The global COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic has profoundly altered our lives, routines, and habits. While we took precautions to slow the spread of the virus, we also had to continue our daily activities, work, and earn a living. This led to the rapid adoption of a new concept: remote work. Many of us started exploring ways to adapt to a full-time home office lifestyle. In this process, our team at 1,618 Agency attended a webinar titled “Keep Your Business Running Smoothly with Remote Work,” organized by IMI Conferences, which has been hosting conferences and events in various fields since 2002.
In the webinar, experts shared valuable insights and advice on creating a productive digital workspace, managing the nuances of remote work, maintaining psychological well-being, time management, and effective processes. Here’s a summary of their recommendations.
Creating a Productive Digital Workspace
Can İlkhan, CEO of Bircom, emphasized the importance of having the right technological setup for effective remote work. Key elements include:
- Reliable internet access
- Necessary PC and software support
- Ergonomic headphones
- IP phones
- Equipment for video conferencing
- Portable speakers
Various communication platforms that enable video calls also play a crucial role in facilitating smooth remote work.
Key Considerations for Remote Work
Efsun Yüksel Kılıç, founder of Indus Consulting, shared the pros and cons of remote work and tips for making it more effective.
Advantages of Remote Work:
- Promotes better health in today’s circumstances
- Reduces stress
- Boosts productivity
Challenges of Remote Work:
- Limits socialization
- Blurs the boundaries between work and personal life
- May lead to distractions and reduced performance
Tips for Effective Remote Work
For Employees:
- Identify and eliminate distractions
- Set a structured work schedule
- Create task lists and stick to plans
- Physically prepare for the day as if going to the office
- Take short breaks to reward yourself and socialize
For Employers:
- Provide user-friendly communication tools
- Ensure clear communication and set achievable goals
- Develop outcome-oriented reporting systems
- Conduct structured and planned meetings
- Regularly collect feedback
- Offer online training to improve and motivate employees (e.g., courses on resilience, managing uncertainty, effective communication, workload management, and customer interaction in a digital world)
- Maintain accessibility as a central point of contact
Managing Psychological Well-being
Psychologist Sibel Deniz Toledo highlighted the importance of preparing psychologically for remote work. Her key advice includes:
- Plan the next day each night before sleeping
- Limit the duration of breaks
- Set realistic goals
- Wake up at the same time each morning
- Prepare for the day as if going to the office
- Stay socially connected while maintaining physical distance
- Leverage technology to maintain communication with colleagues
- Follow the news without inducing panic or anxiety
Nutrition During Remote Work
Dietitian Şefika Aydın Selçuk offered tips for maintaining a healthy diet while working from home:
- Balance meals with the four major food groups: vegetables, protein, carbohydrates, and dairy
- Avoid skipping meals
- Stay hydrated
- Engage in physical activity
- Ensure adequate sleep
By incorporating these practices into your routine and aligning your lifestyle accordingly, you can maintain physical and mental well-being, increase productivity, and manage your time more effectively. However, it’s essential to recognize that everyone’s working style is unique. You don’t need to follow these rules to the letter; feel free to adapt them to your needs or develop new habits that work for you. Remember, the system will work as long as you stay committed to your goals.