The popularity of remote work has been on the rise for the past several years, and with good reason. The potential for a flexible working schedule and the ability to work from anywhere are just two of the many advantages it offers. With that said, it comes with some drawbacks.
A 2023 survey revealed that approximately 22% of remote workers reported being unable to “unplug,” and this issue largely stems from certain mistakes people make. If you feel like you’re in this situation, today’s tips will help you set the right balance to avoid similar situations in the future.
Set Boundaries
Remote work offers many benefits, especially when it comes to working hours, but it can also be a trap. Many people blur the lines between work and life, which causes a problem because most don’t differentiate between when it’s time to work and when to relax.
Setting specific hours to work and when to do other things is the most effective way to resolve this issue. You can turn this into a ritual that will help you avoid burnout.
Don’t trust unfamiliar networks
Many remote workers try to enjoy working outdoors and often connect to public or unfamiliar Wi-Fi networks. The problem with this approach is that it is considered unsafe, meaning your data can be intercepted.
The best way to limit this exposure and risk is to use a reputable VPN. Furthermore, for a more seamless and secure experience while working on the go, many people are switching to an eSIM.
By using cellular data instead of joining public hotspots, you can ensure a dedicated, private connection that significantly reduces the risk of man-in-the-middle attacks, allowing you to work safely from almost anywhere.
These services help encrypt your data, meaning that even if someone manages to intercept it, they won’t be able to decrypt and use it against you.
Don’t reuse passwords
Remembering passwords can be a struggle, which is why about two-thirds of people recycle the same password across multiple sites. The problem with this is that it takes one break to have multiple accounts compromised.
The best solution to this is to use a unique and strong password across all of your accounts. This helps limit potential risks to only one account at a time, ensuring less damage if something happens to your login credentials.
Use a password manager
For practical reasons, some people tend to have their passwords written on sticky notes or on their phone, which is an issue. As practical as it is, the problem with this approach is that you’re leaving your password vulnerable.
To solve this problem, you’ll need to use a password manager. It’s the kind of service that will store your passwords, and all the good ones have a generating feature, meaning you can have a unique password for any account. It’s much better than writing them on a sticky note or a piece of paper.
Use Multi-Factor Authentication
The human factor is the leading cause of stolen credentials, regardless of how strong the password is. Industry reports show that the majority of the incidents have nothing to do with the password, but a lot to do with our online habits.
The best solution to this problem is to enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible. It’s the kind of approach where even if your login info is compromised, the attacker would need a second method to authenticate and log in.
Plan Well for Travels
Depending on the situation, there are remote workers who need to travel for business and would like to use the opportunity for a bit of sightseeing. The biggest problem that arises here stems from improper planning, which often results in overlap.
Planning ahead of the trip is the best course of action. Take into consideration potential time zone differences, connectivity downtime, as well as some available time to relax and do some sightseeing. Plan everything in blocks depending on your schedule and make sure you don’t leave anything out.
Avoid Distractions
Remote work isn’t always about working at the local cafe. Sometimes, remote workers stay at home, which can sometimes lead to issues with distractions. Loud music or the TV could distract you from what you’re doing, which can lead to mistakes and inefficiency.
When working at home or in any other setting, it’s essential to ensure a distraction-free environment. Yes, you can control things in your home, but if you’re outdoors, you’ll need to plan where you’ll work to avoid potential distractions.
