don't recall this even being mentioned. Yet it's how we build human relationships, which is the natural basis of loyalty and teamwork. It's just common sense: a group of people who like each other, who understand each other and have a personal relationship will want to stick together and help each other out to get a problem solved. Feeling this affinity with a manager makes the team so much stronger and, I'm assuming, prevents a blame culture from blossoming.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>I know we’re not all comedians, but humor can go a long way in establishing rapport, too. Have fun with each other. Joking about a shared experience, especially work-related, is a great way to forge a relationship.</p>
How can you communicate well as a remote manager?2018-06-02T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/topics/management/how-can-you-communicate-well-as-a-remote-manager/<p>As a manager, you may find yourself geographically separated from your team, whether they’re distributed or not. Communication may not be something that you’re naturally good at from the start. Like anything, if you want to become a skilled practitioner, you have to practice. The same goes for communication. Communicate often! Don't let too much time pass. That includes email (when appropriate), phone, and in-person meetings.</p>
<p>Schedule regular check-ins with your team, both as a group and with individuals. You don't necessarily have to have a lengthy agenda, and you may find it interesting to see where the conversation goes if you leave the agenda less formal. Over time, your team may come to you with fantastic ideas if you're seen as open and receptive.</p>
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<p>Be accessible. Martin gave out his home number, which you can do, but make sure you set parameters around when it's okay to call, especially if you're separated by many time zones. Especially during "normal" business hours, make an effort to be responsive when your team needs you. You may be the roadblock that's preventing progress somewhere, and by being responsive, you can not become an obstacle yourself.</p>
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<p>Lastly, when you're working with your team, take the time to share non-work things with them. This personal touch can go a long way, and you don't have to share more than you're comfortable with, obviously. Think about things that may interest people on your team, too, and share those things when you email, chat or talk. When you strip the work away, we're all people, after all. Getting to know each other better will help strengthen your professional interactions.</p>
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Maximize your mental, social and physical health while working remotely2018-06-01T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/topics/health/maximize-your-mental-social-and-physical-health-while-working-remotely/<p>When you're working remotely, you're not necessarily engaging with people throughout the day. You may be at a desk a large portion of the day, too. Here are a few ideas from <a href="https://artofworkingremotely.com/remotechat/">#RemoteChat</a> participants to keep your mental, social and physical health at their peak.</p>
<h2 id="mental">Mental</h2>
<p>Variety is the spice of life. It's no different for your brain! When you're working on a task for long stretches, make sure you take a few minutes periodically to give your brain something else to do. If you're desk-bound, get up and stretch or go for a quick walk, or do something that's a total shift from what you were doing before, like playing music, reading (not a work-related book) or working on a puzzle.</p>
<p>Laurel talks about how she builds variety into her work, accepting jobs that challenge her creativity. She also takes time to record and celebrate her progress. That's SO important: look up every once in awhile and recognize the work that you've done!</p>
<p>When you're working, you can stave off mental fatigue by playing music, or using ambient noise services like <a href="https://www1.brain.fm/">brain.fm</a>. Most importantly, though, recognize that it's not all about the work. Set hours that you'll start and finish for the day and try to keep to them.</p>
<h2 id="social">Social</h2>
<p>Everyone has social needs that are different. You may be living on your own, have a spouse and children, or somewhere in between. If you're alone for most of the day, you may find that connection to other people is very much an essential need for you. At work, you can use chat apps and make an effort to get to know your colleagues better when opportunities arise. Outside of work, however, is where you have to get involved to be more social. There's always family and friends, and spending a few hours working at a coffee shop during the day. Here are a few other ideas for greater social engagement.</p>
<ul>
<li>Join a fire department auxiliary, or be a volunteer firefighter</li>
<li>Help build a house with Habitat for Humanity</li>
<li>Join a faith-based organization for fellowship and social activities</li>
<li>Help with food pantry distribution</li>
<li>Get involved with youth organizations</li>
<li>Join a running group through a local running store</li>
<li>Join Rotary or Chamber of Commerce</li>
<li>Help out with civic groups that help spruce up your community</li>
<li>Volunteer at local festivals or concerts</li>
<li>Organize a local 5K fundraiser</li>
<li>Volunteer at your local library</li>
<li>Sing in a community chorus</li>
<li>Go to a local meetup (see <a href="http://meetup.com/">meetup.com</a>)</li>
<li>Work at a co-working space a few days a week</li>
<li>Attend concerts or classes at a local college or university</li>
<li>Join a <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/chicceo/2013/10/21/7-reasons-to-join-a-mastermind-group">Mastermind group</a> (see David's tweet below)</li>
</ul>
