How can you succeed in a remote or hybrid work environment?

Having a separate office at home, and being able to close the door when the work day is over is one of the best ways to create a healthy boundary. However, it is not always possible. A client of mine started to cover her computer with a shawl so that it wouldn't be "always visible" in her living room when she wasn't working and that helped her create a physical separation. It can also be helpful to have "rituals" at the beginning or at the end of the workday, to signify the start and the end of your "work mode". It can be as simple as doing breathing exercises, a 30-minute reflection wrap-up at the end of the day or wearing a "uniform" like a bracelet, a watch or a necklace for example, that signifies to you that you're working or off work.

It's all about the workspace, your communication and time management. Dedicated space helps you mentally shift from personal mode to professional mode. Availability marking, clear communication about working hours relieves unnecessary pressure. Setting and strictly adhering to precise start and end times for working hours ensures a healthy work-life balance.

Establishing boundaries isn't just about protecting your personal life from work; it's also about protecting your work from personal life. By clearly defining when you're "at work" and when you're "off work," you ensure that you're fully present and productive during work hours. At the same time, when it's time to disconnect, you can fully focus on personal and family matters without the constant pull of work-related tasks. This balance ultimately leads to better mental well-being and job satisfaction. It's a two-way street that benefits both your professional and personal life.

What I've learning working remotely in several companies, is that it's a lot easier to create relationships with your co-worker when your company doesn't have a "non-stop meetings" culture. Because when it does, it means there is no room for spontaneity anymore. You have to make an appointment to speak to someone and everyone is desperate for alone time to crack on on actual work. So less meetings gives more room to be able to chat and connect with people when it's relevant and those casual bonds can do wonder to make you feel like you belong, like there is always someone there to connect with. Being in meetings you don't need to be in and get very little from, can actually increase feelings of loneliness and isolation.

The use of a webcam should be mandatory. In addition, the first few minutes of meetings should be spent in non-technical conversation. This will also help later on, because the atmosphere will not be so cold. After work, face-to-face video chats with friends and family can ease feelings of isolation.

I’ve found that setting aside specific times in my day for stress-relieving activities can be incredibly beneficial. For instance, I have scheduled walks with my dog, which not only provides exercise but also a change of scenery and fresh air. I incorporate regular stretching exercises into my routine to prevent stiffness and promote flexibility. To combat eye strain, a common issue when working on screens for extended periods, I make it a point to take short breaks every few minutes to focus on an object about 20 feet away. If I'm at home, I'll have a piece of fruit in the mid-afternoon to combat a dip in energy. Finally, sometimes I just go outside and pray or meditate. I give myself a break when I feel the fatigue or stress building.

Prioritising your health can take different shapes: - take a break when you need to take a break. Go for a walk, hug your cat, have a hot drink, breathe. - Have conversations with your manager, your peers and with your teams about how you're/they're doing, not just about how projects are doing, - recognise when you're tired and unproductive, if this is a pattern and seek support.

To maintain mental health, I start every morning with a few minutes of mindfulness meditation. I use the pomodoro technique to avoid working non-stop. After-lunch walks in nature ensure that I get some fresh air and sunshine away from my workstation. Once or twice a week I go out for sport.

I found my way in reading and developing my soft skills. Of course, you can't just keep your head down and move forward, so it's important to listen to feedback.

This will also be a great way to grow as a leader! After all, you will still have to motivate and keep high morale, even when remote. Doing so is a different challenge than when you are there and then in person. Also, your presentation skills will grow, and perhaps your "camera awareness" - if you care about your visual and sound quality on a call, that will reflect how people see you. Thus, either replace those pajamas while working or make sure no one will ever find out ;-)

Working remotely or in a hybrid mode can make it more difficult for your achievements and contributions to be recognised and appreciated. To overcome this, track your progress and goals. Share your successes and challenges with your team and your network. You should celebrate your achievements and treat yourself to something you really enjoy.

We tend to naturally pay a lot more attention to what goes wrong than what goes right. That's why celebrating achievements, even little ones, is so important. It doesn't need to be grand, but a bubble bath, a piece of chocolate, or an outing with a friend can go a long way in making sure you see those achievements too and remember them!

Working remotely requires self-discipline and strong time management skills. Set clear goals, prioritize tasks, and create a routine for completing work efficiently. Minimize distractions, establish boundaries, and stay focused on your priorities.

Look for tools that help you succeed in your work, especially when you see your work being impacted. When it comes to focus, time and interruptions, it's important to resolve issues that distract. It could be an extra app that blocks calls during certain times, a more comfortable desk position so you aren't gazing out at the beach or even the right type of music. I've found, if you adjust how you work remotely to fit who you are, you can easily get things done.