5 New Year’s resolutions for the remote worker

by | Dec 14, 2023 | Articles

The New Year can be a wonderful time of reflection and an opportunity for change. It presents us with a fresh slate, allowing us to make decisions that can steer us in entirely different directions. And, New Year’s resolutions are a great way to indicate our new commitments for both work and life.

As a remote, globally distributed company, we like to think about how we can improve in our remote work life. And when it comes to work for remote workers, here are some resolutions that can be helpful! 

1. Achieve work-life balance

It’s important for remote workers to strive for work-life balance Working from home equates to living at work for those who don’t draw the line between their professional and personal lives. 

Make good on this New Year’s resolution by defining your working hours and communicating it to your colleagues, family and friends. This prevents intrusions from either side. Also, don’t take on more tasks than you can handle; once you reach your limit, turn down extra assignments.    

As a remote worker, it’s important to have a dedicated workspace in your home. This helps you zone in and keep distractions at bay. Make time for yourself; have a routine that caters to your personal needs outside work hours. This could be linking up with loved ones, going to see a movie or working out.

Striking a balance between work and personal life ensures job satisfaction and well-being.             

2. Boost productivity

Enhancing productivity at work is another great New Year’s resolution idea for the remote worker. A consistent routine with regular breaks within working hours and minimal distraction guarantees a structured and efficient approach to tasks. 

Performance can also be amped by defining the goals for each day and breaking them down into doable bits. Ensure that your goals are realistic and achievable within the allocated timeframe. It’s helpful to prioritise tasks; implementing the Eisenhower Matrix will help you group tasks along the lines of urgency and importance, giving a clear idea of what should be put off or neglected entirely.

Productivity tools are worth the investment; whether time-tracking apps, project management software or collaboration platforms, they can streamline your work and increase your output. Vital as well are productivity techniques such as time-blocking and “Eating the Frog” which emphasise allocating specific blocks of time to different types of tasks and getting the most challenging task done first respectively.  

3. Adopt a healthier lifestyle

A healthier lifestyle is imperative for the remote worker’s physical and mental well-being. It ensures optimal performance, sustainability and fulfilment. To cultivate a healthy lifestyle in the coming year, consider incorporating physical activity into your day; regular exercise increases energy levels and reduces stress. 

Equally important is healthy eating habits. Try to avoid over-processed foods. A nutritious and balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables is the way to go. 

Posture matters. Invest in an ergonomic setup and adjust it to suit your needs. Consider taking regular breaks from screen exposure. Stress management activities such as meditation and an end-of-work relaxation routine can help prevent burnout. Social connections are also a good way to keep yourself in good spirits.

Get quality rest; a consistent sleep schedule with about six to eight hours of sleep daily keeps you fresh. Regular health checkups will also help identify and tackle any health challenges early.     

4. Improve work relationships

Remote workers need to build and maintain strong work relationships. Healthy work relationships lead to a positive work environment. To make this New Year’s resolution a reality, try to: 

  • Communicate clearly and promptly with team members using available communication channels
  • Participate in virtual team-building activities
  • Check on colleagues and offer support
  • Listen actively during conversations and meetings
  • Acknowledge the efforts and accomplishments of others—recognition works wonders
  • Offer constructive feedback

5. Grow professionally

As the New Year approaches, consider professional development opportunities. To advance in your career, it’s imperative to have defined goals of the milestones you want to achieve. The goals will shed light on the necessary skills to be acquired.

Follow up by earning certifications relevant to your career path. You could attend conferences and workshops to stay updated on trends and innovations in your industry. Or, you could join professional associations in your field. This can provide networking opportunities with peers and mentors who will provide valuable insight into how to navigate your career path better. 

Take on challenging tasks that will drive an expansion in your skill set. A record of such achievements reflects positively on your capabilities.

 

These New Year’s resolutions can help remote workers avoid burnout, build healthy relationships with team members, perform better and have a more fulfilling life.

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