The way we work is changing. The tools of our trade, for most, have upgraded and streamlined. Laptops, the internet, and cloud-based systems means as long as you have the internet and some type of device, you can work! Being able to work flexibly has massive benefits, to individuals and organisations , beyond work-life balance. Cost savings, talent attraction, and carbon footprint reduction are all benefits of working is a more flexible way. But there are four things that you need to consider when working remotely.

There was a time where work had a more permanent base. Many people aspired to the’ corner office’, or an open-plan space with funky beans bags (or was that just me). But in time where working wellbeing is at the forefront of our minds, as well as the very practical issues of needing to work around a family or other caring commitments, working from home is something that has become a must-have!

However, working from home – either as self-employed or remote worker – can offer lots of distractions. Carving out your own space within your home, for some, can be hard. Not just the practicality of having an uncluttered space, but becoming distracted by that pile of washing, or unexpected guest you think that your day is flexible as well as your workspace. There are very serious concerns around loneliness too.  Buffer’s 2019 “State of Remote Work” survey found that 19% of those that answered the survey found loneliness as the biggest struggle with working remotely; which came second to unplugging after work (22%).

One way to help with this issue is a change of scenery. If you are part of an organisation or a team, you may have the benefits of a hot-desking system or regular team meetings. However, for many of us that work on our own, or have a fully remote role, this isn’t always an option. Yet, we can’t underplay the health and productivity benefits of this change of scenery. Planning alternative working space could be just what the Doctor ordered if you find you need company or you are getting cabin fever.

So, here are four things to consider when working remotely.

Be tech-savvy!
If you are like me, you still do lots of work on your laptop. Whilst working from a coffee shop or co-working space with Wi-Fi may be top of your list, you may find that you are risking your security. IF you are going online, it’s best to tether to your phone 4G to keep your data (and that of your clients) safe. This blog from MausTech can help! Obviously, go with a fully charged device – you can’t always guarantee your spot next to a plug.

Have an agenda
Like any working day, consider what you need to do and your deadline. Sometimes I go to have a focused couple of hours of writing, Other times I go to plan and brainstorm! So, if you are going to blast through some admin, make sure you have everything you need to make it happen. However, if you are there for thinking time you may want to literally have a blank piece of paper and pen to creatively carve out your business, project or career plans!

Co-working for company
Sometimes I co-work as I want to be around other people – sometimes the background of coffee shop chatter is enough, or I want a conversation with people that I know and trust! It’s not just me, local co-working meetups are popping up all over the country. From the Jelly format (this is the Lichfield one) , to home working entrepreneurs sharing their kitchen table. You may have a local coffee shop that would fit the bill(. I always recommend asking if it’s OK to work there, and obviously buy drinks and a snack as a “thank you “ to the space! Some coffee shops are starting to develop partnerships to offer co-working days; keep your eyes peeled on social media for updates!

Get some inspiration
Don’t limit your concept of where else you can work from; not just the usual coffee shops or formalised co-working spaces. You may need something more structured than a hot-desk (like the recommended Alpha Works in Birmingham, thanks to Beck& Call PR). However, there are times you want to think differently. So how about an Art Gallery? Or have a walk in the park and record your thoughts as a voice note? How would it feel to mix up not just where you work, but how you work?

So, if you are thinking of moving away from your home office, hot desk or kitchen table make sure you consider those four things when working remotely!  If you happen to work in the West Midlands or are travelling here soon you might want to try out some of the places that have been suggested by my online community above.

Where do you work? I’d love to know! Join Creating Careers to Enjoy and share your favourite spaces with us!

Clara Wilcox is a straight-talking, practical and experienced coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective is a social enterprise focused on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance. Isn’t it time you had a career to enjoy, not endure? Talk to me NOW about how I can help.