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Eat right.<br />Social and spiritual: Go to church every week. Try to hang out with close friends at least once a month.<br />Mental: Mastermind groups help. So does reading a lot.<br /><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/remotechat">#remotechat</a></p><div class="tweet-images"></div><div class="tweet-footer"><a class="tweet-like" href="https://twitter.com/intent/like?tweet_id=991737779464949761"><div class="tweet-like-icon" aria-label="Like" title="Like" role="img"></div><span class="tweet-like-count">3 </span></a><a class="tweet-date" title="Time Posted: May 2, 2018 05:54:46 (UTC)" href="https://twitter.com/DavidParmeleeUX/status/991737779464949761">05:54 PM · May 2, 2018</a></div></blockquote>
<h2 id="physical">Physical</h2>
<p>Remote workers say it's easier for them to be physically fit, and for a variety of reasons. The most important thing you can do for yourself physically is to commit to a plan and then execute on it. Franklin plays (and used to coach) basketball, which also meets a social need.</p>
<ul>
<li>Pick a running race, register for it, and launch into a training plan</li>
<li>Challenge yourself to some Fitbit goals for each day</li>
<li>Practice yoga</li>
<li>Walk your dog</li>
<li>Partake in group fitness classes (spinning, weights, cardio)</li>
</ul>
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Mental: used to be coaching basketball, but since I'm taking the year off w/ baby on the way I'm going back through & creating a program manual for my next team. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/remotechat">#remotechat</a></p><div class="tweet-images"></div><div class="tweet-footer"><a class="tweet-like" href="https://twitter.com/intent/like?tweet_id=991737616579072004"><div class="tweet-like-icon" aria-label="Like" title="Like" role="img"></div><span class="tweet-like-count">3 </span></a><a class="tweet-date" title="Time Posted: May 2, 2018 05:54:08 (UTC)" href="https://twitter.com/franklinnb/status/991737616579072004">05:54 PM · May 2, 2018</a></div></blockquote>
<p>As a remote worker, it's important for you to eat well, too. You'll eat what you stock in your kitchen, so make sure you stock up on good, whole foods. Minimize the processed stuff. Plan ahead and make healthy dinners. Lastly, take the time to eat. Even if you're by yourself, take the time for lunch and dinner without working.</p>
Can working remotely benefit your physical health?2018-05-31T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/topics/health/can-working-remotely-benefit-your-physical-health/<p>When we asked <a href="https://artofworkingremotely.com/remotechat/">#RemoteChat</a>, the consensus was yes, the respondents were healthier as remote workers. Why? They owed it to a combination of fitness accessibility and healthier eating. Kat's tweet sums it up nicely.</p>
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I have time to go to the gym every morning for a 45-60 minutes and take fitness classes at night, and can cook healthier meals for breakfast and/or lunch. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/remotechat">#remotechat</a></p><div class="tweet-images"></div><div class="tweet-footer"><a class="tweet-like" href="https://twitter.com/intent/like?tweet_id=933397064465207300"><div class="tweet-like-icon" aria-label="Like" title="Like" role="img"></div><span class="tweet-like-count">2 </span></a><a class="tweet-date" title="Time Posted: Nov 22, 2017 06:09:36 (UTC)" href="https://twitter.com/katspasov/status/933397064465207300">06:09 PM · Nov 22, 2017</a></div></blockquote>
<p>On the fitness front, remote workers may be more likely to have fitness equipment in their homes, but also to make time at specific times of day to head to the gym. You may have a dog that needs walking periodically, which also serves as a nice built-in break for you. App-based fitness is also making home workouts a viable option, such as <a href="https://twitter.com/yogastudioapp">Yoga Studio</a> and <a href="https://www.lesmills.com/us/ondemand/">Les Mills on Demand</a>.</p>
<p>One additional enabler of fitness any time of day: you don't need to look presentable (per se) after working out to return to work. Katherine even uses a walking workstation to build fitness into her remote work setup!</p>
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Sliter </a><a class="tweet-author-handle" href="https://twitter.com/KatherineSliter">@KatherineSliter</a></div><a class="tweet-bird" href="https://twitter.com/KatherineSliter/status/943554138000052224"><div class="tweet-bird-icon" role="presentation" aria-label="View on Twitter" title="View on Twitter"></div></a></div><p class="tweet-body"><a href="https://twitter.com/workingrem">@workingrem</a> A5: Pretty sure I'd be in much worse shape if I worked in an office full-time. At home, I can use my walking workstation to at least get some activity. Plus, no commuting in the snow! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/remotechat">#remotechat</a></p><div class="tweet-images"></div><div class="tweet-footer"><a class="tweet-like" href="https://twitter.com/intent/like?tweet_id=943554138000052224"><div class="tweet-like-icon" aria-label="Like" title="Like" role="img"></div><span class="tweet-like-count">2 </span></a><a class="tweet-date" title="Time Posted: Dec 20, 2017 06:50:11 (UTC)" href="https://twitter.com/KatherineSliter/status/943554138000052224">06:50 PM · Dec 20, 2017</a></div></blockquote>
<p>Remote workers also said they eat healthier, too. There's something so true about that: you have a choice about what you buy for your fridge and pantry. Perhaps we didn't hear from the remote workers who stock them with junk? I have a feeling that it's more likely that when you're remote and away from the lure of restaurants and bars each day, you're making healthier choices when you stock up at the market.</p>
