Guest post by Amanda Cole
In 2022, remote work is already the norm. Working from home, a coffee shop, well, basically from anywhere in the world is now an accepted and popular way to get things done. For those in London, using a reliable vpn service in the UK can ensure secure connections from any location. The capital city offers the perfect environment for the remote worker – brimming with culture, opportunity, and excitement. In this blog post, we’ll give you tips on how to make the most of remote work, as well as recommendations for software and tools that will help you stay productive while away from your desk.
#1 Set Up a Convenient Workplace
When working remotely, it’s important to find a space that is productive and comfortable for you. This could be your bedroom, living room, or even a local coffee shop. The key is to find somewhere that can help you easily transition into work mode. Make sure to have all of your necessary tools within reach, including your laptop, phone charger, a notebook, or any other materials you might need.
If you can’t concentrate in your flat, try looking for a coworking space. These are places where remote workers and freelancers can work in a collaborative environment. Coworking offices often have meeting rooms, quiet areas, and even social events, so you can meet other remote workers and get inspired.
Source – Photo by CoWomen from Pexels
#LondonTip: If you’re looking for a quiet and productive place to work remotely, consider a library. John Harvard Library is a great option with plenty of space and quiet areas to get things done.
#2 Get All the Tools You Need
Working remotely can be a lot easier if you have the right software: communication apps, screen recording tools, task managers, time trackers, and other useful things. Here are some of our favorites:
- Communication tools: Slack, Zoom, and Google Hangouts are all great tools for communication among remote workers. They allow for group chats, video conferencing, and file sharing, so you can easily stay in touch with your team no matter where they are in the world.
- Productivity tools: Todoist, Asana, and Trello are excellent options for managing your to-do lists and projects. They help you keep track of what needs to be done and when, which is essential when working remotely.
- Time management tools: RescueTime and DeskTime are both great apps for tracking how you spend your time. They can help you figure out which tasks slow you down and how to better manage your time when working remotely.
- Screen recording: If you need to record your screen for a meeting or presentation, OBS Studio is a great option. It’s free and easy to use, and it records your entire screen, so you can easily share what you’re working on.
- VPN: A virtual private network is essential for remote workers who need to access internal networks from outside the office. A VPN allows you to connect to your company’s network as if you were sitting at your desk in the office.
- Browser extensions: The Google Suite of tools (Google Drive, Gmail, Calendar, etc.) is a must for remote workers. And don’t forget about extensions like Evernote, which can help you take notes and keep track of ideas while working.
#LondonTip: Many coworking spaces and coffee shops provide access to public Wi-Fi. However, sometimes these Wi-Fi networks can be unreliable. If this is the case, consider using a VPN to protect your data.
#3 Keep Your Work-Life Balance Intact
When you’re working remotely, it can be easy to let your work-life balance slip. After all, you’re not limited by the traditional office hours of nine to five. But it’s important to find a balance between work and life, especially when remote work is new to you. Here are a few tips for staying happy with your job and maintaining a healthy work-life balance:
- Set boundaries. One way to maintain a good balance is to set boundaries for yourself. Decide what times of day you are available for communication, and stick to them. This will help you avoid staying online all the time and burning out.
- Take breaks. It’s also vital to take breaks throughout the day and do something fun. Get up and move around, take a walk, or just step away from your computer for a few minutes. This will help you stay focused and productive when you do need to work.
Photo by Daniel Reche from Pexels
- Create a routine. Having a routine can also help you maintain balance in your life. When you have set times for work and breaks, it’s easier to avoid working too much or becoming overwhelmed.
#LondonTip: Take a walk in Battersea park to clear your head and get some fresh air. This area boasts off a stunning river view and a lot of secret locations that can turn into your inspiration spot.
#4 Network, Network, Network!
It can be easy to feel isolated when you’ve just moved to London and work from a rented flat. But one of the best things you can do for your career is to network with other remote workers to make up for the lack of team work. There are a few ways to do this:
- Join online communities. There are many online communities for remote workers, such as Remotive and Remotely One. These groups are a great place to find advice, connect with other remote workers, and learn about new opportunities.
- Attend in-person events. Another great way to network is to visit regular events in your industry – meetups, conventions, and conferences.
- Start a remote meetup. If there’s not an in-person event near you, consider starting or joining a remote meetup. This is a great way to connect with people all over the country and share advice and experience.
#LondonTip: London has a thriving worker community, so be sure to take advantage of all the networking opportunities to get a job or find friends that are available.
As a remote worker in London, it’s important to be aware of the many tools and resources available to you. In this blog post, we’ve shared four tips for working remotely in London, as well as some of our favorite remote work tools. We hope you find these tips useful and that they help you make the most of your remote career.
