How to thrive in a remote company or role

I got my start at remote work as a technical writer in 2008. And this was before Slack, Zoom, Teams, and Google tools. Instead, I was using email, Skype, and the telephone…

This experience forced me to become an expert at communicating with my colleagues. As a technical writer, I relied on the software developers to share information, answer my questions, and review my work. 

It wasn’t always easy. But this first taste of remote work gave me real skills that I’ve been relying on for the last 16 years. It also taught me that I really like working from home. I don’t miss the company potlucks, social hours, or the commute. I learned how to do my best work. I learned how to structure my days to support productivity and balance. 

I am an expert at working remotely. And in this blog, I share what I’ve learned so you can thrive and succeed in a remote company or role.

Having this skillset opens up so many more opportunities for you – enabling you to literally work anywhere for anyone.

Your 4 keys to remote work success

There is no sugarcoating it – succeeding at remote work takes work. You need to learn how you do your best work. You need to work hard at accountability.

If you’re new to remote work or remote work-curious, keep in mind these 4 keys to remote work success: 

1. Communicate always
   Honest, open communication is the cornerstone of a successful remote work experience. Never ever leave things to chance or assume you understand what your colleague meant with their Slack message or email. If you’re not sure – ask.

   But remember, don’t just rapidly type into Slack and hit Enter. Always be thoughtful. Always be clear. Always communicate as a professional. Never assume. Never jump to conclusions. Never infer.

   Take advantage of Zoom, Slack, Google Meet, Teams, and other tools your team uses.
   

2. Time management matters
   It is really easy for the lines between work and your personal life to blur. A short “coffee break” can quickly turn into a couple of hours. A quick check of your email after dinner can easily become two hours of typing away at your computer.

   So be careful and set boundaries. Create a daily structure and try to follow it as best you can. Make sure you’re available during your company’s core hours. Take a real lunch break and leave your desk. Say no to lunch at your desk!

   Time management tools and strategies like Pomodoro timers, RescueTime, Toggl Track, and using dedicated focus hours can help you make the most of your time. 
   

3. Prioritize your skill development
   In a remote company, your skills are your most valuable asset. When you can’t chat with colleagues around a boardroom table or have spontaneous conversations in the lunchroom, your skills are what get you remembered.

   Take advantage of learning resources including webinars, live chats, Slack working groups, virtual conferences, and newsletters. There are so many free learning resources available to you. It’s up to you to take initiative and to always be learning.

   Talk about what you have learned. Share it in your company Slack. Ask to discuss a recent webinar in your weekly virtual stand-up. Write a blog post or email to share with your colleagues. 
   

4. Getting Your Work Done
   You need to be self-disciplined and motivated to succeed in a remote company. One of the huge benefits of remote work life is not having a manager looking over your shoulder – but the trade-off is being responsible enough to get your work done.

   Use project management tools, scheduling software, to-do lists, and calendar tasks to help keep you on track. Remember to make the most of your working hours – make work the priority.

   If you need to, close your office door, wear headphones, or hang a do not disturb sign on your door. Do what you need to do to create a focused work environment.

The ABCD’s of Remote Work

There will be days when you miss the office or struggle to sit at your desk. For these days, remember the ABCD’s of remote work – action, balance, control, and discipline.

Action

• Proactively communicate with, learn from, and support your colleagues

• Take initiative on your professional development and contributing to company deliverables and goals

• Engage with your colleagues, share information and resources on Slack, answer questions, speak up when you need help

Balance

• Set clear boundaries between your professional and personal life

• Always prioritize your mental and physical health

• Do not get caught up in the work-life balance of your colleagues – you know what works for you

Control

• Set up your home work environment for effective productivity

• Take control of your schedule, building it to ensure balance and boundaries

• Learn how to control distractions and maintain focus for high quality deliverables

Discipline

• Build and refine strong work habits and independence

• Always meet deadlines, attend meetings, and deliver on time

• Find your motivation cues

I started working full-time in 1994, and I’ve seen it all when it comes to work environments. And I know one thing for sure – I will never return to an office.

I know what I need to do my best work. A dedicated office, a good pair of noise-canceling headphones, a sit-stand desk, a nearby coffee shop, and work that I enjoy. 

Thriving as a remote employee or in a fully remote company is both an art and a science. The more you do it – the better you’ll get at it. Just as you had to adjust to working in a cubicle or sitting in a college lecture hall, the same applies to remote work life.

Here’s to a long career ahead for you working out of your home office, in a coffee shop, or sitting in a recliner at a seaside resort.