5 Career Resolutions for Job Seekers This New Year

In the spirit of New Year’s resolutions, here are a few things you can commit yourself to if you’re serious about finding your dream job or make a positive change in your career this year.

1. Create a job search strategy.

Before launching your job search, take the time to evaluate what you really want out of your career. Identify your core competencies, which includes your skills and characteristics, and highlight these competencies in your application materials. 

As part of your plan, describe your dream role or position, your ideal organization, and the work culture you want to belong with. By creating a strategy, you could also think about whether you want to stay on your current career path or switch to a different industry for good. 

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2. Clean up your resume.

You might think it’s cliche as making a list of New Year’s resolutions, but it’s an important tip that all job seekers should consider. Clean up and improve your resume this new year—making sure that you highlight your core competencies, update your contact information, as well as your character references. 

Leave out personal details such as your religion, sexual orientation, or even marital status. You can omit items like seminars and extracurricular activities you attended in college if you graduated years ago. Also, make sure that your resume style is up-to-date, and then have it ready in both online and in printed form.

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3. Write a strong cover letter.

Believe it or not, hiring managers and recruitment specialists can tell if you sent a generic cover letter, or cut and pasted the same cover letter to every job application you’ve made. As much as possible, personalize every cover letter you send out. A strong cover letter will make a recruiter want to keep reading to find out more about you, earning you a slot on the next step of the application process.

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4. Prepare for interviews.

If you often get nervous during interviews, resolve to be better this year by devoting time to improve. Try to practice your responses to different situations, or take part in mock interviews with friends and/or networking contacts. These activities will help you develop natural and truthful answers to common interview questions like “Tell us more about yourself” or “Why do you want to work here?” 

Likewise, do your research about the role and the company you are applying for so that when questions about the organization come up, you can show that you did your homework and are genuinely interested in the position. 

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5. Expand your network.

Networking is about building relationships, so don’t be afraid to reach out to a member of your alumni association, an old colleague, or someone you just met at an industry event. When you are job-hunting, reaching out to different people can help you build your personal network, especially if you encounter professionals who enjoy talking about their work and their organization. 

Similarly, leverage social media instead of treating it as a distraction when searching for a job. Build your brand across various professional networking sites, such as Linkedin and Quora. If you’re looking for a freelance gig or a work-from-home job, build your profile in websites like OnlineJobs.ph, Upwork, and Craigslist, to give you a better chance to connect with a large pool of potential clients and outsourcing companies.

Remote Workers: Here’s A Guide to Making A Disaster Preparedness Plan

Whether you’re a seasoned remote worker or just started on your virtual job, you’ll need to have a plan in case storms and other weather conditions hit your area. It’s critical that you prepare and plan for these calamities early on to lessen the impact on your job as much as possible, especially if you’re currently working on a huge project or have a not-so-considerate client. 

Have you ever asked yourself, what will you do in case of a power outage? How are you going to recover power and internet connection? Is there an alternative place where you can work if you cannot do so at your place? Remember that it’s not too early to start worrying about these things, especially if your bread and butter will be hugely affected.

Considering those things, here’s a simple checklist to guide you when making your own disaster response plan that caters to you and your job’s needs.

1. Power

• Keep your devices fully charged. Storms and other weather events often cause power outages so make sure to plug in your phone, laptop, or tablet beforehand. Keeping your devices fully charged will help you stay in touch with your team or client.

• Charge your power banks. If you have portable power banks/power packs, don’t forget to charge them so that even if an outage lasts for quite a long time, you’ll have enough battery life to carry you over until the power is back on again. 

• Consider a backup generator. It may not be practical to all, but if you can, consider getting a backup portable generator ahead of time. It may be a good investment if you live in an area where power outages are frequent and take longer to return.

• Identify a temporary place where you could work. Make a list of friends or relatives who live in a nearby town where you can work temporarily, especially if they’re in an area not heavily affected by the calamity. Contact them ahead of time to see if they can accommodate you.

2. Internet and connectivity

• Invest in a backup internet service. If the power goes out, chances are you will also lose your internet connection. Invest in a backup internet system, such as a pocket wifi or a mobile WiFi, that you can charge beforehand or connect to your power bank to remain connected. Consider these things in advance and have them ready at all times.

• Prepare the files and tools you need for work. Set up your laptop and devices to make sure you have access to all the files and apps you need, especially for any ongoing projects.

• Sync your work calendar. See to it that the calendar on your phone or laptop is synched with your work/company calendar so you won’t forget any scheduled meetings, webinars and training, and even project deadlines.

3. Security

• Save your passwords. Under normal conditions, a password manager is a great tool to keep all your account credentials in one place. But in cases of a power outage and you have to use a different computer or device, it might be better to save them as a note on your phone or write them down for easy access (just make sure to destroy the copy later). 

