Remote working can be multifaceted. As an independent worker, I am free to choose my favourite workplace. Working through emails in a café? Do a bit of data analysis in the local library? Making customer calls under the sun in the park? At first, of course, that sounds very idyllic. But then the noise level rises in the café, the students occupy the seats in the library and the battery in the park melts away faster than desired. So how do I combine the advantages of location-independent work with productivity and freedom from stress?

Remote Work as a New Work Phenomenon

The world of work is continuously changing, and the COVID-19 pandemic has brought the importance of remote working or working from a distance to the fore. But what exactly is remote work?

Remote work, often referred to as "telecommuting" or "working remotely", is a part of the New Work concept that brings the working individual to the forefront. Remote work simply means that an employee does their work outside of the traditional office. This can be from home, in a co-working space or even from a café or other location. There are different facets of remote work:

• Full-time remote: the employee works from a remote location all the time and only visits the office occasionally for meetings or special occasions.
• Hybrid model: Some days in the office and other days remote. This model offers flexibility and is preferred by many companies.
• Occasional remote working: Here employees work in the home office only occasionally, e.g. due to a doctor's appointment or other personal commitment.

Companies and the transformation through remote work  

More and more companies are recognising the benefits that remote work offers and are using it strategically, not just out of necessity. Many companies nowadays allow their employees to work remotely on a permanent basis if they so choose. This change is often driven by the desire to attract talent from all over the world, without geographical restrictions. In addition, studies have shown that remote work can lead to increased employee satisfaction and even productivity. But it's not just tech companies that are embracing this trend. Industries from finance to education to healthcare are experimenting with different remote work models to meet the changing demands of the modern workplace. However, it is important to stress that remote work is not for every role or every employee, and companies must continue to offer flexible solutions that accommodate a variety of work styles and preferences.

How to stay efficient and stress-free when working remotely? 

1. Set up a fixed workspace: A specific, quiet workspace helps to concentrate and separate work and leisure. If you do need or want to work somewhere else, make sure that you can complete simple tasks there and that the necessary infrastructure (e.g. WiFi and power sockets) is available.
2. Set clear working hours: Define start and end times for your working day to avoid overtime and exhaustion. Constant notifications, the temptation to check emails outside working hours and the difficulty to "switch off" can lead to burnout.
3. Don't forget breaks: Short, regular breaks promote productivity and well-being.
4. Communicate effectively: use opportunities such as video conferencing to connect with your team, avoid misunderstandings and liven up "office talk".
5. Prioritise: A clear to-do list and prioritisation of tasks help to stay on top of things and focus on what is important.

The psychological dimension of remote work 

It is essential to consider not only the physical but also the psychological aspects of remote working. The sense of isolation and lack of social contact can be challenging for some. For others, constantly working in the same environment where they spend their free time can lead to a sense of monotony. Therefore, it is important to schedule regular social interactions, whether through virtual coffee breaks with colleagues or regular team meetings. It can also be helpful to take time for walks or short trips outdoors to clear the mind and ensure a separation between 'working time' and 'personal time'.

Office solutions that support remote working

When we think of classic remote working, the home office immediately comes to mind. But as you have already read in this article, there are also some other modern office solutions that can support remote working. For example, myhive offers flexible office solutions that help employers and employees work remotely while still fostering the community feel of an office. This approach can be seen as a kind of "hybrid model", where employees have access to modern workspaces without having to give up the benefits of remote working. Fringe benefits, a sense of community and networking included - all in productive and entrepreneurial co-working spaces for the employee without the employer having to worry about much.

It can be said that effectively implemented and well thought-out remote working offers both companies and employees numerous advantages. By understanding its various facets and implementing effective strategies, one can ensure that one remains both productive and happy. Flexibility is key, and modern office solutions can be a great support in this regard.