Remote working is not just a trend, it’s the new normal. The tech industry, known for its innovative approaches, has been at the forefront of this movement. As we navigate this brave new world, let’s take a look at the current state of remote working in the tech industry across Europe.
Here are some eye-opening statistics:
- According to a 2020 State of Remote Work report by Owl Labs, 81% of respondents in the UK work remotely at least once a week.
- A recent Buffer survey revealed that 98% of people would like the option to work remotely for the rest of their careers.
- The European Startups report states that 52% of tech companies are planning to switch to remote working permanently.
“Remote work isn’t the future of work – it’s the present.”
So, how can you thrive in this new working environment, whether you’re an employee or an employer? So, here we’ll share with you some useful advice.
Creating a productive home office
One of the main advantages of working in an actual office is the environment it provides. In the best case scenarios, this environment tends to boost productivity. Key facilities and elements are at your disposal to help you feel more focussed on your work. However, when it comes to working from home, we often encounter a plethora of distractions and lack the comfort of a properly equipped workspace, such as a designated desk and chair.
But with a little bit of planning, and some discipline, a home could be turned into a productivity haven, just as effective as a conventional office.
Successful remote working often requires a balanced contribution from both the employer and employee. While it would be ideal for employers to provide everything necessary to enable remote work, it’s often not feasible due to each individual’s unique circumstances. Therefore, a harmonious blend of support from both the employer and employee is essential.
Designing a Productive Workspace at Home
Having a designated workspace at home is a key factor in maximising productivity when working remotely. Here are some recommended actions and things to consider:
- Choose an appropriate space: Identify a quiet and distraction-free area in your home that you can dedicate to your work.
- Ergonomics is essential: Invest in a comfortable chair and desk. Make sure your screen is at eye level and your keyboard and mouse are within easy reach.
- Good lighting: Ensure your workspace has plenty of natural light, if possible. Otherwise, invest in good artificial lighting to avoid eye strain.
- Organisation: Keep your workspace tidy and organised. This can help reduce stress and boost productivity.
- Technology: Ensure you have a reliable internet connection and all the necessary hardware and software to perform your tasks efficiently.
Remember, the goal is to replicate a professional work environment as closely as possible within your home. This can significantly improve your focus and efficiency.
Understanding that everyone’s situation is unique, employers should also do their part to support employees in setting up their home workspace. This can be done through:
- Providing allowances: for the purchase of necessary equipment or software.
- Offering flexible work hours: to accommodate different home situations.
- Regular check-ins: to ensure employees are not feeling isolated or overwhelmed.
A well-set workspace at home, combined with supportive employer policies, can lead to successful remote working in tech.
Effective time management
Mastering time management is a critical element of successful remote working. Whether you’re an employee or an employer, effective use of time can lead to increased productivity, better work-life balance, and ultimately, a more fulfilling professional journey. Let’s delve into some beneficial time management tips and time-tracking tools for remote workers in the tech industry.
Time Management Tips for Employees:
- Set clear boundaries: Separate your work and personal life by designating specific work hours and sticking to them.
- Prioritise your tasks: Use the Eisenhower Box to differentiate between urgent and important tasks, and plan your day accordingly.
- Take regular breaks: Following the Pomodoro Technique, where you work for a set amount of time (e.g., 25 minutes) then take a short break (e.g., 5 minutes), can increase productivity.
Remember, effective time management isn’t about filling every moment with work, but rather maximising productivity during work hours while preserving personal time for relaxation and leisure.
Time Management Tips for Employers:
- Set clear expectations: Clearly communicate the tasks, deadlines, and expected results to your employees.
- Encourage accountability: Foster a culture of responsibility where employees are encouraged to take ownership of their time and work.
- Provide flexibility: Understand that everyone’s optimal work hours may vary, so be flexible with work schedules where possible.
Now, let’s look at some tools that can assist you in tracking and managing your time more effectively:
- Toggl: A simple yet powerful time tracker that offers detailed reports on how time is spent.
- RescueTime: This tool runs securely in the background on your computer and mobile devices, tracking time spent on applications and websites.
- Timely: A fully automatic time tracking tool that uses AI to categorise your work.
Open communication
Open communications between management and employees are not just crucial, they are the linchpin of a successful remote working environment in tech. Indeed, the modus operandi should be to constantly maintain a state of crystal clarity with regards to what is expected from each party. In the often complex landscape of tech, expressing ourselves cogently can indeed be a challenge.
Consider the scenario of a software development project. Here, the communication gap could potentially translate to misunderstandings about the project requirements or deadlines. Admittedly, the technical nature of the work can sometimes exacerbate the difficulty in articulating thoughts and expectations. However, it is imperative that we strive towards an ideal of minimal assumption and maximal clarity.
“In the world of remote tech work, clear communication is not merely a tool, but the foundation on which the entire edifice is built.”
There are a multitude of strategies one can adopt to facilitate this. For instance, using technical jargon judiciously and explaining it where necessary can be a helpful practice. Additionally, always ensuring that all communication, whether it be via email or video conference, is concise, clear and complete.
Moreover, adopting tools that can enhance communication, like project management software, can also play a significant role. These can provide a clear roadmap of the project, assign tasks, track progress, and serve as a repository of all communication related to the work.
- Always strive to be clear with expectations
- Avoid assumptions
- Use technical jargon judiciously
- Adopt tools that enhance communication
And when it comes to tools, it’s of utmost importance to steer clear of WhatsApp and email for internal communication. A whole host of effective communication tools are available within the company, each catering to specific needs that different roles may require. To illustrate, Slack offers the feature of sending formatted code snippets – a feature that proves remarkably useful when communicating with web developers.
Recommended Tools for Effective Remote Communication
For successful remote working in the tech industry, you need the right tools at your disposal. Here’s a list of some platforms that can streamline your internal communication process:
- Slack – Not only can you send formatted code snippets, but you can also create channels for different projects, making it easier to organise team communication.
- Microsoft Teams – Offers integrated video meetings, file storage, and application integration.
- Zoom – Known for its high-quality video conferencing capabilities, it also supports instant messaging.
- Trello – An effective project management tool for collaborative task and project tracking.
- Asana – Helps teams to organise, track, and manage their work.
It’s important to understand that effective communication isn’t simply about the tools you use, but also about how you use them. Make sure to take full advantage of the features each platform offers to facilitate smooth and efficient communication within your team.
In summing up, the effectiveness of remote working in the tech industry is hinged on three key components: a well-set home office, impeccable time management, and proficient communication.
- A Good Home Office: Ensuring you have a comfortable and conducive environment to work in is crucial. This aids in keeping distractions at bay and fostering productivity.
- Great Time Management: Working remotely affords flexibility, but this can be a double-edged sword. Implementing a structured routine is essential in avoiding procrastination and maximising efficiency.
- Correct Communication: The tools you utilise for communication are as good as how you use them. Exploiting their attributes to the fullest facilitates seamless exchanges and collaboration within your team.
Remember: the key to fruitful remote working is not just about having the right resources, but also using them in the right way. Whether you’re an employee or an employer, mastering these elements will put you on the path to remote working success.
