Tips on Effective Remote Work Strategies for Gen Z 

Recently, JP Morgan CEO, Jamie Dimon was caught on video ranting about the inefficiencies of working remotely. He vented about not being able to get in touch with people when calling them and the missed opportunities that occur from lack of in person engagement.

This video prompted an interesting conversation with our team of Data Science Apprentices during a morning huddle. All five of our high school apprentices work one day per week from home as a part of their data science apprenticeship.

When structuring the program, we thought that working remotely would help mimic the real world and enhance their ability to work independently. It would also stress our infrastructure, communications and project management to find out how well we’re performing or where we need additional support.

Today’s discussion with the morning group yielded valuable insights on how to maximize productivity while working remotely. Here’s an expanded look at the tips shared by the team:

• • Meghan: Create a Focused Workspace
    Choose a well-lit area that minimizes distractions. Ensure your workspace is comfortable and ergonomic to support focus throughout the day. Keep your phone in a separate room to resist the urge to check notifications and social media. Consider using website blocking apps or browser extensions to limit access to distracting sites during work hours.

  • Manpreet: Vary Your Work Environment
    Changing locations throughout the day can boost focus and combat monotony. If possible, move between different rooms in your home, or try working from a local coffee shop or library. The change of scenery can stimulate creativity and improve your ability to concentrate on tasks.

  • Esther: Set Clear Daily Goals
    Begin each day with a clear outline of what needs to be accomplished. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Prioritize your to-do list and set realistic deadlines for each item. Regularly review your progress and adjust your schedule as needed to ensure that you complete your daily objectives.

  • Prithika: Leverage Peer Accountability
    Find a colleague who shares your commitment to productivity and establish a system of mutual accountability. Check in with each other throughout the day to discuss progress, share challenges, and offer support. This can help you stay motivated and on track, even when working independently. Consider using project management tools or shared documents to track progress and maintain visibility into each other’s work.

• Juan: Take Breaks to Recharge
  When I work remotely, one thing I try to do is take a short three-minute break every hour to give my brain a chance to recharge. Stepping away briefly helps me maintain focus and productivity which is key when working remotely!

• • Ty Johnson: Keep a Task List In Front of You
    When I work remotely I like to eat a full breakfast before my shift so that my brain has the energy it needs to stay focused throughout my shift. I also like to list my tasks on a whiteboard or piece of paper to ensure that I can always see what needs to be done right in front of me.

• Greg Miller: Cross Off Your Accomplishments
  One strategy I use to stay productive while working remotely is to set tangible goals for myself. I write down a list of specific tasks that need to be accomplished, and then I cross them off as I complete them. This helps me stay focused and motivated, and it gives me a sense of accomplishment as I see my progress throughout the day.

• Nathan Garcia: Keep Dedicated Work Time
  Working remotely gives you some extra time that you don’t have to commute. This can be useful for writing, planning or strategic tasks. When you’re working from home it’s easy for work and your personal life to blend together, so be sure to keep dedicated time to get your work done. 

Remember, effective remote work requires discipline, organization, and a proactive approach to communication and collaboration. 

Productive work from home requires planning to accommodate the realities of working in a nonprofessional environment. For instance, be sure to avoid scheduling back to back zoom meetings without time for a break. You’ll want to get up to stretch or take a break to stay fresh throughout the day.

Your company should also have clear guidelines about acceptable policy when meeting over Zoom. This should cover factors like the setting where it’s appropriate to take a call, expectations about camera policy (off or on?) and guidelines for participation. 

Often, video can get choppy when bandwidth is stretched, which is common if you have multiple people working on the same network or with different streaming services being used. Consider adding some what if’s to help navigate these scenarios without disrupting the meeting. 

Zoom problems are a common frustration, but it shouldn’t lead to a team member missing a meeting. Be sure to have a plan that outlines if you’re supposed to call in or who to contact if you can’t join a meeting. 

By implementing these strategies and finding what works best for you and your team, you can thrive in a remote work environment and achieve your professional goals.