Getting the most from remote working

Many businesses that have implemented remote working policies have experienced benefits such as:

• Greater productivity
• Increased employee satisfaction
• Reduced business overheads
• Lower absenteeism
• Created a larger talent pool
• Broader insight into other markets
• Better work-life balance.

But how do you make a start? Try all or make a start with some of the tips below – it can really help!

As more people begin working from home with the lockdown across the world, many are facing the unfamiliar situation of remote working.

ScanSnap helps people collaborate anywhere, and we are keen to help everyone to be productive and happy when you are working home.

Here are some tools and tips for getting the most from remote working along with some in-depth guides.

As working from home moves from being an exciting novelty to your long term office, you need to learn from those who have already successfully found ways to be productive.

• • 1. Get started early. It’s not a sprint but a marathon, so starting early and setting goals for the day ahead is an excellent way of working. “When I work from home, I wake up, put on a pot of coffee, and start working immediately — much earlier than my normal working hours. I only start making breakfast once I’ve hit a wall or need a break. I’m a morning person and find I can get a ton done in the early morning hours, so this works really well for me.” Lindsay Kolowich

• • 2. Get exercise to start the day. Get the best start possible with some form of exercise. If you just fall out of bed into work you will rapidly find that maintaining energy and focus will become increasingly difficult.

• • 3. Start with the Most Important Task(sometimes known as the MIT). The most productive people have clearly defined important tasks. Before you start with email and other peoples MIT’s, prioritise your tasks and start the most critical job to be completed that day. “I’ve found this to be one of the best things I’ve ever done in my workday because it helps me to focus, I get important stuff done, and I can accomplish a lot with less effort.” Leo Babauta

• • 4. Set up a designated workspace and treat it like an office. The mental association you make between work and an office can make you more productive. Define a workspace that is not associated with leisure time to avoid distractions to help keep focus.

• • 5. Make sure you have all the tech you need. This includes a reliable and secure internet connection, any necessary paper files, hardware and software, remote access to your company network and, importantly, knowledge of how to get IT support. Along with laptops, mice and monitors you’ll need a ScanSnap to digitised your papers.

• • 6. Get dressed for work. Working in your PJ’s isn’t a long-term plan. If you make an effort to dress in comfortable smart clothes, it will help you separate ‘Home Office’ and ‘Home Life’.

• • 7. Avoid procrastination. With so many distractions at home, it’s easy to get sidetracked with social media, unnecessary emails, TV and the family. Have a time when you do social media; set aside time for your family but GET WORK DONE.

• • 8. Keep an updated to-do list. Alongside your Most Important Task from 2 keeping a clearly visible record of the jobs you are working on is a great help. Even better is to put them on a board (Kanban board) showing ‘To do’, ‘Doing’ and ‘Done’ – simple but really effective project management tool.

• • 9. Take breaks. Keep fresh and focused with breaks throughout the day.

• • 10. Stay in touch. Make sure you maintain both your work links and you external contacts as it is easy to fall off the radar when you are working remotely. Working from home means there are no ‘Watercooler Moment’ when you can share thoughts with colleagues, and this can be hard to handle, so build them into your day.

• 11. Be clear with your communications. With no physical cues it is vital to be clear and precise with your communications