5 Tips for Working Away From Home – Remote Working

Remote working has been around for a while, but the popularity of this is significantly increasing. 

In fact, by 2028, it’s predicted that 73% of all teams will have remote employees. 

And with many people working from home throughout the pandemic, as well as the ease of working on a singular device, it’s easy to see the shift in preference.

Flexible and remote working is argued to provide a better work-life balance, with the commute times being redirected to family time. According to a recent study by Owl Labs (a video conferencing company), employees who regularly work remotely are happier than those who work on-site. 

5 Tips for Working Away from Home

But, what tips should you follow when you’re working away from home? Maybe you’re on a work trip for a short period, or you’re looking at working elsewhere for a few days a week?

We’ve got you covered. Here are the top tips for working away from home…

‘By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail’

Ah, that age-old quote we’ve all heard our parents repeatedly say for years on end. 

But, it goes without saying. If you’re working away from home or your office, you’re unlikely to have immediate access to documents and papers that you usually have flying around your workspace. And that can be very frustrating if you’re away for more than a few days and don’t have what you need.

Prepare a checklist the night before to ensure you bring all the key equipment and documents. 

Phone, laptop, chargers, headphones, notebook, water bottle, etc. You know the drill.

Find a workstation that works for you

This doesn’t have to be the traditional office block, complete with claustrophobic cubbies and the stale smell of coffee. Get creative with it. Do you prefer to work in a busy environment with people coming and going? Do you like to put headphones on and fully focus with your laptop in hand? Or do you need a completely silent room to zone in?

For those who like a busier atmosphere, coffee shops are a great alternative when traveling. You can get your much-needed caffeine hit, order food, and there’s often free WiFi.

How about a hotel lobby? These are underused, making it the perfect space for those important business calls. If you’re staying at the hotel and need to work, this can be a good compromise. It’ll get you out of your room and into a fresh open space. 

Bookstores and libraries are popular with those who prefer to work in near silence. 

Alternatively, thanks to the rise in remote working, co-working spaces have been created worldwide to help you stay productive. This is perhaps the most popular option for travelers, remote workers, and entrepreneurs. 

Not only can you utilize the usual office facilities, but it’s a good place to network with like-minded people. Many also offer different types of rooms, like break-out rooms or meeting rooms, for when you need a bit of peace and quiet. 

Don’t isolate

It can be easy to turn up at your chosen destination, churn some work out, then finish for the day and head back to bed. 

While you may have got some great work done, it’s important to interact with others, get your body moving, and lean on others when you lack inspiration.

If you’re away from family, take the time to plan a facetime each evening to stay in touch and hear from a loved one.

Go out and explore your new area. Friendly people are everywhere. You’ve just got to know where to find them. 

Head to the hotel bar, a local pub quiz, or a workout class to strike up a conversation. There are also various Facebook groups targeted at those who regularly travel or work remotely. Reach out and arrange a meet-up (stay safe and cautious).

Get into the swing of things

Just because you’re in a different location doesn’t mean you can’t keep a routine. 

Follow what you’re used to or try something new. But, having a routine or loose plan is a great way to stay motivated and happy.

If you enjoy exercising, why not pre-book a workout class or new activity, so you have something to look forward to. 

If working out isn’t your thing (totally understandable), check out what else is on in the area. Airbnb has some fun experiences in each city, with knowledgeable hosts or parties ready to help you explore. 

You can stick to working productively while still fulfilling your usual relaxation or social times.

Time to network

The term ‘networking’ may make you shudder, but it doesn’t have to be that way. 

Maybe you have a friend who’s in the area? Give them a call and schedule a workday together. That way, you’ll have a faux-colleague for the day, and you get to catch up at the same time. 

Is there someone in the area who inspires you? Maybe you’ve seen them on LinkedIn, or you know them through a friend of a friend of a friend…Drop them a message and ask to go for a coffee. 

Why working away from home can be beneficial

If you’re choosing your next destination or pondering working away from home as you dip into remote working, remember the experience is exactly what you make it. 

Not only can working away provide you with a much needed reset, but it can also push you to network with people who you wouldn’t usually meet.

There’s nothing better than finding a community while away or sharing notes with a fellow industry colleague. It’s that comradery that many miss when stepping away from the office.

For those who work day in day out in their tiny box room of an office (I’m talking to myself here…) or those who set up camp at their kitchen island each day, being in a different environment – away from the usual four walls – can be extremely refreshing. 

You may not even realize it at the time, but working in a different location could provide that much needed inspiration that you’ve been seeking.

And even if a trip away isn’t on the cards just yet, change up your workspace at home for the same feeling.

Beat the disorientation

There’s no denying that it can be incredibly strange when you’re working away from home for the first (or even 52nd) time. That said, if you follow the above five tips, you’ll be well on your way to successfully working remotely.

And remember, everyone works best in different ways. It may take a while to get into the groove, so don’t be too hard on yourself, but think about what works well in your usual environment and replicate it.

As with many cases, planning ahead is the best way to beat the disorientation of working away from home.