More than ever, businesses are opting to go “office free” and employ professionals who are working remotely. Not only are these decisions based on reducing costly office rent, but there are strong psychological benefits for those who telecommute. It’s no surprise that more and more modern professionals are transitioning toward frequent travel and maintaining their projects along the way. Before you question that trip to China or South America while working, learn how this decision may be the best one you’ll ever make in your career:
You’re Constantly Inspired by New Experiences
Working remotely means that every day, your schedule and environment completely change. One day you may be working at a weathered oak table in a cafe, while on others you are stationed in a shared workspace office. The designs, architecture and layout changes day by day mean that your ability to flex your work approach will be a natural energy boost. Taking inspiration from elegant airline designs at ATLAS Workbase in Seattle, visitors and members are reminded of the excitement in a new workplace environment.
The novelty of being placed in a variety of work situations is a fun way to rediscover what it means to be inspired while at work. Quick breaks will always have a different scenic view, while the faces and voices around you are constantly shifting. Enjoying the uniqueness of these atmospheres can directly improve your sense of urgency and focus on work-related tasks.
Forbes reported that when companies choose to implement flexible working hours, employees are markedly more productive, healthier and less stressed. Work styles are able to naturally emerge and rule the day when you work remotely, so you never feel rigid.
The “Vacation Effect”
Imagine you are preparing to take a flight or travel to a new destination for a much deserved vacation. The planning may be stressful, but once you are on that plane, train or bus, you’re free to sit back and relax. During your time away, it feels as if you have no stressors from home reminding you of what you’re not doing. In a similar way, when you travel and work remotely, an altered version of this “vacation effect” kicks in. You are still working, however, you feel more relaxed than if you were at home. There are no dishes to be washed, and no personal events to tend to. You’re able to clear your mind of the daily stress and free up more space.
This effect positively bolsters your productivity by giving you more brainpower to work creatively, complete with fine tuned thinking. You may find that a project takes less time to complete than it typically does, simply because you have some “vacation effect” creating more room to breathe and create. This is a powerful de-stressing process as well, benefiting your overall health and happiness.
Networking and Global Connections
By placing yourself into a new city or country, you have an incredible opportunity to further your professional influence by simply being there. Search for local Meetup groups or professional networking events to enjoy a social night out while building solid connections. There are colleagues in your industry no matter what area of the world you travel to, so sharing knowledge and information can only improve your abilities and skills.
The impact of the work we create can be felt across countries and beyond language. Your ability to diversify how your output is translated by others can be a result of spending time in a foreign country while working remotely. Picking up local slang, culture and lifestyles colors your experience of the world and how other people choose to live their lives. Let yourself be inspired by the work ethic, break styles, and weekend schedules of the locals around you. There may be a powerful lesson in your own development as a professional hiding in there.
Depending on your company, there may be headquarters in the area you are traveling to. Take a trip to visit them, getting to know another aspect of the community you are working in. Regional differences and work styles can be an inspiring experience to learn more about. If you’re seeking a more structured work environment, you may find a nice office in the building to spend a few hours at during your stay. Any opportunity to make connections within the business you’re working for is a valuable resource.
Embracing Diversity and Creativity
One of the largest pitfalls many workers fall into is the lack of creativity and diversity in critical thinking. All too often, we fall into the basic habits that shape our daily schedules. Every day is not too different from the last, including the daily alarm clock and nightly routine to get ready for bed. Of course, traveling causes that cycle to change dramatically, due to time changes and a new home environment.
Take advantage of this chance to build a new foundation. Are there small changes you’ve wanted to make in your mornings or evenings? Dare to infuse a workout into your morning, or during a break, before you acclimate to the time change. By simply experiencing the new habit, you’re already building the pathway to integrating a healthy or positive habit into your life.
While you’re working on a project, step into a new and inspiring version of yourself. What would this updated version of your professional self do to maximize the work day? How would you utilize the new environment to boost your ability to get work done? Remote workers were shown to execute a day’s worth of work more than non-remote workers in a single week, according to Forbes. In the backdrop of any new city you’re working in, discovering the multiple facets of your skillset will always be a powerful ally in your productivity.