By now, remote work has proven to be a viable and profitable way of work that grants perks to workers and employers. Nonetheless, it is still a relatively new form of labor that we are all trying to grapple our heads around. Well, there is no need for you to worry. This blog will present the top tips for remote work, top benefits of working remotely, and helpful information on how to become a remote software developer. In short, everything you need to know about working from home.
When discussing remote work, we may all get the same simple idea: “working outside of a regular office.” While that meaning is basically correct, when it comes to specificities, some say this form of labor encompasses several working situations.
Among said circumstances, we find hybrid work in which employees alternate working in and out of the office depending on an established schedule or agreement.
On the other hand, remote work can also mean working from home. Not every worker needs to attend an office to fulfill their duties; some prefer setting up their office space in the commodity of their house.
IT workers quickly noticed this advantageous situation and, given its perfect match with the area, they soon incorporated it into their working routine. They didn’t take long to become remote developers. Today, other industries enjoy the benefits of working remotely, too.
Stay around if you’re ready to dabble in this evolving world of professional opportunities or to improve your already established system of how to work remotely.
Table of contents
Are Software Developers Still Working Remotely?
Lockdown came and left (several times), but the remote software developer stayed at home, and, honestly, who could blame them?
Today, around 75% of software developers work at least partially remotely. This is a monumental difference from the 7.2% we had in 2018, before the pandemic. While the sanitary/security measures that came with the pandemic accelerated the implementation of remote work, the change was long coming.
A traditional software developer’s routine can easily adapt to that of remote developers. When following the top tips for remote work, a remote working software developer can enjoy all the perks remote work provides (which we will further discuss next).
Many firms have also handled the transition accordingly. 74% of engineers consider their companies efficient in adjusting to this work model. Moreover, one of the most significant data indicates that one in every three remote developers would quit their job if being a remote working software developer were no longer an option.
Learn more about the Best Tech Companies to Work for 2023 and their working models.
What are the Benefits of Working Remotely?
Remote work seems to be a match made for software developers and DevOps engineers. The majority of their work involves elements easily accessible at home, which allows them to have more control over their schedules and environment. As you can imagine, everyone wants to become a remote developer!
Now is the time to free our imagination by recalling the benefits of working remotely. Flexibility, increased time for personal activities, and enhanced productivity are only some of them. The best tips for remote work can make that fantasy-like future easily accessible for a remote-working software developer.
Before skipping ahead, let’s see what your prosperous (and achievable) future could look like.
Flexibility
Remote software developers can work from anywhere they want, not only their office. They can perform their duties in coffee shops, coworking spaces, the beach, or a tourist attraction in another country. Working from home is also possible.
This benefit of working remotely also applies to a remote working software developer’s daily schedule. Some companies even accept asynchronous work as long as the designated tasks and goals are completed.
Do you find yourself being more productive at night than in typical day hours? Then you can tailor your time and leverage it to your advantage. Remember that to enjoy this perk, you simply have to become a remote developer. Easy as that.
Customized Workspace
Working for remote software developers is all about comfort. Ultimately, the workplace will be entirely yours, so you should adapt it according to your needs and preferences.
Having a customized remote working software developer workspace is one of the greatest benefits of working remotely. It allows you to create an environment that fits your working habits and desires. This includes choosing the type of furniture, accessories, and decorations that will make you more productive.
A customized space can help reduce distractions, increase motivation, and maximize efficiency.
Increased Time for Personal Activities
Without a commute, time spent chatting with coworkers, and the never-ending distractions of the office, you are left with many more minutes to spend on activities of your liking.
If you carefully manage your time, you could take a walk during your lunch break or have more time to relax without the stress of rushing everywhere. Balancing work and leisure is a considerable benefit of working remotely.
Enhanced Productivity
According to a report conducted by Great Place to Work, employees significantly increased their productivity while working remotely. Once again, eliminating many of the interruptions you find in an office leaves you with enough time to accomplish your tasks and activities.
Some of the additional benefits of working remotely we’ve already mentioned (flexibility and personalized environments) can increase the amount of energy and focus you dedicate to your work.