• Make it a habit to save and back up your work. Save your work frequently in Google Docs, Google Drive, Dropbox, or any other cloud service just in case it’ll be difficult to access your computer files.

4. Communication

• Remember: communication is key before, during, and after any natural disaster or calamity. The same rule applies even to you as a remote worker.

• Keep a hard copy of your close colleagues and bosses’ contact details. This way, you can still get in touch in case you really can’t work.

• Discuss your situation ahead of time with your client or supervisor. Keep an eye on news and weather reports and whether your area is likely to be affected. Discuss it with your manager or client so they can help you plan a new work schedule or suggest a flexible arrangement. 

• Utilize your team’s online platforms. Connect with everyone in your team via your company’s email, Slack, Messenger, and other platforms you typically use. Don’t be shy to over-communicate especially if you need to address urgent needs or attend to any concerns.

5. Safety

• Stay safe! Remember that yours and your loved ones’ safety is top priority. Whatever concern you may have at work, it can wait especially if a typhoon or any weather condition is imminent. This is why it’s important to work with a company or client who empathizes with their remote workers and encourages them to prioritize their safety above anything else. Just make sure to relate your situation beforehand so you won’t leave anyone hanging.#

What Is Cultural Fit And How To Find Out If The Company Is Right For You

Finding a job is nothing short of challenging. Aside from considering the salary, the workload and challenges of the role, or the company brand and reputation, it’s also crucial to consider the workplace culture or the “cultural fit” to make sure you’re working in a company that shares your values and beliefs. Because no matter how alluring the perks or benefits that come with the job offer are, it will not overshadow a toxic work environment or incompatible culture.

What is cultural fit? 

Every business has their own brand and personality, and with it comes their workplace culture. According to The Balance, workplace culture plays out in the daily interactions of workers with their teammates, managers, subordinates, and customers. Culture manifests itself in the organization’s communication, decision making and priorities, treatment of customers, daily work practices, expectations of honesty, integrity, and achievement, among others.

Cultural fit, according to BreatheHR, is essentially all about matching people with business culture. It doesn’t mean everyone who works for the organization should be the same, but more about sharing the same goals, values, and attitudes with your potential new employer. This is why it’s also crucial to have a sense of the type of culture you’re looking for and what matters to you most during your job search. Do you want to work for an organization that places high priority on sustainability? Do you prefer a company that values their employees’ hard work and dedication through additional perks, training, and incentives? 

Here are several ways you can know if the employer offers the kind of culture fit where you can grow both personally and professionally.

Doing some background research on their potential new employer is a must for any job seeker. You can tell a lot about a business or an organization by checking their company website. Specifically, check for the company’s mission and core values. Even the pictures and photos on their culture pages, press articles, or any releases are helpful tools that will give you a glimpse into the world you could soon be a part of. 

But no matter how great-looking their company website is, that was just the start. Their social media pages are also a great way to see what sort of workplace environment they are promoting and portraying. Browsing their photo gallery and reviewing previous posts can help you gauge the company’s personality. You might also want to see how the organization is staying relevant and engaged with their industry’s issues and trends.

It might also be helpful to look at reviews of the company to get other opinions. Check the reviews of current and former employees on their social media, or on sites like LinkedIn and Glassdoor. See if the majority of employees are saying positive things about the company, and don’t mind too much if there’s one or two negative feedback. That’s generally an indication that a company treats its employees well, which simply says a lot about their culture.

Since a job interview isn’t just a one-way street, it’s also a great opportunity to figure out if the company is the right cultural fit for you. You just need to make sure you develop and ask the right questions. Go beyond the usual “What’s your company culture?” and consider asking specific questions whose answers can give you a sense of what the company is like on a day to day basis, such as:

• How do employees give and receive feedback?

• How does the company support individual career growth and professional development?

• How does the company recognize success and accomplishments of individuals?

• What’s the best thing about working here? or, Why do you like working here?

Don’t be afraid to ask your interviewer these kinds of questions. Because while there are no right or wrong answers, they can help you determine if the company is a good cultural fit for you or there’s some cultural fit mismatch, which you could regret later on.

There’s no better way to guide your judgement and decisions when comparing company cultures than knowing your own values and beliefs. These things define who you are, guide your decisions, and serve as your motivation to be a better employee. Aside from comparing the salary, perks, and other benefits, make sure you also consider the company culture and what values are most important to you. This way, you’ll have an easier time connecting with the company and help you achieve satisfaction and fulfillment in your career.#

3 Proven Ways To Deal with Job Search Burnout During the Pandemic

Even before the “new normal”, job hunting has never been a walk in the park. It’s a torturously long and slow process that could drive anyone crazy. Constantly checking for new job ads or posts, editing your resume, drafting personalized cover letters, and refreshing your email every now and then in the hopes of any reply from a hiring manager or company, is enough to make you feel anxious, frustrated, and totally drained in the long run.

