We’ve devoted posts to the corporate environment of remote work and distributed teams.  Today’s installment is directed at our end users who find themselves to be, you guessed it, remote workers.

There is sometimes an assumption within the tech world that any problem can be solved by a tool.  “If someone isn’t an effective remote worker, maybe we can create a tool to make them effective.”  There is actually a lot more to the picture than what tool you are using to get their work done.

First, you must make a careful assessment of your character.  Just about anyone can work from home (or the hotel, or the park, or the cafe) for a day.  The question is, can you stand working without the hustle of an office for days, weeks, or years on end?  You have to be able to handle the environment of working without a net.   You must also be very motivated by deadlines.  (See Five Things You’ll Miss by Not Working In An Office.)

If you (and/or your boss) believe you fit the above profile, I have a list of suggestions to help you survive and be productive:

1)      Have a dedicated workspace/office

My home office actually has a placard that says, “Office” over the door.  There are two reasons to have this space:  i) It’s a tax write Continue reading →