When it’s done correctly, working remotely can be a boon to workers’ personal and professional lives. Cutting out the commute gives workers extra flexibility to manage family needs and other important priorities. Meanwhile, studies show that remote workers are happier and more productive than their office-bound counterparts (while saving money in office space and furniture costs.) Here are Quartz’s recommendations on making the most of remote work.
Be transparent
Trust is the bedrock of a successful remote working relationship. Your manager needs to be confident that you are meeting your commitments even when out of sight, and you need to feel secure that you’re being held to the same standards as in-office colleagues. At the start of your arrangement, have a detailed conversation with your manager about both of your expectations regarding work hours, scheduling, and deliverables. It sounds obvious, but the only way your boss can know what you’re producing from a remote office is what you produce. Confirming those expectations upfront ensures that you both understand the metrics by which you’ll be evaluated.