Three Key Tips for Working Remotely Post-Pandemic
As society is shifting to a post-pandemic lifestyle, many workers are questioning if they want to return to the office. Some prefer being in the physical workplace and enjoy face-to-face experiences with co-workers and clients. Others have enjoyed the flexibility of working from home or while on vacation and want to continue working remotely. Personally, I am on the side that favors working remotely, especially during my internship with American Family Insurance this summer. I am now a large advocate for remote work and have gathered three key tips to pass along for those hoping to do the same.
1. Network, Network, Network!
Growing your network is important when starting your career so you can build relationships with co-workers. Building and maintaining relationships are crucial during an internship or the first couple of months of a new job to make a good first impression to meet mentors and friends. If you are working remotely, it is appropriate to follow up with those you have been introduced to or had meetings with to maintain the relationship, since you aren’t sitting next to them every day. An easy way to do this is to schedule Zoom meetings and catch up with them over lunch or coffee. This may be a difficult transition for those used to working in-person because you must take a proactive approach, but it proves to be worth it. I have still made many genuine connections by reaching out to colleagues I want to learn more from.
2. Stay Focused
While working at home it can be easy to be distracted because you are not surrounded by your co-workers who motivate you to stay focused. You may have roommates, pets, family members, or other things that can take your attention away from work. It is great to have the flexibility to give these things some attention during the day, but don’t let little tasks or friends take your focus for the whole day. Set aside breaks if you need to step away from your computer and let those that live with you know what your work schedule is.
3. Have a Plan
A huge advantage to working remotely is the flexibility to work wherever you want, as long as you have a Wi-Fi connection. I love to travel in the summer to go hiking and rock climbing and luckily, I was still able to do those activities while still working during business hours. If you are planning similar trips, or even planning to work from a friend’s house for the week, it is vital to have a plan ahead of time. Take inventory of everything you will need to have with you for work, and also consider your environment. Will you have access to Wi-Fi, a quiet workspace, and charging station? These are all things to consider when working outside of your usual environment to ensure you can complete your work at the same level as at home.
If you decide to work from home, know that it may be different than working in-person, but there are still opportunities for success. In my experience, it is possible to live a flexible lifestyle while pursuing your career.
About Amelia
Amelia Wampler is a senior at Grand Valley State University, graduating in May of 2022, majoring in Advertising and Public Relations with minors in Marketing and Spanish. She is currently a media relations intern for American Family Insurance and plays for the GVSU women's soccer team. She is a former Programming Director and current Account Associate of GrandPR. In her free time, she loves hiking and rock climbing.