Prioritized Well-being
Some may be surprised to find this among the top benefits of remote working. Nonetheless, it’s all part of the same idea if you think it through. The flexibility you get when working remotely fosters the prioritization of your well-being and self-care.
What can make you feel better than being super productive at work and having time left to do activities that make you happy and fulfill non-work-related needs?
So, are you convinced yet? Do you want to become a remote developer? Here’s how you can do it.
What are the Top Tips for Remote Work in Software Development?
If you have come this far, you’re probably already convinced that being a remote worker in the IT industry is just the way to go. Now, how can you guarantee that your remote work life is as nice as we’ve painted it out to be?
Gradually implementing the following ten tips for remote work in your routine is the answer you are looking for.
The following tips can benefit any worker, but we especially recommend them for anyone planning to become a remote developer or try working from home.
Structure your Day
Structure is still needed even if you are free to schedule your day as you please. Planning ahead gives you an idea of what your day will look like and what you need to accomplish. Working without a plan almost always results in wasted time.
You can time block, follow management techniques using Pomodoro or Trello, or simply make a to-do list. They all give you a structure to follow that will almost certainly optimize your work.
This tip for remote work sets boundaries and expectations for yourself. Furthermore, structure helps reduce stress and anxiety and keeps you focused on your objectives.
The fact that you are taking your office home doesn’t mean they should take over one another. Your home time is still there, and scheduling your activities (and sticking to it) will make you respect it.
Establish Break Periods
Your schedule, time blocks, or lists should consider breaks too. Resting is part of the process.
It’s easy to overwork when there’s no significant distinction between your working and relaxing space. Nonetheless, if you don’t give your body enough time to recover, it will take it when you least expect it.
In the long run, skipping breaks reduces productivity and can even lead o burnout. On the other side, knowing when and how to rest diminishes the temptation of taking more than you need.
Use your breaks to take a quick walk, do a few stretches, or meditate. Incorporating structured breaks into your daily routine can positively impact your overall health and well-being.
Read our blog “How to Overcome Tech Burnout: The Best 10 Tips” and learn how to defeat and prevent burnout as you work hard to become a remote developer.
Prioritize Tasks
When you prioritize tasks, you ensure the most important assignments are completed first and on time. This is a particularly relevant tip for remote working software developers, as many remote developers manage multiple duties and projects simultaneously.
You can divide chores into priority categories, deal with the major ones first, and eventually work your way down the ladder. This simple action can guarantee deadlines are met, and resources are used effectively.
You have never really experienced efficiency if you haven’t worked with any of our Clickers. Hire our software developers experts!
Create a Separate Workspace
Crafting a separate space where you can solely perform your work-related duties is a tip for remote work, particularly beneficial for those needing extra concentration. Having a designated workspace creates a boundary between work and home life that increases productivity and reduces distractions.
It can also be beneficial if you’re trying to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as it provides a space to mentally “clock out” at the end of the day.
Anyone trying to become a remote developer must maintain well-equipped areas, be tidy, organized, and free from distractions. This will help them focus and stay productive.
Set Boundaries Between Work and Personal Activities
It is more than clear that perhaps the trickiest part of remote work (especially home office) is that it blurs the line between work and home. Nevertheless, setting boundaries between these two types of activities shields you from becoming overwhelmed.
Limits improve your time and energy management abilities. It can also help create a more focused, productive work environment, preventing feelings of isolation.
Establishing your schedule and workplace can be the first step toward setting your boundaries. Drawing lines with your colleagues by not responding to emails or calls outside of work hours can be useful too.
With all mentioned activities, a remote working software developer can stay focused and productive while also enjoying free time without feeling guilty.
Limit Distractions
This one can sound a bit tricky as we all have different distracting agents around us. Identifying yours is a fundamental part of developing preventive actions that secure your maximum level of productivity.
Try turning off your emails and social media notifications for the most common distractions. Using noise-canceling headphones and installing ad-blockers have proven to be of great aid also.
If you work in a house with the rest of your family, make sure they are all aware of and respect your working schedule. They should try limiting interactions with you to keep distractions on the line.
Invest in Good-quality Working Setup
Suppose you are constantly distracted because of the bad quality of your working materials. In that case, you will not get much done, and a snowball of increasingly distracting activities may start to roll down.
