August 20, 2019
“We like to give people the freedom to work where they want, safe in the knowledge that they have the drive and expertise to perform excellently, whether they [are] at their desk or in their kitchen. Yours truly has never worked out of an office, and never will.”
– Richard Branson
More than two-thirds of people around the world work away from the office at least once every week. It’s comfortable, means a flexible schedule and even has some health and wellbeing benefits. But it also requires a level of self-discipline and organisation; you’ll need to be prepared with all the necessary equipment.
If it’s something you’re considering, we’ve highlighted the 5 items that you asolutley cannot do without when remote working below:
1) A laptop
A laptop is at the core of every professional’s work life; if nothing else does, your laptop should come with you when you’re remote working. It’s portable and fires up quickly so it makes moving from location to location easy. Not to mention the wealth of information at your fingertips; having internet access (if you’ve got a Wi-Fi connection) and all of your saved work to hand. Why risk using public computers or losing your USB? It’s also a great offline presentation tool for meetings – especially if a venue’s technology fails you.
2) A diary or notebook
A paper diary will keep you organised and on top of your schedule, whilst a notebook provides space for you to note down ideas wherever you may be.
Remote working might mean that access to a reliable power source is limited, leaving you with only your laptop battery life to rely on – until that runs out. Having work information, important dates and contacts that you need to work efficiently recorded in a paper diary or notebook will prove extremely useful in this situation.
Diaries and notebooks come in a range of sizes, styles and colours and they slip easily into your bag, briefcase or pocket, so you can take them everywhere you go. Taking a break from your screen to take handwritten notes will help brighten your mood and clear your mind, too!
(If you are working remotely in a public space, remember that branded notebooks and diaries are also a great marketing opportunity).
3) A pen
You need something to write these important notes with. Notebooks and pens go hand-in-hand and are an essential combination for agile working. Whether you are jotting down an important meeting time or your signature is urgently needed, a pen should always be by your side.
Writing by hand can also expose you to higher critical thinking, effective memory recall and stronger conceptual understanding –
Before you leave the house in the morning, make sure you have a pen or two tucked safely into your pocket. Choose refillable pens that will last and remember to bring extra refills; there’s nothing more frustrating than a pen running out of ink!
4) A phone
Remote working keeps you away from meetings you don’t always need to attend and office politics – but you can stay in the loop at a distance with a phone.
You may be disconnected from the office world physically, but remaining available at the other end of a phone will make it much easier to stay updated and hands-on with the workflow of your business. If you choose to pitch up near other members of the public and distracting noises, bring headphones too so you can hear your clients clearly when speaking over the phone.
5) Emergency charger
For your laptop, for your tablet, for your phone. Just in case. How many times have you discovered you’ve only got 1% battery at a critical time? If you’re planning a remote working session that will last longer than a few hours, take a charger (and maybe even a battery pack for your phone). If you’re not near a good power source – see point 2 and pack your trusty notebook.
With these 5 essential items, you are all set up for remote working anywhere at any time, leaving you free to enjoy a productive session.
Written by Ella Shields.
