Tips for a successful remote work arrangement
Q: I live in Connecticut. I interviewed for a job in the Hartford area. I was recently told that they are closing the Hartford office but the role still exists. My home base would be Boston, but they are offering a remote work arrangement. I have never worked remotely. How do most employees adapt to this type of arrangement?
A; Employees working remotely are becoming increasingly common. Employees who work remotely are often quite satisfied with their work arrangement. They often don’t have to battle a commute or incur hefty transportation expenses. They also have the ability to balance work and personal demands. A remote employee can schedule a dentist appointment during the day vs. taking the entire morning off from work.
To prepare for a remote work arrangement, think about the following:
- Tools and supplies. Almost every office needs a laptop, tablet or a PC. Does your new employer purchase and configure one for you? Do you need a printer or scanner? What about Wi-Fi? How will technology hiccups be handled? Some workers find that noise cancelling headphones are a must.
- Space. Do you have a place that is quiet and distraction-free? It could be a room in your basement or a spare bedroom. You want to make sure that you don’t have dogs barking or lots of chatter from family members.
- Schedule. Confirm expectations around your schedule. Do you have flexibility or is there are requirement to be available standard work hours? Is there a requirement for you to travel to Boston periodically?
- Communication. Will your new employer use Skype? Or some other type of video calling technology? Do you need a dedicated office phone line or can you use your cell phone? How does your manager like to receive information and updates? An email, a weekly one-on-one call, or an updated copy of a project plan? When in doubt, over communicate. Stay visible. Your manager and colleagues must remember you are part of the team, even if you work remotely.
- Work habits. Be prompt for calls. Remove distractions, especially when on a call or a video conference. Be vigilant about meeting deadlines.
- Respect your employer, manager and colleagues. A remote work arrangement is usually offered to those who can be trusted. Don’t make your employer regret it. If you pick up the phone and you are food shopping at 10am, this will certainly cause concern.
Finally, enjoy the flexibility but still prove your value!
