Gone are the days when you and your co-workers are sitting side by side in an office. Virtual workspaces are the new normal and sometimes a better option due to increasing advancements of cloud technology and telecommunications. Whether you are spearheading a startup company lacking initial resources, a freelancer based at home, or a team member working remotely, the fact is the idea of a physical “office” has changed and our workstyles must adapt too.
Here are 3 tips to tackle a more productive virtual workspace:
1. Create a safe haven for your stuff.
Just because you do not have an office, doesn’t mean you have to be disorganized. Whether you work from home or in your car travelling, your belongings must have a safe home. Create a storage bin in the trunk of your car or carve out a small work space at home. This may sounds obvious, but it’s a vital step towards success. You deserve an organized space that will make you feel like the awesome entrepreneur or working individual that you are!
2. Identify the main channel of communication.
Although having many channels to communicate through can be beneficial, channel overload is also a possibility. Between Facebook, Twitter, email, texting, and voicemail, conversations can overlap and indirectly cause miscommunication. There has to be common ground between you and people you work with and therefore we suggest choosing a single medium where important conversations should occur. Designating a primary channel of communication, such as email, will alleviate unnecessary stress of channel overload, especially when there is no single office where every employee is housed.
3. Devote time for working relationships.
A virtual workspace can certainly save time and money, but it can sometimes lead to a feeling of isolation. This seems to be the overarching concern of working remotely or in a virtual space away from co-workers. However, there are certain ways to combat such disconnect and that is by finding creative ways to invest in working relationships. Audio and video conferencing are two affordable ways to keep collaboration alive, intact, and thriving. If you own a business and working solo, try finding a working space where you can meet like-minded individuals every now and then. Co-working spaces are much easier to find these days and are a nice alternative to working alone.
Do you work without a traditional office? What is your virtual workspace experience been like?
Posted in: Telecom Tips
