How can we help?Get in touch
Working remotely is a norm in our field, and everyday more and more people are joining this new way of life. At Wild Wild Web, we’ve spent years successfully working remotely as a team, and in this post we’re going to explain 6 points that we consider key.
1. Have a schedule and a routine
If you’re but if you’re working on designing any type of project, you’re free to work in whatever timezone you want. Define it and stick to it so other will know when they can contact you.
Shower, dress, put on makeup... do everything you’d do if you were in an office. At first it may seem silly, but this type of routine helps to create a separation between your personal and work life. Once you’re a pro remote worker you can work no problem.
Working from home
2. Have a daily mini-meeting with your team
At the beginning of the work day, while your drinking tea or coffee, it’s good to have a brief conference in order to plan the day’s work and see what everyone else is working on. It’s better if you can do a video call since seeing everyone’s face strengthens your team and reminds them that there are in fact people on the other side of the chat box.
For teams in different timezones, try and find a time that works for each member.
3. Communicate frequently.
Make jokes, tell stories, talk about your sports team’s win... basically try to talk with you team members about stuff that’s not just work related.
Don’t burden them with constant interruptions, but just be natural with it. These are the conversations the remind us we’re human and that socializing certainly makes us happier.
4. Keep everyone updated on your status
Use the offline or disconnected status in chats and give details about when you’re going to be away for things like eating lunch or taking out the dog. Always keep your coworkers informed about your progress or failures in your daily work.
5. Get a good headset
You neck will thank you (and those around you too).
If you spend a lot of time talking, it’s important that you keep your hands free so you can type and use the mouse without hurting your neck...
6. Hold physical meetings and team building events
Whenever your work lets you, it’s always a good idea to get the team together and meet in some cool place. This crafts stronger bonds between everyone on the team and lets them have a little vacation from their personal workspaces.
One of our team meetings in 2015
Working remotely is in its first steps and there’s some way to go before perfection. During the next couple years we’ll see if more companies use this style and how new methods and approaches will better the process.