When it comes to remote work, there are plenty of tips on how to create an effective work from home space to maximize productivity. But what if you want to tip the scales of work-life balance to maximize your success – in your role, on your team, and as a whole?
Not only has the ThinkLab team been researching the future of work in all of its iterations (in-office, hybrid, and remote), but we also have a unique vantage point on the topic as a fully distributed remote team working across multiple time zones. We’ve been operating as a remote team for over a decade so we have some insight on what works – and what doesn’t.
With the current shift in the workplace landscape, we’re fielding more questions than ever on the topic, such as “is remote work going to be permanent?” (very likely), “is remote work effective?” (absolutely), and “what are some tips for working from home successfully?”
To answer the latter, we compiled some of the best tips on working remotely from our research – along with some of our team’s tried-and-true tactics – to help you create effective strategies and practices for success.
One of the perks of remote work is the lack of commute. However, people often use their commute time to shift into “work mode.” Creating a rhythm before starting your workday helps replicate that transition – whether that means a quick stroll around the block or steeping a cup of tea.
Erica Waayenberg, head of research & content development: “Having a set schedule to start your day is a great way to separate your mental space from other things that could be a distraction in your home office.”
There is a way to stay well-connected remotely – without exhausting your calendars with Zoom meetings. Asynchronous communication is simply creating a time-lag for conversations around collaborative work, allowing more time for individual contributions.
Learning to leverage asynchronous communication is the best way to prevent people from saying, “that meeting could have been an email.”
Amanda Schneider, founder and president of ThinkLab: “Consider asynchronous work and synchronous work complimentary tools. If everything is synchronous it is exhausting (it probably was IRL as well!) Studies show that you’ll get more out of your people if you encourage them to think things through on their own before coming together.”
According to our whitepaper on movement in the workplace, nearly 70% of full-time American workers hate sitting, yet 86% do it all day, every day. But there are important health benefits to making a change of position – here’s how to infuse movement into your work from home agenda:
It looks like experts and the band R.E.M. agree: Stand in the place where you work.
Olga Odeide, head of business strategy and partnerships: “Start with small practices. Even just stretching your hands is a good way to break up long stretches of computer work. And if I forget, my kittens Marshall and Tucker always help me remember to take screen breaks!”
Having a dedicated space for work is essential for separating work and home life, but working from home means that when it comes to your individual workspace, you get to set the vibes.
Kayla Aimee Terrell, senior content marketing manager: “Like music, there is a powerful connection between scents and memory. Because my role tends to involve a lot of task-switching during the day, in addition to curating project playlists I love a seasonal candle to help me quickly transition to a work mindset (shout out to my sister who hand-dips soy candles in my favorite scents.)”
Avoid remote work calendar creep – that unfortunate scenario when you realize that your entire agenda is filled with back-to-back meetings – by setting a few simple boundaries.
Meredith Campbell, research and content development lead: “Try to group meetings together so that you have blocks of time open to get focus work done.”
We’re big proponents of transparent communication. Consistency in communication and overcommunication creates a culture of trust and success.
Anna Lu, senior project manager: “Don’t go it alone. Initiating conversations leads to faster solutions – problem solving doesn’t have to happen in a silo just because you’re not in the same space, your team members are your support!”
The face-to-face drop-ins and watercooler conversations that happen in a physical workplace don’t have to disappear just because you’re not in an office.
Allison Roon, research and content: “Find a way to keep the office personality alive. It keeps the serendipitous moments of fun alive and gives people a platform for sharing the personally important stuff.”
In this interview with Gitlab’s remote work evangelist, Betsy Bula, we examined the benefits associated with the autonomy of a non-linear workday.
Tana Gam-Ad, graphic designer: “Download your work apps on your phone so you can check in even if you’re working on the go! To keep work-life boundaries in place, mute your notifications when you’re done with work for the day so you can disconnect and relax.”
One of the best benefits of working from home is the ability to tailor your workday to your preferences and productivity. Adopting intentional practices allows you craft a work-life balance suited for optimal output and optimal happiness.
Want to learn more on how to structure your days to work in harmony with your creativity? Listen to our AIA & IDCEC accredited CEU podcast on how to avoid burnout.
Kayla Aimee Terrell leads content marketing for ThinkLab, the research division of SANDOW Design Group. At ThinkLab, we combine SANDOW Media’s incredible reach to the architecture and design community through brands like Interior Design Media, Metropolis, and Material Bank with proven market research techniques to uncover relevant trends and opportunities for the design industry.