In today's rapidly changing work environment, remote work has become increasingly common. While the idea of working from home may seem like a dream come true for many, it comes with its own set of challenges. Laura Vanderkam's book "The New Corner Office" offers a comprehensive guide to mastering the art of remote work.
Drawing on her extensive research in time management and professional success, as well as interviews with managers, employees, and freelancers worldwide, Vanderkam presents a collection of practical strategies for maintaining productivity, creativity, and happiness while working remotely. This book is designed to help readers stay focused, adhere to routines, and achieve their goals without succumbing to the potential pitfalls of working from home.
Key Ideas
Focus on Tasks, Not Time
One of the most significant shifts in mindset when transitioning to remote work is the emphasis on task completion rather than hours worked. Vanderkam illustrates this concept with the story of Meredith Schwartz, CEO of the wedding planning company Here Comes the Guide.
When Schwartz got a new puppy, she decided to work from home for a few weeks. Initially concerned about her productivity, she was surprised to find that she actually accomplished more. This experience led her to gradually shift her entire company to remote work, focusing on task completion rather than adhering to traditional office hours.
The traditional 9-to-5 workday often doesn't correlate with actual productivity. Many people have experienced days at the office where they accomplish little, simply because they're expected to be present. By shifting focus to tasks rather than time, remote workers can manage their days more effectively.
To implement this approach, Vanderkam suggests creating a weekly task list. Every Friday, take time to write down what you want to accomplish in the coming week. This list should include both short-term tasks and milestones for longer-term projects. For managers, having employees submit their weekly task lists can create accountability.
With your task list in hand, forget about tracking hours. Instead, concentrate on crossing items off your list each day. Some days you might finish early, while others might require more time. The flexibility of remote work allows you to adapt your schedule accordingly.
Complementing your to-do list with a "to-done" list can be helpful. At the end of each day, record everything you've accomplished, whether it was on your original agenda or not. This practice helps refine your time management skills and provides a sense of accomplishment.
Establish a Daily Rhythm
While remote work offers flexibility, having a structured daily schedule can significantly boost productivity and reduce stress. Vanderkam draws an interesting parallel with monastic life, where monks follow a predictable daily routine without constant supervision.
To create your own productive rhythm, start by establishing rituals to replace your commute. These rituals help demarcate the boundaries between work and personal time. For example, you might begin your workday with a short walk or meditation session and end it with journaling or picking up your children from school.
Next, divide your working hours into a rough schedule based on your energy levels. Identify the times of day when you feel most alert and dedicate those periods to your most important or challenging tasks. This approach helps maintain focus and boosts overall productivity.
Don't forget to schedule regular breaks. Even the most dedicated workers need time to rest and recharge. Experiment with different work-to-break ratios until you find what works best for you. Some people prefer the Pomodoro Technique of 25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break, while others might prefer longer work sessions with extended breaks.
Remember that if you're part of an organization, your schedule will need to align with your colleagues' schedules to some extent. Finding the right balance between individual productivity and team collaboration is crucial for remote work success.
Foster Strong Relationships
One common concern about remote work is the potential for isolation and weakened workplace relationships. However, Vanderkam argues that with effort and planning, it's possible to maintain strong connections with colleagues even when working from different locations.
She uses the example of the Best of Both Worlds podcast hosts, Sarah and Laura, who have built a strong friendship despite rarely meeting in person. Their consistent virtual communication through texting, emailing, and video chats has allowed them to develop a warm rapport that comes across in their podcast.
To foster close relationships in a remote work environment, Vanderkam suggests several strategies:
Dedicate time for casual conversation during team meetings. For instance, allocate the first ten minutes of a weekly video call to non-work-related chat.
Organize virtual social events, such as video-chat cocktail hours or virtual dinner parties, to provide opportunities for informal interaction.
Get creative with team-building activities. For example, Erin Ruane from Homes.com invites employees to give virtual tours of their homes and introduce their families and pets.