Evaluating Yourself as a Remote Worker2018-05-30T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/topics/performance/evaluating-yourself-as-a-remote-worker/<p>It can be difficult to make the time to evaluate yourself as a remote worker, but a periodic check-in is important. If you work for a company, you may have a recurring process where you go through goal-setting and then performance evaluation against those goals. That's usually an annual process in bigger companies, but can be more informal and as frequently as monthly. Plus, you have to do much of the heavy lifting during this assessment period (<a href="https://www.cio.com/article/2386859/careers-staffing/careers-staffing-10-tips-for-making-self-evaluations-meaningful.html">read more about doing your own self-assessment in a meaningful way</a>).</p>
<h2 id="formal-evaluations">Formal Evaluations</h2>
<p>As an independent, the proof of your performance can be evident in your bank account. It's somewhat tongue-in-cheek, but then again not. If you're looking at your project commitments and you don't have trouble sourcing new work, something must be working! That said, it can be useful to evaluate yourself formally.</p>
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<p>The technology doesn't have to be fancy in order for self-evaluation to work. Capture what your goals are, measure in the interim, then assess as pre-determined intervals. If you have a process by which you can capture feedback from clients (surveys being a popular choice), make sure you incorporate that feedback.</p>
<h2 id="informal-feedback">Informal Feedback</h2>
<p>There's always informal feedback, too. It's hardly a scientific poll, but almost 2/3 of respondents in this poll don't go through a formal feedback process. If you're in this camp, you really need to be highly attuned to feedback and recognize it (and process it) when you get it.</p>
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What does performance assessment look like for you? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/remotechat">#remotechat</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/remotework">#remotework</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/workingremotely">#workingremotely</a></p><div class="tweet-images"></div><div class="tweet-footer"><a class="tweet-like" href="https://twitter.com/intent/like?tweet_id=1001765238830661632"><div class="tweet-like-icon" aria-label="Like" title="Like" role="img"></div><span class="tweet-like-count"></span> </a><a class="tweet-date" title="Time Posted: May 30, 2018 10:00:19 (UTC)" href="https://twitter.com/workingrem/status/1001765238830661632">10:00 AM · May 30, 2018</a></div></blockquote>
<p>It may not be packaged with a bow, as in "Hey, I have some feedback for you," but if you listen for it in your daily interactions, you can hear things from your clients, supervisor or team members that you might choose to work on.</p>
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How do you keep your skills sharp as a remote worker?2018-05-25T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/topics/professional-development/how-do-you-keep-your-skills-sharp-as-a-remote-worker/<p>When you're working in any environment, it can be difficult to keep your skills sharp when you are constantly delivering on deadlines. Sure, you could ignore professional development, but at some point the pace of technological and industry change will outrun you, and you'll find yourself out of date and behind. Make it a focus to do something to enrich your knowledge each year. It'll pay dividends when you ask for a promotion or look for another opportunity!</p>
<p>The most accessible way of learning is likely from your own colleagues! There are likely a few people you work with and look up to that would be more than happy to share their knowledge with you. This can be formal, by you asking them how they did something, or having them deliver a presentation on the topic (brown bag lunch?). You can also get best practices and advice from them informally during the normal course of work. Perhaps there's an opportunity to peer program, code review, or just ask them for help with something that you're stuck on. Tanya notes that this can be a challenge when you're not physically there, but through the magic of instant messaging, phones and screen sharing, it can be quite effective.</p>
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But what IS more challenging is learning, sharing & developing through your peers & colleagues within the org (PD that happens via work related projects) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/remotechat">#remotechat</a></p><div class="tweet-images"></div><div class="tweet-footer"><a class="tweet-like" href="https://twitter.com/intent/like?tweet_id=986727100051681285"><div class="tweet-like-icon" aria-label="Like" title="Like" role="img"></div><span class="tweet-like-count"></span> </a><a class="tweet-date" title="Time Posted: Apr 18, 2018 10:04:07 (UTC)" href="https://twitter.com/tanyalau/status/986727100051681285">10:04 PM · Apr 18, 2018</a></div></blockquote>
<p>If you work for a company, they're the next best place to turn to. There may be online learning opportunities that are proprietary to your business, so ask your manager about that. Andrew says that he likes to learn from new projects. If you take a course from an online learning source like <a href="http://lynda.com/">lynda.com</a>, for example, you can do a project based on that course to really cement the concepts you've learned. You may find that as you learn new things, they can be leveraged in some fashion in the work you do day-to-day.</p>
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<p>There are a ton of resources out there that you can use to improve yourself. We've rounded up some of the most popular that we've heard in <a href="https://artofworkingremotely.com/topics/professional-development/what-resources-can-you-use-to-help-yourself-grow-as-a-professional/">our post about professional development resources</a>.</p>
