How to work remotely

I came across an interesting article this morning on "mastering the art of working remotely." With the advances in technology today: Internet, Voip, video feeds and many more, your co-workers and supervisors are just a keystroke away. Besides being very convenient for some workers, telecommuting also implies a much lower cost for employers.

Nonetheless, not everyone is made to work remotely. I'm convinced some careers don't allow it, either, but it also has a lot to do with the person itself. What may seem like a picnic to most, is, in reality, much harder than it seems. Working remotely requires responsibility, dedication, concentration, ability to effectively communicate, and much more. It requires a tranquil environment and a distraction free atmosphere. I've been lucky enough to work remotely a couple times, and I think this article featured in the Harvard Business Review is very accurate. It basically states that you need to communicate effectively, setup regular phone calls or chats with others, share data using online tools and show your presence via a web based chat or instant messenger.

Do any of you work remotely? If so, what other recommendations do you have? Do you prefer working remotely or at the office?

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Armando Sosa-Jacott on June 18, 2009 at 7:15am: "If you have web acces and a credit card you dont' need people." So my friend said a few years back....

Working remotely certainly has major advantages, In my case my laptop is my office. I do however miss every now and then the day to day interaction with people and faces. Not only on a social context but also as a way to nurture and get feedback. My recommendations for working remotely are quite simple:

1- Separate the spots you use for work and for personal stuff. Don't use the same desk/cafe for both. As it will "contaminate" each activity.
2- Get into a routine ie, coffee, email, research. And do it in the same order every time.
3- Drink good coffee. Heartburn is not cool.

Suerte!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Marie Castro on June 18, 2009 at 7:59pm: Ricardo, thanks for sharing such a wonderful article. I do not work remotely, however, the company I do work for, my boss and his wife work remotely from Austin and he tries coming in once a week but constantly tries to communicate via email. webcam, conference calls. I have never worked for a boss remotely and unfortunatley I am feeling the tensions of our communication and pray for a more positive outcome in the weeks to come.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jessica on June 22, 2009 at 9:13pm: I've had the opportunity to work remotely a few times, but I definitely agree with the article, you need to have the least distraction possible to be able to work.

It is very convenient especially when you have long commutes...
I prefer working at home because it's convenient, but I believe I get more done when I'm at work, just because everyone knows where to find me. I highly recommend trying to (if possible) work remotely at least once or twice a week to get used to the routine, but I wouldn't recommend working remotely all the time, as it is always better to have physical interaction!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by SunshineDay on July 7, 2009 at 2:18am: I've been working from home the past 11 years and I love it! What I don't miss is the rush hour traffic and the heavy dry cleaning bills nor do I need as many dress up clothes/shoes! I still get out and meet with clients and co workers when need be. I'm always more cheerful and they look forward to seeing a smiling face as well. Personally I feel that my time is more productive as there are no connstant interruptions like I have at the office.

Melinda; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mario Alberto Gonzales on July 8, 2009 at 4:11pm: Dear SunshineDay,

It is necassary for me to find a good home based business. Would you tell me what home based business is working for you? Or, can you tell me about any real websites, clubs, groups, etc.. that are successful at these kind of businesses?

Thank you,

Mario; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Rudy Alvarado on July 8, 2009 at 7:47pm: I’ve worked remote from home or a hotel several times. As long as I have my laptop with me, I can connect to my desktop at work. I can pretty much do my job from home if I had to, but I live close to my job so I only do it if the weather is bad or I’m on business travel. Sometimes I’ve found myself working at lunch as long as the place has wi-fi. Either way it’s great to have that luxury. In fact, I’m going to run some reports from home in the morning before heading to work.

But I do admit, if you work from home you have to be focused as if you’re at the office. But either way, I will have that cup of coffee in the morning. That’s something I can’t do without!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mario Alberto Gonzales on July 8, 2009 at 9:19pm: I appreciate your insight. But what kind of job do you have that would allow you to work from home?; ▶ Reply to This

RSS

Welcome to
Hispanic professional society & diversity job fairs at NSHP.org

Sign Up
or Sign In

About NSHP

With 10,000+ members, the National Society for Hispanic Professionals is the top US networking association for Hispanic professionals. It's free to join and this is a great place for you to connect with new people who share your interests, BUT it's not for selling or promoting your business. Join us today and ask here if in doubt about our policy.