As someone who has had a remote job since the pandemic, I can say that I only wish I’d made this shift earlier.
I don’t think I can ever go back to an in-office setup, now that I’ve experienced the flexibility and freedom that comes with a remote job.
That said, I would also say that it isn’t for the weak of will. And it’s also harder to stand out when your interactions are limited to emails, chats, and video calls.
It’s not enough to just be good at your job; you have to find ways to get noticed. From behind a screen!
So yes, you’ve got your work cut out for you in this sense. That’s why it’s so important to have the right habits and routines to get you there.
If you want to make an impact in your remote job, here are eight habits you should adopt:
1) Create a structured workspace
First things first – your physical setup. Yes, having a remote job technically means you can work anywhere, but that shouldn’t include your bed or the couch.
You see, our brain depends on signals. It needs cues so we can get into the right mode needed. Having a designated workspace is the first of those cues.
Research also shows that having a dedicated workspace is better for focus, and is better designed to support work, both ergonomically and mentally.
Let’s face it – working from home opens up a lot more distractions, from pets to household chores to Netflix.
Not to mention family members who can’t seem to get that your remote job is actually still a real job, even if it looks different.
Your workspace is your first step in creating boundaries, both for yourself and for others. Better boundaries, better performance. It’s that simple.
2) Master time management
Speaking of boundaries, remote workers also need to be strict with themselves in terms of time management.
This is the main reason why I say that remote work isn’t for the weak. It takes tremendous self-discipline to stick to a schedule and meet deadlines when there’s no boss looking over your shoulder.
When you consistently meet deadlines and show up to meetings prepared, you’re making it clear that you don’t need direct supervision. You are responsible and invested enough in the job.
So, how do you become a master at time management? There are lots of ways to go about it, such as:
- Time blocking and task batching
- Pomodoro technique
- Eat the frog (do the hardest tasks first!)
And forget multitasking – studies show that it actually makes us 40% less productive. If you want to stand out, do one task at a time. You’ll do a much more polished job.
3) Be tech-savvy
This is probably one of the more challenging aspects of remote work for me, as I’m a fairly tech-challenged person.
But as they say, buckle up, buttercup! You’ve got no choice, anyway.
In a remote job, technology is your lifeline, and being able to handle it confidently can make or break your ability to stand out.
The more comfortable you are with video conferencing tools, learning project management software, etc., the more self-sufficient and reliable you become.
And believe me, that will get you noticed. Anyone who has the ability to adapt to new platforms quickly and maximize the right apps will stand out. It’s all about efficiency and flexibility.
4) Communicate proactively
In the virtual world, the screen is a double-edged sword.
On one hand, it’s a shield that can make you feel comfortable. But on the other hand, it can also be a barrier that renders you invisible.
So, it really is up to you to make your presence felt. It would be nice to just have your work speak for itself, but sadly, that’s rarely the case in any job, virtual or not.
Which means, you have to actively communicate. Instead of waiting for your boss to check in on you, take the initiative to provide updates, share your progress, and express any concerns.
That way, your boss and coworkers know that you’re not just coasting along on your end. You’re engaged and invested, so they can count on you even from afar.
5) Document everything
Back when I was still new at remote working, I made the mistake of not making detailed records of what I was doing.
I thought I could just rely on chat conversations and my (not-so-great) memory to keep things straight.
Spoiler alert: chaos ensued.
Tasks got mixed up, and I would get into arguments with teammates over who said what and who got assigned what.
I know better now – documentation is everything in remote work.
Career coach Chrissy Scivicque outlines the benefits of documentation at work:
- Capturing important details
- Tracking work progress
- Increasing accountability
- Creating a record for future reference
- Facilitating knowledge transfer
Plus, you want to be the kind of person who can whip out a document with all the details, because then you look like a pro who always has their act together.
6) Be active in virtual meetings
I hear you when you say, “This meeting could’ve been an email!”
Don’t you just hate it when this happens? We’ve all been there, staring at the screen and thinking about the hundred other things we could be doing. Maybe even rolling our eyes deep inside at the coworker who just won’t shut up…
But here’s the thing: that coworker who’s so active in meetings would definitely get noticed more.
So like it or not, you do need to chime in. It’s your chance to show up and remind everyone that there’s a face behind the name in the email chain.
The more you actively participate, the more you become a visible and valued part of the team.
The same rules apply in the virtual office as in the physical one – showing up, contributing ideas, and being engaged are all ways to get noticed.
This brings me to the next point…
7) Show initiative
Like I said, the same rules apply. Maybe even more so, since you’re trying to get noticed from behind a screen.
So, don’t wait for someone to hand you tasks or ask you for ideas – step up and show initiative. In a remote setting, being proactive is how you make yourself visible and indispensable.
As Skillfinder International points out:
“An employee who takes initiative will quickly establish themselves as a valued member of the team, which is also likely to lead to future career success. These are the people who are thought of for promotions, pay rises and development opportunities. This is because taking initiative demonstrates confidence, high self esteem and a willingness to work hard.”
Don’t be afraid to show your value; you do have it in you to go the extra mile!
8) Maintain work-life balance
Lastly, let’s talk about the line between work and personal life.
This line gets so easily blurred in a remote work setup because unlike a traditional office job, there’s no commute to help you mentally clock out.
This is an area I struggled with at first. I would keep checking emails after hours; sometimes I’d dive right back into a task because it was “just one more thing”.
Without clear boundaries, remote work can quickly take over your personal life. You can end up feeling like you’re always “on”.
And the kicker is, you think being available all the time would make you a star employee, but it actually works against you.
Why?
Because in the end you just get burned out and run down.
So resist the urge to dive back in. Once you’re done with work, stay done. You need a balanced, well-rested mind to keep performing at a high level.
Ultimately, that’s what will truly make you stand out in the long run.