How do you deal with remote workplace distractions?2018-05-24T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/topics/discipline/how-do-you-deal-with-remote-workplace-distractions/<p>We all take on a lot. That, in and of itself, can be the biggest workplace distraction. Ironic, isn't it? Kat reminds us that we should focus on one thing at a time.</p>
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Due to having over 10 active clients at any given time & many short-term & long-term projects, I get pulled in many different directions at once throughout the day. Often have to remind myself to focus on 1 thing at a time. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/remotechat">#remotechat</a></p><div class="tweet-images"></div><div class="tweet-footer"><a class="tweet-like" href="https://twitter.com/intent/like?tweet_id=976514629609426946"><div class="tweet-like-icon" aria-label="Like" title="Like" role="img"></div><span class="tweet-like-count">4 </span></a><a class="tweet-date" title="Time Posted: Mar 21, 2018 05:43:25 (UTC)" href="https://twitter.com/katspasov/status/976514629609426946">05:43 PM · Mar 21, 2018</a></div></blockquote>
<p>Easy to say, but how is it in practice? The following tips may help you stay focused on one thing at a time:</p>
<ul>
<li>Set a timer for a specific time. Don't stop working on your priority until it's done.</li>
<li>Make a commitment to complete the task before switching to another.</li>
<li>Relocate yourself to another location, like another room or a coffee shop, and set a goal to complete the priority before you move.</li>
<li>De-clutter your workspace. If you're looking at something else in your periphery, you're not focused on your task. Get rid of visual reminders that you have other things to do!</li>
<li>Turn off the notifications on your phone and place it face down, or better yet, use airplane mode!</li>
<li>Shut down any other apps on your computer that may distract you.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="track-your-time">Track your Time</h2>
<p>Keeping track of your time could be a great way to add some discipline and focus. For those of us who are working for another company, this may seem counterintuitive. It may already come as second nature for people working on their own. There are tons of time trackers for billing purposes, but <a href="https://www.rescuetime.com/">RescueTime</a> has been mentioned several times in <a href="https://artofworkingremotely.com/remotechat/">#RemoteChat</a> and warrants mentioning here. Per their web site, RescueTime tracks "time spent on applications and websites, giving you an accurate picture of your day." Just having an awareness of how you're spending your time may be enough to change your habits.</p>
<h2 id="phone-addiction">Phone Addiction</h2>
<p>Do you have an unhealthy relationship with your device? You're not alone, and <a href="http://www.health.com/anxiety/cell-phone-addiction">phone addiction is real</a>. When you're scrolling through Instagram or checking your likes on Facebook, you're not working. Turning off your notifications can go a long way toward cutting down on your usage (I've tried this with all of my apps except email, and it has worked wonders). Similar to RescueTime, there are also tracking apps for your phone like <a href="https://inthemoment.io/">Moment</a>, so you can see just how your time is being used. Samus also talked about how switching your phone to grayscale (<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/12/technology/grayscale-phone.html">see this New York Times article</a>) can also help cut usage.</p>
<h2 id="apps-and-games">Apps and Games</h2>
<p>Earlier in my career, I had a gaming problem. If I was bored or in between tasks, I would break out Need for Speed or Age of Empires. I had a steering wheel for NFS, and the gameplay for AoE could take hours. I spent time moving virtual armies and trebuchets around when I should have been doing something more productive. The quickest way to get rid of a habit like this is to <strong>lose the game</strong>. I uninstalled and sold both of those games, and I didn’t miss them. The proliferation of apps on our phones has the potential to introduce the same problem. There are games that take just a few minutes, which is fine. There are games that can consume hours, and those are not fine. In fact, they’ve been engineered to prey on our addictive tendencies. I recognize those for what they are, delete them, and am far happier (and productive) for it. Have the vigilance to recognize anything that is taking up far too much of your time - be it games, chores or anything else - and kick it to the curb.</p>
How can you stay on task as a remote worker?2018-05-24T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/topics/discipline/how-can-you-stay-on-task-as-a-remote-worker/<p>Staying on task is no small feat, regardless of where you're working. In fact, one of the oft-cited drawbacks of being in an office is the constant distractions that pull your focus. Nearby conversations and people interrupting you for "quick" questions can be the death knell for productivity. Some of the <a href="https://artofworkingremotely.com/remotechat/">#RemoteChat</a> answers serve as great inspiration for staying on task.</p>
<h2 id="start-the-day-off-right">Start the Day Off Right</h2>
<p>Do your most important task at the beginning of the day, or when you have the most energy. When you make a commitment to get this biggest, highest priority task out of the way, it'll get done.</p>
