As the landscape of a typical office environment rapidly changes and more and more companies are turning to a remote workforce, there has been increased dialogue on how to effectively embrace the changes for working remotely while remaining productive. 

While our team at Fexa has primarily been in a remote environment, it’s been rewarding to hear how we are helping others in this climate. Recently, a customer commented that “Our whole staff is able to work remotely at this time because of Fexa.” (Tony Pizza, Landmark Retail Corp.) 

I personally made the transition from commuter to remote employee last year and have learned some valuable lessons that are worth sharing. Regardless of your industry or position, these tips are all effective ways to keep you productive and focused during your workday. 

• Claim a dedicated work area: This is the most important aspect of working remotely. It’s a space that allows you to shut out distractions and concentrate on your tasks. 
• Develop a routine: Get up at the same time, schedule meal breaks and know when to start and stop your day. There will be exceptions to this, but having that foundation will make it easier to get back on track. 
• Remain active: Schedule time to stand up and stretch, get outside for a walk with the dog or even fit in an online yoga class. There are countless apps and other online resources for remaining active amid your daily routine. 
• Connect: Put in the effort to communicate with your colleagues in a meaningful way. You have shared experiences and are there to support each other, both in business and in life. Daily check in calls allow everyone the time to be heard and accountable. Video conferencing with your team also makes a positive difference!
• Prioritize: The laundry and dishes may need to be done, but your job is the main priority. Set time aside to handle things on the homefront, but don’t allow that to consume you during your scheduled work hours. Organize your tasks and keep plugging away consistently until you knock them out. 
• Tools: Slack, Zoom, and Google Drive are all collaborative tools that make communicating simple. Working in a remote environment strengthens communication to ensure tasks are relayed in their entirety, there is also a digital record of the conversation as a reference. Scheduling tools such as your calendar are also effective ways to block out time and alert others when you are free. 

Whether you are new to being a remote employee or considering changes to your business model, I hope you find these tips both beneficial and informative. We’re all in this together, remember to focus on the things you can control and to wash your hands. Stay safe and healthy, friends! 🙂

Beth Mooney
Fexa Client Director