Remote developers can even reach out to their companies and, together, warrant the quality and availability of all the necessary tools and resources to do their job effectively. This tip for remote work includes having a comfortable workstation, a reliable computer, a good internet connection, and more.
Remember that you are not spending if it facilitates and increases the caliber of your work; it is an investment.
Dress Accordingly
We know that working with your pajamas on can sound really tentative, but sometimes it can be a little too comfortable. Routine and limits. When you get up and dress up, you are getting ready for the day; something new is about to begin.
Working with the same clothes in which you rested can make things complicated. You are allowing one world into another, and any established boundary begins to blur.
If this is the case for you, try it out! You’ll be amazed by the results.
Communicate with your Team
Communication is fundamental to the success of any team. When working remotely, some extra effort may be needed, but honestly, the technology tools at our disposal ease the process down by miles.
This tip for remote work allows everyone to stay on the same page and understand the expectations of their roles. It also creates a sense of community, essential for remote teams to feel connected.
Remote developers can establish a regular schedule for check-ins and have everyone agree to it. Using a specific group collaboration platform to keep track of conversations and set clear expectations for communication can also be of significant assistance.
By following these remote work tips, you can guarantee that your team is staying connected and working together to achieve success.
Read our blog, Remote Collaboration: A Complete Guide. It can be especially beneficial if you want to become a remote developer.
Socialization is Key
Remote work can be a lonely space for those not adopting it properly. Humans are social by nature, and if you are not socializing at work, then it’s a good idea to do it outside.
While some thrive in isolation, others may find it damages their mental and emotional health. We don’t want that for anyone. Seek opportunities to meet your closest coworkers in an informal scenario. If that doesn’t sound good, then just get together with friends whose company you enjoy. Do things that make you happy and nurture your personal life too.
Subscribe to our newsletter and get your own curated news regarding tech-world.
Why do Software Developers Prefer ClickIT?
An extra tip for remote work should perhaps be to work in a company that respects remote developers’ needs and facilitates environments for them to thrive and evolve; to work in a company like ClickIT.
At ClickIT, remote software developers enjoy just as significant benefits as on-site employees. Everyone is part of the same communication platform, and we constantly create integration activities that foster healthy work relationships among clickers.
We are aware of remote work’s difficulties, so we provide our remote developers with resources that enhance the best version of themselves. For example, if you want to become a remote developer that improves your emotional well-being, you can access the different counseling programs ClickIT offers.
Even with the distance between us, Clickers find a way to grow and achieve our goals together as a team.
Follow us on Instagram and get a sneak peek of ClickIT’s advanced remote culture. We also share tips and cool information for anyone trying to become a remote developer.
Tips for Remote Work Conclusion
As Clay Kellogg, Terminal’s CEO, recently stated: we are at the age of employee’s choice. The idea of workers needing to be physically close to their company is no longer a fact nor a universal desire.
The benefits remote work offers to developers and their organizations can not be ignored. This is the new way of work, and we must enjoy it now that it’s here to stay. Who knows when we will have to modify our entire form of work again?
We hope the tips for remote work we presented facilitate your transition process. Anyone can become a remote developer. It can take some time to figure out what works best for you, but once you find it, we are sure you won’t want to let it go.
Do you hear that? It’s your prosperous remote work-life future calling for you. Don’t miss it!
Also read: A look at the equity status of women in tech statistics and inspiring women in the industry.
FAQs
No, not necessarily. Remote work is an arrangement where an employee is not required to be physically present at their workplace. For example, remote working software developers can work from their homes, a coffee shop, or wherever suits them better.
This will depend on the specific agreement employees have with their company. If you have enough resources to complete your tasks, then yes, you should be able to work from any place you want.
Try following the top tips for remote work we recommend. Structure your day, establishing break periods, prioritizing tasks, and having constant communication with your team are some of the most popular and effective tips.
Structuring your day is the #1 tip for working remotely. It gives you a plan to follow and lets you work accordingly toward the goals you want to accomplish.
Whether working remotely or working from home, you should not keep distracting objects near you and avoid noisy working environments. Work in a setting that suits your needs and allows you to complete your tasks as efficiently as possible.
