As we approach the one year anniversary of moving our team to fully remote, we are reflecting on the challenges, triumphs, and most importantly: what we’ve learned along the way. While this was an unexpected pivot for many businesses and teams, we feel extra fortunate to be able to operate from anywhere as long as we’ve got a laptop and an internet connection! Having our necessary systems on cloud based platforms means we aren’t tethered to the office, and can easily adapt to working from the kitchen table. Because of this unconventional WFH model, our team actually continued to grow! Since January 2021, we have more than doubled our team, including 4 fully-remote team members who are spread across the U.S. in California, Indiana, and New York.

While we have kept up and even accelerated operations while working remotely, it took some adjusting for our personal work routines. The traditional work day of commuting, working alongside others, and meeting in conference rooms is long gone. Each one of us had to find the best way to adapt that bolstered productivity while finding that work-life balance. 

Here are some tips we’ve learned over the last year: 

Set Up A Dedicated Workspace

This one was widely recommended in March of last year and it holds true. Setting up a dedicated workspace for your laptop, notebook, etc. will help put you in the right headspace to get things done. As our Salesforce Consultant, Jenna puts it: “It helps allow you to focus without the constant temptation of flipping on the TV, grabbing a snack, doing a quick household chore, or snuggling up on the couch with your pets.” 

Invest In The Right Tools

We’ve already mentioned the digital infrastructure for remote work, but don’t neglect the necessary hardware. As we’ve been inundated with Zoom meetings and webinars, the need for a second monitor became very obvious. Having a second monitor also allows working Zoom meetings to take place without switching between windows. Keep the call on one screen and continue working on the other screen. Other team favorites are an insulated coffee tumbler to keep it hot, plants to uplift your mood, and an ergonomically supportive chair. Senior Salesforce Consultant Lucia specifically recommends the Cushion Lab lumbar pillows and seat cushion. 

Find Balance With Breaks 

When working in the office, you’re able to get up and walk around for a coffee refill, take a walking meeting with a coworker, or head down the block to grab lunch. When you’re set up at home without these normal instances of stepping away, it can be hard to force these breaks. We recommend scheduling them into your day – even add them to your Google Calendar! Try to keep this dedicated time technology free. Here’s what our Digital Strategist Alyssa does: “I’ve set an alarm to take two 30 minute breaks during the day, one for lunch and one for going outside and away from the computer. It’s a good brain break and sometimes helps spark creativity from stepping out and getting some sunshine.”

Bottom line: finding the right flow for remote work will take time. Balancing virtual meeting burnout and maintaining productivity is an ongoing process that might require adjustments. As a digital team, we rely heavily on technology but also try to incorporate moments of “office fun” every so often. Learn more about what we recommended for tackling remote work back in March 2020!