When possible, arrange in-person meetings once or twice a year. These don't need to be elaborate; even a few hours at a local venue can significantly strengthen working relationships.
Foster an atmosphere of openness where casual conversation is encouraged and normalized.
By implementing these strategies, remote teams can maintain the social connections that are vital for a healthy and productive work environment.
Pursue Continuous Growth and Challenges
In a traditional office setting, professional success is often visibly represented by corner offices, personal assistants, and designer suits. In a remote work environment, these outward signs of success may be absent, making it crucial to find other ways to stay motivated and ambitious.
Vanderkam emphasizes the importance of regularly checking in with your goals and desires. She recommends creating a "List of 100 Dreams," as suggested by career coach Caroline Ceniza-Levine. This comprehensive list should include both personal and professional aspirations, ranging from specific short-term goals to broader long-term ambitions.
To further clarify your goals, Vanderkam suggests imagining your ideal working week. Consider how you would spend your time if everything were going perfectly. This exercise can help you identify concrete targets to work towards when organizing your professional path.
Remaining open to unexpected opportunities is another key aspect of professional growth in a remote work setting. Don't let a rigid routine limit your imagination. Be willing to take on projects slightly outside your comfort zone or meet with unconventional clients. These experiences can lead to unforeseen benefits and growth opportunities.
Create an Optimal Work Environment
Studies have shown that remote workers tend to be happier and more productive than their office-based counterparts. However, to fully realize these benefits, it's important to create a comfortable and conducive work environment at home.
Vanderkam emphasizes the importance of investing in proper office equipment. While working from the couch might seem cozy, it can lead to discomfort and decreased productivity over time. A solid desk, ergonomic chair, and proper lighting are essential for maintaining comfort and focus during long work hours.
However, creating an optimal work environment goes beyond just the basics. Vanderkam encourages personalizing your workspace with decorations and plants to make it more appealing. If possible, set up your workspace near a window to enjoy natural light and views.
Incorporating space for physical activity can further enhance your remote work experience. Even simple equipment like resistance bands, dumbbells, or a yoga mat can allow you to integrate short workouts into your daily routine. This not only promotes physical health but can also help maintain focus and energy levels throughout the day.
Vanderkam acknowledges that the perfect home office setup will vary from person to person. Through experimentation and adjustment, you can discover the right combination of routines and equipment that works best for you.
Maintain Work-Life Balance
While remote work offers flexibility, it can also blur the lines between professional and personal life. Vanderkam stresses the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance to prevent burnout and ensure long-term success.
One strategy she suggests is to clearly define your working hours and stick to them as much as possible. This might mean setting up automatic email responses outside of your working hours or having a dedicated work phone that you turn off at the end of the day.
Vanderkam also emphasizes the importance of taking regular breaks and vacations. Just because you're working from home doesn't mean you should be available 24/7. Make sure to schedule time for relaxation, hobbies, and family activities.
Another tip is to create physical separation between your work and living spaces if possible. If you don't have a separate home office, try to set up a dedicated workspace that you can "leave" at the end of the workday. This can help create a psychological boundary between work and personal time.
Embrace Flexibility
One of the greatest advantages of remote work is the flexibility it offers. Vanderkam encourages readers to embrace this flexibility and use it to their advantage.
For instance, if you're most productive in the early morning hours, you might choose to start your workday at 6 AM and finish earlier in the afternoon. Or if you have family commitments during traditional work hours, you might split your workday into two parts, with a break in between for personal tasks.
Vanderkam also suggests using the flexibility of remote work to pursue personal interests or side projects. This could mean taking an online course during your lunch break or using the time saved from commuting to work on a hobby or volunteer work.
However, she cautions that flexibility should not come at the cost of reliability. It's important to be available during core team hours and to communicate clearly about your schedule with colleagues and clients.
Effective Communication in a Remote Setting
Clear and effective communication becomes even more crucial in a remote work environment. Vanderkam offers several strategies for improving communication with remote teams:
Over-communicate: In the absence of face-to-face interactions, it's better to err on the side of too much communication rather than too little.