Unfortunately, you have no choice but to keep moving forward so you can land your dream job, no matter how difficult the process is. But it’s always easier said than done, especially when you’re feeling completely burnt out with your job search. So heed these three tips to effectively manage the stress brought about by your job hunting. Remember, your next company is just out there waiting for you!

1. Set daily limits.

Spending the entire day job searching isn’t healthy and can be counterproductive. Instead, allocate just a couple of hours searching jobs online, sending applications, and connecting with people, and then stick to that schedule. For example, spend only two to three hours on a weekday and then two hours on a weekend. Then make sure you are being as productive and efficient as you can within your dedicated time frame. This way, job searching will be less daunting since you’re breaking it into smaller, achievable tasks each day.

2. Take a break from your job hunt.

No, we’re not telling you to call it quits. But if you’re already experiencing the signs of job search burnout, remind yourself that it’s okay to take a short break. Taking a step back from your job hunt, whether it’s for a couple of hours or for a few days, doesn’t mean you’ll be wasting precious time not looking for a job. It can actually give you the much needed mental break from the entire process. After that brief hiatus, you’ll come back rejuvenated and with a fresh mind and attitude. For all we know, you might’ve even come up with a new strategy to boost your job search.

3. Ditch negativity and be patient.

Have a positive job search process throughout by letting go of negativity and self-doubt. In times like this, it’s even more challenging to look for a job. And the reality is that job hunting can be exhausting and frustrating. Nobody’s saying you need to be a walking ray of sunshine and positivity all the time. But you don’t want to get wrapped up in your negative thoughts that could cloud your focus and block your motivation. At the end of each day, find some inspiration, celebrate the progress you’re making, and remind yourself that you’re getting there, one step at a time. So keep your chin up and remember that it’ll all be worth it, especially once you received your much-awaited offer email or letter. #

11 Expert Tips To Ace Your Online Job Application And Stand Out

Show the hiring company that you’re the ideal candidate for the remote job from the moment you see and read that job ad, up to your phone and video interview! Here we’ve compiled some of the most valuable tips to help you ace your online job application and stand out among the rest:

1. Do your research about the company.

Check the company’s website and social media pages before you send your application. This will help you see if the firm matches your values or if it’s a place where you would be happy working. Recruiters are also more likely to pursue a candidate who has a special interest in their company or industry.

2. Review the job description prior to the interview.

Make sure you understand exactly what the company expects from applicants. Take the time to assess the type of person the company is looking for and what the job requires, such as the needed credentials, years of experience, or specific system requirements.

3. Be responsive.

Don’t let your application go to waste by providing a valid phone number and email address. Also, make sure the recruiter can reach you whenever they need further details regarding your application, or if there needs to be last-minute changes on the interview schedule.

4. Notify the interviewer ahead of time if you can't make it to the scheduled interview or online assessment.

If something came up and there might be a need to reschedule or cancel the interview, give the hiring manager as much notice as possible. This simple gesture will show you as someone who respects their time and is being professional.

5. Dress the part.

You might be doing the interview at home while sitting near your bed or at your kitchen table. But it’s crucial to still dress as you would for an in-person interview. Donning the right attire can put you in the correct state of mind and encourage a positive first impression. Even if the company has a casual setting (as you learned after doing your research on its culture and social media pages), it’s important to look polished and presentable. So wear the right clothes, get a haircut, and avoid wearing anything splashy or distracting. After all, the old adage that says “dress to impress” is here to stay for a reason.

6. Show up on time.

It’s important to prepare your technology ahead of time so you can avoid any technical problems later on. However, only open up the program (and link) where your video interview will take place 10 to 15 minutes before the schedule. This will give you a chance to check how you look and how you sound, and also to relax. It’s common sense to not turn up late as it will work against you, and you might even lose your chance if the interviewer decides to cancel the meeting altogether. However, being too early is also not a good idea. After all, being punctual means being on time, even during an online interview.

7. Smile and greet the interviewer.

During an in-person interview, there’s this period where you and your interviewer will shake hands, walk into the room, and sit down before finally starting the interview proper. For a video interview, it’s a totally different scenario. There might be little to no time for small talks. However, you can still make an initial connection by looking right into the camera, then do a small head nod and don’t forget to wear a smile. These gestures build up to what is called the “digital handshake”, which signals that you are ready to listen and start the meeting. 

