Table of Contents
Introduction ix
What It Means to Work Remotely x
What The Remote Worker's Handbook Offers xii
Chapter 1 Pros and Eons of Becoming a Remote Worker 1
The 16 Biggest Benefits of Working Remotely 2
The 14 Biggest Drawbacks of Working Remotely 9
The Pros and Cons of Working from a Shared Work Space 20
Determine If You're Cut Out to Work Remotely 21
Becoming a Remote Worker Will Require Developing a New Skill Set 24
Chapter 2 Being a Successful Remote Worker Is a Skill Set unto Itself 27
Develop Your Written Communication Skills 28
Verbal Communication Is Also an Important Skill to Master 30
How and Where to Get the Training and Coaching You Might Need 30
Master the Art of Managing Your Time 32
Become an Effective Collaborator 40
Prepare Yourself to Work Remotely 42
Chapter 3 Adapting Your Existing Work Habits and Workflow to Remote Working 43
Identify and Outline Your Existing Work Responsibilities 44
Adapt Your Company's Workflow to Support a Remote Work Situation 46
When It Comes to Internet Access, Have a Backup Plan 48
11 Strategies for Making a Smooth Transition to Working from Home 49
Make a Smooth Transition to Working from Anywhere 57
Start By Creating Your Ideal Work Space 57
Chapter 4 How to Set Up and Organize Your Home or Remote Office 59
Identify the Perfect Work Space Within Your Home 60
10 Considerations When Choosing Where to Set Up Your Home Office 63
Home Office Decorating Tips That'll Enhance Your Mood and Productivity 70
The Home Office Furniture You'll Likely Need 70
Additional Home Office Furniture You May Need 72
Gathering Home Office Equipment to Meet Your Needs 73
The Applications That'll Keep You Productive 75
Required Office Supplies 81
Telephone and Internet Considerations 82
Set Up an Organized Work Space 84
Identifying Your Equipment Needs for Working Outside an Office 85
Considerations Before Choosing to Work Outdoors 85
Don't Just Go on a Massive Shopping Spree 89
Chapter 5 Work Successfully from a Shared Work Space 91
Benefits of Working from a Shared Work Space 92
12 Potential Drawbacks of Working from a Shared Work Space 94
Tips for Working from a Shared Work Space You Think Meets Your Needs 96
Popular Shared Work Space Options 97
There Are Many More Shared Work Space Options to Choose From 100
Chapter 6 How to Remotely Collaborate 101
10 Tips for Collaborating Using Online Tools 102
Pinpoint and Gather the Collaboration Tools You Need 104
Determine How Each Application Will Be Used and Establish Etiquette 112
Strategies for Dealing with Time Zone Scheduling Issues 113
Chapter 7 Working with PDF Files Instead of Paper Files 117
Work with PDF Files from Any Computer or Mobile Device 118
Why PDFs Are Replacing Traditional Paperwork 120
A PDF Reader Is a Must 121
Easy Ways to Create PDF Files 122
Ways You'll Want to Work with PDFs 124
Be Sure to Manage and Organize Your PDF Files 125
Digitally Sign Your PDFs 126
Consider a PDF's Resolution When Creating It 126
As a Remote Worker, Always Focus on Security 126
Chapter 8 Effectively Deal with Online Security and Privacy Issues 129
The Concerns of an Employer 130
Start with a Secure Internet Connection 131
Use Common Sense to Avoid Phishing Schemes 136
Use the Security Tools Built into Your Equipment 138
No Security Measures Are 100 Percent Effective 144
Chapter 9 25 Strategies for Hosting and Participating in Effective Virtual Meetings 147
1 Choose the Most Appropriate Virtual Meeting Platform 149
2 Use the Most Current Version of the Application or Web Browser 150
3 Prepare Your Computer or Mobile Device 150
4 Include Your Account Information and Profile Photo 151
5 Choose the Best Camera, Microphone, and/or Headset 152
6 Focus on Lighting 153
7 Select an Appropriate Background 154
8 Take Advantage of Filters, Virtual Backgrounds, and Other Special Features 154
9 Configure and Test the Virtual Meeting Application 155
10 Develop or Adhere to Virtual Meeting Protocols and Etiquette 155
11 Encourage Use of the Chat Feature 157
12 Schedule Appropriately and Invite the Right People 157
13 Set an Ideal Meeting Length and Create an Agenda 158
14 Take Proper Security Precautions 158
15 Dress for a Business Meeting, Not a Pajama Party 161
16 Determine When to Speak and When to Listen 161
17 Look into the Camera and Don't Get Distracted 161
18 Distribute the Agenda and a List of Participant Expectations 162
19 Allocate Time for Pleasantries 162
20 The Meeting Host Needs to Maintain Control 163
21 Don't Become an Interruptor or Distractor 163
22 Assign Someone to Take Notes 164
23 Pay Attention to the Clock and Be Mindful of People's Time 165
24 Record the Meeting for People Who Missed It 165
25 Follow Up with a Summary and Call to Action 165
Chapter 10 The Psychological Aspect of Working Remotely 167
Expert Advice from Miriam Groom, an Industrial and Organizational Therapist and HR Strategist 169
Strategies for Overcoming Loneliness 174
15 Activities to Help You Get Out of the House More 175
Final Thoughts 176
About the Author 179
Index 181