<style type="text/css">.tweet-card{background:#fff;margin:15px 0;padding:20px;background-color:#fff;border:1px solid #e1e8ed;border-radius:5px;font-size:16px;line-height:1.4;font-family:Helvetica,Roboto,"Segoe UI",Calibri,sans-serif;color:#1c2022;max-width:500px;text-align:left}.tweet-card:hover{border-color:#ccd6dd}.tweet-card a{color:#2b7bb9;text-decoration:none}.tweet-card a:hover{color:#3b94d9}.tweet-header{display:flex}.tweet-header .tweet-profile{margin-right:9px;flex-shrink:0}.tweet-header .tweet-profile img{border-radius:50%;height:36px;width:36px}.tweet-header .tweet-author{display:flex;flex-direction:column;flex-grow:1}.tweet-header .tweet-author-name{font-weight:700;color:#1c2022;line-height:1.3}.tweet-header .tweet-author-name:hover{color:#3b94d9}.tweet-header .tweet-author-handle{color:#697882;font-size:14px;line-height:1}.tweet-header .tweet-bird{margin-left:20px}.tweet-images img{width:100%;max-height:250px;object-fit:cover;margin-bottom:10px;border-radius:4px}.tweet-footer{display:flex;align-items:center}.tweet-card .tweet-footer a{color:#697882;font-size:14px}.tweet-footer .tweet-date:hover{color:#2b7bb9}.tweet-footer .tweet-like{margin-right:15px;font-size:15px;display:flex;align-items:center}.tweet-footer .tweet-like:hover{color:#e0245e}.tweet-footer .tweet-like-count{margin-left:4px}.tweet-footer .tweet-like-icon{filter:grayscale(1) brightness(1.4);transition:filter}.tweet-footer .tweet-like:hover .tweet-like-icon{filter:none}.tweet-bird-icon,.tweet-like-icon{display:inline-block;width:1.25em;height:1.25em;background-size:contain;background-repeat:no-repeat;vertical-align:text-bottom}.tweet-bird-icon{background-image:url(data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%2072%2072%22%3E%3Cpath%20fill%3D%22none%22%20d%3D%22M0%200h72v72H0z%22%2F%3E%3Cpath%20class%3D%22icon%22%20fill%3D%22%231da1f2%22%20d%3D%22M68.812%2015.14c-2.348%201.04-4.87%201.744-7.52%202.06%202.704-1.62%204.78-4.186%205.757-7.243-2.53%201.5-5.33%202.592-8.314%203.176C56.35%2010.59%2052.948%209%2049.182%209c-7.23%200-13.092%205.86-13.092%2013.093%200%201.026.118%202.02.338%202.98C25.543%2024.527%2015.9%2019.318%209.44%2011.396c-1.125%201.936-1.77%204.184-1.77%206.58%200%204.543%202.312%208.552%205.824%2010.9-2.146-.07-4.165-.658-5.93-1.64-.002.056-.002.11-.002.163%200%206.345%204.513%2011.638%2010.504%2012.84-1.1.298-2.256.457-3.45.457-.845%200-1.666-.078-2.464-.23%201.667%205.2%206.5%208.985%2012.23%209.09-4.482%203.51-10.13%205.605-16.26%205.605-1.055%200-2.096-.06-3.122-.184%205.794%203.717%2012.676%205.882%2020.067%205.882%2024.083%200%2037.25-19.95%2037.25-37.25%200-.565-.013-1.133-.038-1.693%202.558-1.847%204.778-4.15%206.532-6.774z%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)}.tweet-like-icon{background-image:url(data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%2224%22%20height%3D%2224%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%2024%2024%22%3E%3Cpath%20class%3D%22icon%22%20fill%3D%22%23E0245E%22%20d%3D%22M12%2021.638h-.014C9.403%2021.59%201.95%2014.856%201.95%208.478c0-3.064%202.525-5.754%205.403-5.754%202.29%200%203.83%201.58%204.646%202.73.813-1.148%202.353-2.73%204.644-2.73%202.88%200%205.404%202.69%205.404%205.755%200%206.375-7.454%2013.11-10.037%2013.156H12zM7.354%204.225c-2.08%200-3.903%201.988-3.903%204.255%200%205.74%207.035%2011.596%208.55%2011.658%201.52-.062%208.55-5.917%208.55-11.658%200-2.267-1.822-4.255-3.902-4.255-2.528%200-3.94%202.936-3.952%202.965-.23.562-1.156.562-1.387%200-.015-.03-1.426-2.965-3.955-2.965z%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)}</style><blockquote class="tweet-card"><div class="tweet-header"><a class="tweet-profile" href="https://twitter.com/katspasov"><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1554100140587319299/daguvopU_normal.jpg" alt="Avatar for katspasov" /></a><div class="tweet-author"><a class="tweet-author-name" href="https://twitter.com/katspasov">Kat Spasov </a><a class="tweet-author-handle" href="https://twitter.com/katspasov">@katspasov</a></div><a class="tweet-bird" href="https://twitter.com/katspasov/status/938476058952814593"><div class="tweet-bird-icon" role="presentation" aria-label="View on Twitter" title="View on Twitter"></div></a></div><p class="tweet-body"><a href="https://twitter.com/scottpdawson">@scottpdawson</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/workingrem">@workingrem</a> I try not to let the endless incoming requests sidetrack me from what I'm currently working on, do my most difficult tasks at the beginning of the day, and just dig in and get through it! Also staying freakishly organized helps, hahah. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/remotechat">#remotechat</a></p><div class="tweet-images"></div><div class="tweet-footer"><a class="tweet-like" href="https://twitter.com/intent/like?tweet_id=938476058952814593"><div class="tweet-like-icon" aria-label="Like" title="Like" role="img"></div><span class="tweet-like-count">1 </span></a><a class="tweet-date" title="Time Posted: Dec 6, 2017 06:31:43 (UTC)" href="https://twitter.com/katspasov/status/938476058952814593">06:31 PM · Dec 6, 2017</a></div></blockquote>
<h2 id="don't-multitask">Don't Multitask</h2>
<p>Shannon says there are statistics saying that multi-tasking or task switching can cause productivity to drop by 40%! I can believe that. When I come up with something I know needs to get done, if I can't do it in 5 minutes or less, I add it to a to-do list and save it for later.</p>
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There are stats saying that multi-tasking or task switching can cause productivity to drop by 40%! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/remotechat">#remotechat</a></p><div class="tweet-images"></div><div class="tweet-footer"><a class="tweet-like" href="https://twitter.com/intent/like?tweet_id=976515165075238912"><div class="tweet-like-icon" aria-label="Like" title="Like" role="img"></div><span class="tweet-like-count">5 </span></a><a class="tweet-date" title="Time Posted: Mar 21, 2018 05:45:32 (UTC)" href="https://twitter.com/shannon_crabill/status/976515165075238912">05:45 PM · Mar 21, 2018</a></div></blockquote>
<h2 id="take-a-break">Take a Break</h2>
<p>Breaks are also helpful for staying on task, or getting creatively unblocked. I commonly go for a walk during lunch in the summertime, and it allows me to return to the office refreshed and recharged. As a bonus, if I'm spinning my wheels on a piece of problematic code or a design problem, stepping away and going for a walk, hike or run helps my brain focus on something else. Invariably during the activity, a solution (or many!) arrives in my head and I'm eager to return to the computer to try it out.</p>