Choose the right medium: Different types of communication are better suited to different mediums. For instance, quick questions might be best handled via instant messaging, while complex discussions might require a video call.
Be clear and concise: Without the benefit of non-verbal cues, it's important to be as clear as possible in written communications.
Practice active listening: During video calls, make an effort to show that you're engaged by nodding, maintaining eye contact, and providing verbal affirmations.
Use visual aids: When explaining complex ideas, consider using screen sharing or collaborative whiteboard tools to enhance understanding.
Overcoming Remote Work Challenges
While remote work offers many benefits, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Vanderkam addresses some common issues and provides strategies for overcoming them:
Isolation: Combat feelings of loneliness by scheduling regular virtual coffee chats with colleagues or joining online professional networks.
Distractions: Create a dedicated workspace and communicate boundaries with family members or roommates to minimize interruptions.
Lack of motivation: Set clear daily goals and reward yourself for accomplishing them to stay motivated.
Technology issues: Invest in reliable internet and necessary tech tools, and have a backup plan for when technology fails.
Difficulty disconnecting: Establish clear start and end times for your workday and create rituals to transition between work and personal time.
Continuous Learning and Skill Development
In a rapidly evolving work landscape, continuous learning is crucial for career growth. Vanderkam emphasizes the importance of proactively seeking out learning opportunities in a remote work setting.
She suggests allocating time each week for professional development activities such as reading industry publications, taking online courses, or attending virtual conferences. Many organizations offer online learning platforms or stipends for professional development, and Vanderkam encourages readers to take full advantage of these resources.
Additionally, she recommends seeking out mentorship opportunities, even in a remote setting. This could involve scheduling regular video chats with a more experienced colleague or participating in virtual mentorship programs within your industry.
Managing Remote Teams
For those in leadership positions, managing remote teams presents unique challenges. Vanderkam offers several tips for effective remote team management:
Focus on outcomes rather than activity: Judge team members on their results rather than the number of hours they work.
Set clear expectations: Ensure that all team members understand their roles, responsibilities, and performance metrics.
Provide regular feedback: Schedule one-on-one check-ins with team members to discuss progress and address any concerns.
Foster team cohesion: Organize virtual team-building activities and create opportunities for casual interaction among team members.
Trust your team: Avoid micromanaging and give team members autonomy to manage their own time and work processes.
The Future of Remote Work
Vanderkam concludes by discussing the future of remote work. She predicts that even as the world moves past the immediate crisis that accelerated the shift to remote work, many of the changes will persist.
She envisions a future where work is more flexible, with many organizations adopting hybrid models that combine remote and in-office work. This shift, she argues, will require a reimagining of office spaces, management practices, and work culture.
Vanderkam encourages readers to embrace this change and to continually adapt their skills and practices to thrive in an evolving work landscape. She emphasizes that the principles outlined in the book – focusing on outcomes, maintaining strong relationships, pursuing continuous growth, and creating an optimal work environment – will remain relevant regardless of how work arrangements evolve in the future.
Final Thoughts
"The New Corner Office" provides a comprehensive guide to thriving in a remote work environment. By focusing on task completion rather than hours worked, establishing a productive daily rhythm, fostering strong relationships despite physical distance, and creating an optimal home work environment, remote workers can maintain high levels of productivity and job satisfaction.
Vanderkam's strategies emphasize the importance of self-discipline, clear communication, and continuous learning in a remote work setting. She encourages readers to embrace the flexibility of remote work while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
As the world of work continues to evolve, the principles outlined in this book offer a valuable roadmap for navigating the challenges and opportunities of remote work. Whether you're a long-time remote worker looking to optimize your practices or someone new to working from home, "The New Corner Office" provides practical, actionable advice for success in the new world of work.
By implementing these strategies, readers can transform their home workspaces into productive, satisfying environments that rival any traditional corner office. The future of work is here, and with the right approach, it offers exciting possibilities for professional growth and personal fulfillment.