We're the makers of Daycast—a planning and time-tracking tool for makers. This is where we write about the cultures of distributed teams, working remotely, maximizing the value of our creative process, and how we navigate common challenges that arise on the road from nothing to something.
If you have a harder time getting things done at home than you do in an office because you feel less accountable working from home, this post is for you. Short version: accountability has nothing to do with where you get your work done, and it’s more discipline—not more accountability—that can help.
Read MoreIt’s easy to become dependent on real-time conversations in a colocated office. But when you transition to remote, if you don’t deliberately choose and continuously practice asynchronous working, an excess of meetings is the result, along with the ding to productivity that excess engenders.
Read MoreThere’s a default way of thinking about the isolation and sense of disconnection that is a common byproduct of working remotely: It’s a problem, and only socializing can solve it. But look—what if there are benefits to the isolation? And what if there’s a better way to connect with your coworkers?
Read MoreHow can asynchronous-by-default remote teams use real-time interaction in ways that bear the particular fruit that’s harder to grow asynchronously? These two best practices comprise the secret sauce that transforms remote team congregation from a guarantee of burnout to a value-creating process.
Read MoreA work-from-home “commute” is a surprisingly effective way to create a boundary between home and work—a boundary that, for some remote workers, is easily mowed down by their jobs. But Microsoft’s upcoming virtual commute feature in Teams isn’t likely to help fortify that boundary on its own.
Read MoreFrankly, remote teams that rely on real-time interaction to collaborate are doing it wrong. Leverage the digital world! Make work visible! These best practices are game changers for remote work because they reduce the noise and erosion of focus that are the byproducts of frequent interruptions.
Read MoreWhen there’s no hub to report to, only single workstations dispersed over any number of miles, the rules of workplace engagement are necessarily different. The firms that will succeed at working remotely are willing to change the way they work together, starting with how they communicate.
Read MoreIt’s a rare individual that takes to remote work right away. Most of us need to adjust to working from home and to build new habits if we want to be productive. Here are my 6 best, just-about-anyone-can-implement-them tips for becoming a pro at productively working from home in 2 months or less.
Read MoreI thought working remotely would mean being less affected by company culture than when I worked onsite. A year later, I say culture matters more as a remote worker because it lives where I do—in my home. Fortunately, culture is something we can screen for like we might a potential housemate.
Read MoreOne year ago, I left the commute behind for a home office (read: desk tucked into an alcove). The adjustments have been many and all have ultimately nurtured growth—difficult, painful growth sometimes. If I had it to do over, I’d make only one change: Switch to remote work sooner. Here’s why….
Read MoreWhen I left my office and nameplate behind, I didn’t realize I’d need to let go of a lot more in order to get the hang of this remote thing. It hasn’t been what I’d call easy. (But few worthwhile endeavors are, eh?) Now, almost four months in, I’m a happy, grateful convert.
Read MoreWhat do we mean when we talk about the flexibility of working remotely? Because truth be told, I have zero desire to wander the globe, laptop in hand. But maybe flex isn’t just for the digital nomad set. Maybe homebody routine-freaks like me can make good use of it too.
Read MoreCulture is critically important, but requires some out-of-the-box thinking to evolve intentionally in distributed workforces. We believe the right kinds of perks can help. And we don't mean free stuff. We mean activities and surprises that unify dispersed workers across miles and time zones.
Read MoreHere's something I've noticed about working remotely: it blurs the line between work and home and, at least for me, creates cognitive dissonance in the process. My first instinct was to fortify that line. But the harder I tried, the more uncomfortable I got. Then one day the line dissolved altogether. And you know what? Work, home, everything—everything's better without it.
Read MoreDistractions: bane of remote workers everywhere. I'm not so sure about that. What I do know is that the things that drag my focus are different now that I work from home.
Read MoreTransitioning to remote work involves getting used to a lot less in the way of social cues. Posture, gestures, facial expressions, small talk—all sources of information that are no longer accessible on a daily basis. Which got me thinking, how much do I really need that data?
Read MoreDriving or riding a bus to work has been part of my morning routine for years. A necessary part, a means to an end. A hassle. Now that I'm working remotely, I see commuting a little differently.
Read MoreThe Open Door Teams blog explores topics related to remote teams—especially teams of makers—and their management. We are the creators of Daycast, the day planner and time tracker for remote makers.
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Reach the article from Porch here.