<h2 id="make-a-plan">Make a Plan</h2>
<p>Plan out your day and make sure distractions will be held at bay. You can use something as simple as a Post-It note, or use an app that specializes in planning out your time. Allot a specific amount of time to each task and you'll make sure each one gets the attention you think it deserves when you make your list. If you know there'll be potential for distraction, like Katherine notes below, be proactive in planning focused time for yourself.</p>
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<h2 id="turn-distractions-off">Turn Distractions Off</h2>
<p>Carlie talks about a lot of ways of reducing distractions in her tweet, right down to what you're listening to. After reading this, I ended up subscribing to <a href="https://www1.brain.fm/">brain.fm</a> after a trial. Having something ambient, without lyrics, really helped me double down and focus. Couple that with putting your phone in airplane mode and/or turning off notifications on your phone and desktop, and you have a winning combination for a stretch of productive time.</p>
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I turn off my phone/put it in the bedroom and log off chat and email <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wfhchat">#wfhchat</a></p><div class="tweet-images"></div><div class="tweet-footer"><a class="tweet-like" href="https://twitter.com/intent/like?tweet_id=870017131139579905"><div class="tweet-like-icon" aria-label="Like" title="Like" role="img"></div><span class="tweet-like-count"></span> </a><a class="tweet-date" title="Time Posted: May 31, 2017 08:40:22 (UTC)" href="https://twitter.com/carliebonavia/status/870017131139579905">08:40 PM · May 31, 2017</a></div></blockquote>What's the best type of communication to use when you're remote?2018-05-22T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/topics/communication/whats-the-best-type-of-communication-to-use-when-youre-remote/<p><strong>TL;DR</strong> - Talking with someone will help you have a richer communication, and help short-circuit potential lengthy back-and-forth conversations. Email and chat win the day because you can refer back to them, even months after the fact.</p>
<hr />
<p>As with many answers, it can depend on the situation, who you're communicating with and how. When we recently asked a similar question to <a href="https://artofworkingremotely.com/remotechat/">#RemoteChat</a>, video conferencing didn't come out even close to on top, due to connectivity and quality. Video was also cited as less of an option due to culture issues: if most people in an organization aren't using it, then other methods stand out. The clear winners were voice, email and chat.</p>
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<h2 id="voice">Voice</h2>
<p>Talking with someone on the phone works well for interactions that'll require several rounds of clarification. Have you ever been in email conversations that went back and forth more times than the ball in a tennis match? That's when it's good to schedule a meeting or simply pick up the phone. A lot can happen when you're interacting in real time. Plus, you have the added rapport-building benefit of being able to easily talk about other things. You can start off a call with some casual conversation, especially if you're waiting for others, or close down the call the same way.</p>
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<h2 id="email-and-chat">Email and Chat</h2>
<p>Digital forms have the added benefit of persisting beyond the interaction. Email and chat (Skype for Business) were mentioned frequently due to the audibability of the forums. For example, you can file away most emails that you think might be important in the future, and find them easily when you want to. Depending on your environment, chat clients like Skype for Business will save their transcripts right into Outlook, or let you download a transcript when you're done. Chat is also good when you're just asking a quick question and you know the other person will be responsive. Email and chat are also ideal when you're not able to be online at the same time as the other person.</p>
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What resources can you use to help yourself grow as a professional?2018-05-22T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/topics/professional-development/what-resources-can-you-use-to-help-yourself-grow-as-a-professional/<p>We've had a few questions on <a href="https://artofworkingremotely.com/remotechat/">#RemoteChat</a> about where you turn for professional development. There are a ton of resources out there, some free, and the list keeps growing.</p>
<h2 id="online-learning-sites">Online Learning Sites</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.lynda.com/">Lynda</a></li>
<li><a href="https://teamtreehouse.com/">Treehouse</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.codecademy.com/">Codecademy</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.udemy.com/">Udemy</a></li>
<li><a href="https://academy.hubspot.com/lessons">Hubspot Academy</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.khanacademy.org/">Khan Academy</a></li>
<li><a href="https://codetime.io/">codetime.io</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="communities-%26-forums">Communities & Forums</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://dev.to/">dev.to</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.reddit.com/">Reddit</a></li>
<li><a href="http://indiehackers.com/">Indie Hackers</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="videos">Videos</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.ted.com/">Ted</a></li>
<li><a href="https://vimeo.com/channels/smashingconf/videos">Smashing Conference on Vimeo</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="other">Other</h2>
<ul>
<li>Reading books</li>
<li>Side projects</li>
<li>Podcasts</li>
<li>Coffee with colleagues</li>
