Remote working: 4 tips to work efficiently and comfortably from anywhere

Working from home (WFH) has been the norm for many of us these past few months. We’ve stressed over new routines, battled with our family members for space and privacy, and made adjustments to our home. Even with the imminent Phase 3 of Singapore’s reopening, it seems that WFH will still be the default mode.

But some of us are ready to go one step further—remote working. This means working from anywhere (WFA) as long as you are comfortable and productive. You could be, not just at home, but at a cafe, a hotel lobby, the library or anywhere else you see fit. It’s a win-win situation, without the distraction of noisy kids, the stuffy confines of the office and the comforting lure of the bedroom.

So how can you make the most of remote working? Here are 4 tips to be productive, efficient and comfortable wherever you choose to be.

Get a good convertible laptop

Mobility is key when it comes to WFA. Choosing a lightweight convertible laptop with long battery life will make moving around much easier. One such device is the Asus ZenBook Flip 13 (UX363), a 13.3-inch laptop that weighs only 1.3kg and is ultrathin at 13.9mm. Its high-capacity battery lasts up to 16 hours and includes full-size USB Type-A, HDMI and Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports for easy connectivity. Perfect for busy, on-the-go lifestyles.

Powered by the latest 11th Generation Intel core i7 processors with Iris Xe Graphics, the 2-in1 convertible laptop delivers a better computing performance and a smoother experience. It has a precision-engineered 360-degree ErgoLift hinge for versatile usage modes, which means you can use it as a regular laptop, tablet, stand or tent. The table mode, in particular, is perfect for taking notes and drawing (with the optional stylus), or reading content. Plus, the Wi-Fi 6 (next-gen Wi-Fi technology) in the Zenbook will allow you to enjoy faster data transfer speeds.

Invest in video conferencing tools

WFA means you have the flexibility to meet clients and colleagues at a convenient time and location. The alternative? Video conferencing, which is something many of us have become familiar with in recent months. It is the next best option when you don’t have the chance to meet face-to-face. Some of the more common tools are: Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, Microsoft Teams and Cisco Webex. All are free to use, with the option to upgrade to paid plans should you need more features. Check out which ones are best suited for you here.

Get a secure Wi-Fi connection

There’s nothing more terrifying than having sensitive information such as passwords and financial data stolen. While free Wi-Fi connections are commonplace, it is important to consider the dos and don’ts of using such networks. First, choose your Wi-Fi network carefully (don’t connect automatically), as there may be identity thieves who impersonate legitimate networks to steal your data. Do use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) as data will be encrypted. Avoid accessing personal accounts or doing important financial transactions. Disable file sharing programmes unless you are in a secured network. Read more about how to stay safe on public Wi-Fi by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore here.

, Remote working: 4 tips to work efficiently and comfortably from anywhere

Photo by Rima Kruciene on Unsplash

Keep to a standard routine

The best thing about WFA is that you can set your own schedule. Who needs to get up at 7am when you can sleep till 9am, get dressed in your most comfortable clothes, grab a coffee, head to your ideal working spot, then start work. Still, it helps to have a schedule and routine so that you can be more productive. Clock in at a regular time, have a to-do list for the day and if possible, share your schedule with colleagues so the team knows what to expect from each other. If working hours are flexible, schedule tasks at a time when you are at your most productive.