Best Practices for Working Remotely
If you're working remotely you want to be prepared with the right tools to keep you productive and efficient. In this Article I will identify some best practices and key points to consider in your Standard Operating Procedures for Telecommuting or Working Remotely.
Because I am a technical person, let's start with the technology. Having the ability to be transparent yet still be productive starts with the proper technology.
What Technology is Required?
1. Reliable Internet connection.
2. VPN (virtual private network) connection to your Corporate Systems. Virtual Private Networks provide a secure and private path to your Corporate network. A typical VPN requires a a hardware device and a software (VPN) license to connect to the hardware firewall.
3. Instant Messaging Application. Quick and efficient communication through instant messaging is a great tool and can be highly productive. Some say to over communicate. Many core business applications now have built-in messaging functionality that you can take advantage of.
4. "Bring your phone home" or use of a Mobile Application that will communicate to the back-end phone system. If your phone system doesn't give you the ability to "bring your phone home", contact your phone vendor and ask them about a Mobile App that you could make calls without given up your cell number.
What is Recommended?
1. Good work at home or telecommute policy which sets the expectations while working remotely.
2. Setup yourself up with a nice comfortable workspace.
2. Schedule group meetings to keep the collaboration with team members.
3. Some say to get up, take a shower and get dressed for the day.
4. Go outside for some fresh air.