<li>Local clinics and meetups</li>
<li>Industry conferences</li>
<li>Twitter chats</li>
</ul>
Tripp and Tyler Get Remote Work2018-05-20T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/topics/humor/tripp-and-tyler-get-remote-work/<p>The comedy duo, <a href="http://www.trippandtyler.tv/">Tripp and Tyler</a>, totally get remote work. Here are a few favorites from their <a href="https://www.youtube.com/trippandtyler">YouTube channel</a>.</p>
<h2 id="video-conference-calls">Video Conference Calls</h2>
<p>Is this what video conference calls are like in your company?</p>
<iframe width="100%" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JMOOG7rWTPg" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<h2 id="audio-conference-calls">Audio Conference Calls</h2>
<p>Lest you think the video conference callers have all the fun, it's just a good with audio only. I have seen ALL of these in my years of remote work.</p>
<iframe width="100%" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DYu_bGbZiiQ" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<h2 id="email">Email</h2>
<p>And then there's email. Timeless. Classic. Still just as much fun.</p>
<iframe width="100%" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HTgYHHKs0Zw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
Averting communication issues when you're managing remotely2018-05-18T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/topics/communication/averting-communication-issues-when-youre-managing-remotely/<p>When you're working remotely with colleagues, people you're managing, or clients, it's important to take proactive steps to avoid communication issues before they happen. There are a few things you can do regularly to help have a healthy relationship while you're virtual:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Check in regularly</strong> Schedule regular calls, video chats or meetings with people. These can be with a full team, and/or 1:1. A side benefit of scheduling is communicating that "my relationship with you is important enough to me to check in regularly."</li>
<li><strong>Be accessible</strong> Make sure people know how to get in touch with you. If you work in different time zones, make sure people know the best way to get in touch with you if something is urgent. There's nothing worse than having to wait an entire day because you couldn't get a question answered.</li>
<li><strong>It's not just about the work</strong> We're all people at the end of the day. Ask the person about their personal life. What are they doing for the weekend? If there's a special festival or holiday in their country, how do they celebrate it? You can learn so much more about a person by exploring other dimensions beyond your work.</li>
</ol>
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<h2 id="handling-communication-issues">Handling Communication Issues</h2>
<p>If and when misunderstandings arise -- and they will -- hopping on voice or video can work wonders. Know when to take things out of a medium where communication is no longer effective. Phone calls or video chat can help clear up misunderstandings far faster than asynchronous communication.</p>
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<h2 id="question-to-the-void">Question to the Void</h2>
<p>You can head off potential communication issues by trying to be proactive and identify them before they arise. Try to be as unambiguous in your communication as possible. If something can be interpreted more than one way, it's likely that it will be. Read and re-read things when you write them, and make them as clear and concise as possible. If you're writing to someone for whom English is not a primary language, use words that are clear and commonly used, too. Nobody should need to use a dictionary to find out what you really mean. Lastly, there's a saying "question to the void." If you read something and you're inner voice is saying, "Yeah ... I still don't fully understand ..." you should get clarification. Ask questions until you can't ask questions anymore. Only then will you have gotten to the point where things are clearly communicated and understood.</p>
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I talk about this often with other freelancers. If a client sends something vague or confusing, my first line of defense is to rephrase their question back to them. They either correct the assumptions or realize they haven't provided enough details & fill in the holes.</p><div class="tweet-images"></div><div class="tweet-footer"><a class="tweet-like" href="https://twitter.com/intent/like?tweet_id=986666400503812096"><div class="tweet-like-icon" aria-label="Like" title="Like" role="img"></div><span class="tweet-like-count">2 </span></a><a class="tweet-date" title="Time Posted: Apr 18, 2018 06:02:55 (UTC)" href="https://twitter.com/ErinBoothVA/status/986666400503812096">06:02 PM · Apr 18, 2018</a></div></blockquote>Best practices for composing emails2018-05-14T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/topics/communication/best-practices-for-composing-emails/<p>There's a fabulous sentiment in this tweet. Regardless of your industry, it's probably fair to say that you spend a lot of time on email. Composing, sending, reading, and trying to achieve that elusive "<a href="https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifehack/ultimate-way-inbox-zero.html">Inbox Zero</a>" status.</p>
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<h2 id="composing-email">Composing Email</h2>
<p>How can you do your part when you're writing an email?</p>
<ul>
<li>Keep emails brief, clear and consistent</li>
<li>Make it clear what you expect from the reader. Does it require their approval, is it for their information, or should they review it prior to a scheduled meeting? Make sure they have adequate time to review it.</li>
<li>Follow up if you don't hear back -- but only after a reasonable amount of time. Some people have massive inboxes and your message <em>can</em> get lost below the scroll.</li>
