4 keys to mastering remote work

Editor’s note: We are re-running the top stories of 2020 as part of our year-end countdown.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in the number of individuals working remotely.

According to a Gallup survey, the percentage of U.S. employees working from home jumped from 33% to 61% in the two weeks between March 13 and April, 2, 2020. Some of this increase in remote work is likely to endure over time, as organizations and employees have expanded their capacity for remote work.

Remote work offers obvious advantages. Employees gain flexibility and reduce their commuting time and costs; organizations save on travel costs, shrink office space, and get access to experts around the globe. In the past weeks, remote work has kept many organizations functioning. Yet, remote work can be tricky. Employees may have difficulty managing their workloads, using technology, connecting with managers and co-workers, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Here are four steps remote workers can take to minimize these difficulties and master remote work.

1. Manage your workload.