How to Succeed as a Remote Worker
Working remotely has become a necessity for many since the COVID-19 pandemic began at the beginning of last year. Economists predict that this is just the beginning of a new trend. One study found that if they could, 99% of people would choose to work remotely, at least part-time, for the rest of their careers. Another source predicted that by 2021, over 1 in 4 will be working remotely.
The office work lifestyle is familiar to most people. Remote workers are not required to get dressed in company attire or commute to work so it can be difficult for online workers to navigate working away from the structure and familiarity of the office. To ensure the safety of all the staff at Call Pal during this global pandemic, every PA was supplied with the tools to allow them to work efficiently at home. The rules around this way of working are not yet well-defined because remote work—at least in its current form—is still relatively new. There is no single formula for how to become an efficient remote worker. Here at Call Pal, we have realised a few common strategies one can expect to use while working from home.
Communication
Number one is without doubt maintaining communication. Remote working can be lonely at times. Staying in the conversation and contributing regularly to group chats in Microsoft Teams may seem like a menial thing to do but they contribute greatly to maintaining team morale. Ask questions and share your feelings especially after any stressful periods. Communicating while working remotely sees none of the usual visual and audio cues that would help in conversations, so it is essential to make your online communications with your colleagues extra clear.
Workspace
Set up a designated workspace, by creating a separate space for yourself to work in you can focus on your job intently. It is important to make sure your work area has all the equipment you need – everything you use for a normal working day in the office. For a Call Pal agent this includes, but is not limited to, a reliable internet connection, a notebook and pen to take messages, a pair of headphones alongside hardware and software that allows agents to take calls, send messages and make bookings – technology is your best friend in the remote working world! Learning how to connect to the company network is also vital. Call Pal’s sister company Avita Communications is a telecommunication company which means that all agents are equipped with the gold standard in software, hardware and training.
Support
One of the best pieces of advice given to me by a fellow Call Pal PA was to make sure you get fully dressed for work every day. Changing into ‘working clothes’ from your loungewear helps you make that mental switch to ‘work mode’ from ‘home mode’ even though you are in the same building. Another big point of note that many overlook is asking for support any time you need it; you should never feel as though you are being a burden by asking for help. Whether it is a second opinion on something or if you require further training; your office manager, colleagues and you are part of one team and should be supporting each other, especially remotely.
Comfort
It is vital to make remote working work for you. If working at your best means having some music in the background, wearing your comfiest footwear and spoiling yourself to the fancy brand of coffee then do it!
Speak with the Call Pal team today to find out how we can help take the pressure off your employees. Our dedicated team of Call Pal PA’s work with over 175 Irish businesses delivering exceptional customer service and maintaining the lines of communication between them and their customers. Call 1890 511 400 or email sales@callpal.ie.
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Article By: Niamh Doyle