<li>Read and re-read what you've written and try to simplify it. The recipient may only have time to scan what you've written.</li>
</ul>
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I'm also working on an email writing style that is brief & clear but with still enough detail to be useful. Bullet points helps a lot <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/remotechat">#remotechat</a></p><div class="tweet-images"></div><div class="tweet-footer"><a class="tweet-like" href="https://twitter.com/intent/like?tweet_id=989246294148300801"><div class="tweet-like-icon" aria-label="Like" title="Like" role="img"></div><span class="tweet-like-count">1 </span></a><a class="tweet-date" title="Time Posted: Apr 25, 2018 08:54:30 (UTC)" href="https://twitter.com/tanyalau/status/989246294148300801">08:54 PM · Apr 25, 2018</a></div></blockquote>
<h2 id="receiving-email">Receiving Email</h2>
<p>There are things you can do on the receiving end, too.</p>
<p>Turn on your email auto-reply feature when you’re going to be away from your email. It may be a day, a week, or more, but it’s a great way to let people know that you’re away. Include information about how they can get in touch with you or your designated backup, if that's important.</p>
<p>For important communications that you can't follow up on right away, letting people know you received it along with an estimate of when you will get back to them can go a long way toward strengthening communication.</p>
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I try to respond, even if just to say I received the email, to everything within 4-5 hours. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wfhchat">#wfhchat</a></p><div class="tweet-images"></div><div class="tweet-footer"><a class="tweet-like" href="https://twitter.com/intent/like?tweet_id=902946069671227393"><div class="tweet-like-icon" aria-label="Like" title="Like" role="img"></div><span class="tweet-like-count">1 </span></a><a class="tweet-date" title="Time Posted: Aug 30, 2017 05:28:13 (UTC)" href="https://twitter.com/melaniebeth_/status/902946069671227393">05:28 PM · Aug 30, 2017</a></div></blockquote>Buzzfeed's List: 38 Things Only People Who Work From Home Will Understand2018-02-20T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/topics/humor/buzzfeeds-list-38-things-only-people-who-work-from-home-will-understand/<p>Freelance? Self-Employed? Work remotely? You'll laugh at these (and some of them, perhaps not). Even in 2014, BuzzFeed's gif game was good. <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/catesevilla/38-things-only-people-who-work-from-home-will-understand">Check out the entire list</a></p>
A 2017 Classic: Conference Call Bingo2017-07-16T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/topics/humor/a-2017-classic-conference-call-bingo/<p>Three words: <strong>conference call bingo</strong>. Yes! I think some enterprising person should make up a deck of these. They could be sold, yes? And used? Heck yes.</p>
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class="tweet-card"><div class="tweet-header"><a class="tweet-profile" href="https://twitter.com/reallykristi"><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1380193791425007616/BQ2u8XD8_normal.jpg" alt="Avatar for reallykristi" /></a><div class="tweet-author"><a class="tweet-author-name" href="https://twitter.com/reallykristi">Kristi DePaul 🌻🫶 </a><a class="tweet-author-handle" href="https://twitter.com/reallykristi">@reallykristi</a></div><a class="tweet-bird" href="https://twitter.com/reallykristi/status/1248191641762107392"><div class="tweet-bird-icon" role="presentation" aria-label="View on Twitter" title="View on Twitter"></div></a></div><p class="tweet-body">Bringing back 2017's Conference Call Bingo for obvious reasons 😅...enjoy!<br /><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/#remoteworkin"><br />#remoteworkin</a>g<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/#WorkFromHom"> #WorkFromHom</a>ex</p><div class="tweet-images"><img alt="Image from Tweet" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EVJ28VjU8AUyP82.jpg" /></div><div class="tweet-footer"><a class="tweet-like" href="https://twitter.com/intent/like?tweet_id=1248191641762107392"><div class="tweet-like-icon" aria-label="Like" title="Like" role="img"></div><span class="tweet-like-count">25 </span></a><a class="tweet-date" title="Time Posted: Apr 9, 2020 10:10:52 (UTC)" href="https://twitter.com/reallykristi/status/1248191641762107392">10:10 AM · Apr 9, 2020</a></div></blockquote>The New Yorker: I Work From Home2017-02-03T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/topics/humor/the-new-yorker-i-work-from-home/<p><a href="https://twitter.com/cnissan">Colin Nissan</a> wrote a <a href="https://www.newyorker.com/humor/daily-shouts/i-work-from-home">fabulous humor piece in The New Yorker</a> about the trials of working from home, including constant eating, not exercising, and not being productive.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>OPERATOR:</strong> That’s good. That’s how it’s supposed to feel. <em>(Pause.)</em> I need you to tell me what you’re wearing, O.K.?</p>
<p><strong>ROBERT:</strong> You know . . . just regular clothes.</p>
<p><strong>OPERATOR:</strong> Outside clothes or inside clothes?</p>
<p><strong>ROBERT:</strong> Hold on, I’ll check. <em>(Pause.)</em> Pajamas. I’m wearing my pajamas. I could swear I’d changed into regular . . . I thought these were jeans!</p>
</blockquote>
<p>... <a href="https://www.newyorker.com/humor/daily-shouts/i-work-from-home">read the whole story</a>.</p>
50 Things Only Remote Workers Understand2017-01-29T00:00:00Zhttps://artofworkingremotely.com/topics/humor/50-things-only-remote-workers-understand/<p>The team at InVision collaborated on this list of 50 things only remote workers understand. They're a 100% remote company, so of course, they get it!</p>
<p><a href="https://www.invisionapp.com/blog/remote-worker-truths">50 Things Only Remote Workers Understand</a></p>