Staying Motivated as a Remote Employee

(Originally posted on LinkedIn)

Technology has made the opportunity to work remote become more commonplace. The flexibility, lack of commute, and comfort of working at home also make it very appealing. If it is your first remote job, there are a few steps you can take to set yourself up for success and avoid lack of motivation.

Step 1 - Set Up Your Workstation

Everyone is different and your workstation should reflect that. You have the chance to create an environment that a normal office can not. This environment should be a place you feel great about because you will be there for 8+ hours a day. Your desk, monitors, chair, mouse, etc should be set up in a way that makes you feel comfortable so that you can do your best work while being surrounded by a place that is defined by you. If your workstation is cluttered, uncomfortable, and unpleasant, you're going to find yourself wanting to be there less every minute.

Step 2 - Make A Plan

It is important to structure your day and be realistic with what you can accomplish. The first mistake people make when planning their day is giving themselves tasks from 8-5 without breaks. We all want to be efficient with our time and think "There won't be distractions so I am going to get so much done!" This tends to be true for the first week or so. This also can lead to burnout very quickly and your mind will find ways to keep you off task.

Step 3 - Stay Social

Working remote means exactly that. You are separated from your colleagues and the office environment. It is crucial that you stay communicative with your team more than ever because they will keep you going. Human nature requires interaction and taking that away will only make you less effective.

Step 4 - Get Outside

This last step might be the most important. Working remote means that you have to make an effort to get outside because you wake up at your workplace. As part of your plan, time to get outside needs to be included. Walking your dog, going to lunch, going to the gym, etc are all excuses to go outside and you should take them. Even going for a ten minute walk every couple of hours has profound effects on motivation and overall happiness.

Utilizing these four steps will help you to be the best remote employee you can be while making sure you are productive, happy, and motivated.