Woman works on laptop while sitting by the table in front of panoramic window with great view on … [+]
Remote work has taken so much from us – gossip at the water cooler, for example – but it’s given us a lot, too. This summer, many of us, especially freelancers will be able to take more vacation than we once could because we’ll be working remotely part of the time. For tips on how to make sure your remote-work trip is both productive and relaxing, read on.
Choose Your Spot Wisely
Your whole trip is a bust if you don’t have internet connection. Well, it could be amazing and joyful for your mental and physical health, but you won’t be able to get any work done. Choosing a place that has a desk where you can work, a time zone that’s not too inconvenient for the people you’re working with, and good connectivity is key for staying plugged in when you’re remote.
Pack Well
One big bummer is you do need to bring everything you need for work. For example, if you’re a podcaster, you might be lugging around microphones and headphones. Then again, in my experience as a podcaster, it’s really easy to take time off since no one pays you. But I guess other podcasts really are successful. Make sure to have all your supplies and gear with you for maximum productivity.
Set Boundaries
One of the biggest challenges of working remotely is maintaining a clear boundary between work and relaxation. You don’t want to spend your whole vacay working. You also don’t want to spend your whole work-week relaxing, although, to be fair, this is definitely a better outcome. But to make sure you stay happy and productive, I highly recommend making a schedule, getting yourself a good workspace, and telling the people you’re collab-ing with what’s going on. If you’re usually reachable after hours, let them know that this time, you’re not.
Don’t Multi-task Too Much
You need to acknowledge that a week of remote work that’s also half-vacation is simply not as productive as a week in the office. That’s okay, but to squeeze the most productivity out of the time you have, I highly recommend avoiding multi-tasking. Instead, prioritize your tasks wisely so you can move through them efficiently.
Communicate Well
I’ll be honest, any time I’ve ever done a “remote-work week,” all my coworkers assume I’m not working. And sometimes, they’re right. To avoid this, keep them appraised of what’s going on. If possible, even set your away/available status on whatever communications app you use, to let them know exactly what you’re up to. This helps with productivity, but it also helps manage expectations so you don’t get pulled into a task you don’t have time for.
Enjoy the Locale
The whole point of a summer workcation is to enjoy the best of both worlds. So go out and see your surroundings! Take as many walking breaks as you can, and plan fun activities for your off-hours. Summer only comes once a year! At least, until climate change ruins that.