8. Always look straight at the camera and maintain good posture.

A remote job interview might be more convenient especially in this age of new normal, but it still has its own challenges. It’s pretty natural to want to look at everything that’s happening on screen, but you want to avoid doing that as much as possible. Also, resist falling into the trap of being so self-conscious that you’ll only be looking at yourself because it can be quite uncomfortable to the person you’re talking to. You want to always look straight at the camera, as it’s the closest thing you can get to maintaining actual eye contact. 

By looking straight at the webcam, you’ll keep your eyes on the interviewer and project confidence while you focus on the conversation. It’s also enough to show you’re listening and are engaged with what they’re saying. If you’re having a hard time focusing, experts say simply putting a post-it note that says “Look here!” next to your camera might do the trick.

Also, don’t forget that the best way to build and communicate confidence across the screen is to sit up straight. Don’t let yourself slump down in your seat as it might make you look less engaged or simply bored.

9. Focus and listen properly.

Would you believe us when we say we’ve encountered an applicant who was trimming their fingernails during an online interview? What a huge no-no! Remember, just because your interview is happening over Skype or any other platform, it doesn’t mean it’s not a real interview. So you need to appear focused and try to make a good impression. If you’re doing something else while your interview is ongoing, you might be seen as rude. Likewise, you want to pay attention to everything the interviewer is saying so you can respond accordingly. But how can you do that if you’re, uh, busy choosing between a nail cutter or a nipper to finish trimming your nails? Yikes! 

10. Let the interviewer finish speaking before jumping in.

Even in life in general, interrupting someone while they’re speaking might give them the idea that you’re invalidating them or that you have something better to say. Over video chat, jumping in with your response too soon can mute the other person’s mic and cut them off entirely, which could make you seem rude even if you didn’t intend to be. Try to wait until the person is completely done speaking before jumping in. If you’re having a hard time thinking if your interviewer is done, get in the habit of muting yourself while he or she is still speaking. The action of turning the mic back on will provide them some extra time and also give you a cue before jumping in.

11. Make a connection.

Even if the interview process is being done online, remember that you’re human and not a robot. You need to connect with the person on the other side. Best of all, you want the interviewer to be able to remember you among the long list of people that he or she interviewed that day. So don’t be afraid to laugh at jokes, enjoy a small talk about a common interest, or share a personal story that might deter you from simply blending in with other applicants. Also, acknowledge the natural challenges that come with the remote work situation, such as loud dogs or cooing roosters, and use it as a way to build rapport with your interviewer.#

3 Ways To Cope With Remote Work Burnout During The Covid-19 Pandemic

Remote work fatigue is real. There’s even a new phenomenon called “Zoom fatigue”, which is the exhaustion caused by frequent video call meetings using any apps like Zoom, Google Hangouts, Skype, or FaceTime. Working from home may now be a part of the new normal, but it still can take its toll on any of us.

For people who have been working remotely for a long time now, remote work burnout can be a recurring problem that requires a different remedy or strategy every time. But because of the ongoing health crisis, you can’t seek a change of scenery by going to your favorite cafe or at the nearest co-working space. For others who have just started working from home during this pandemic, everything could be new and exciting and until you find that it’s harder to “log off” from work.

And although telecommuting has made it possible to stay safe and prevent the spread of the virus, it has also created a few challenges. And among those is increased levels of stress and burnout among employees. 

Burnout, according to the World Health Organization, is an occupational phenomenon defined as “a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed,” is marked by exhaustion or energy depletion; heightened mental distance or negative or cynical feelings related to a job, and “reduced professional efficacy.” 

Simply to say, it’s feeling exhausted and overwhelmed by work, often caused by the pressure to be the ideal worker and the difficulty to maintain work-life balance. Early warning signs of burnout often include low morale, short temper, anxiety or depression, headache, fatigue, stomach or back problems, among others.

Here are three strategies to conquer burnout while working from home during this pandemic:

Psychologists say that when you are always feeling “on”, your system gets overwhelmed and excited. To fight that, try to keep your normal work hours and make it a habit to unplug during the evening or when your work day ends. While this might be more difficult for people whose work hours have had to shift, especially to do some child care, having a time when you can really stop work and turn off the computer (and all access to work emails) is essential. 

Work-life boundaries are more important now than ever, so make a plan on how you can establish such psychological boundaries that will help you completely “turn off” for work and focus on the rest of your day.

While routines give our day structure, it’s a good thing to modify parts of our daily routine to give way for something new and combat the depressing monotony (especially if you’re still prohibited to go outside). Even small changes can make a significant difference so try to build in variety every day. Try swapping your usual coffee for tea or hot chocolate, vary the TV show you watch, connect with your colleague today and then with an old college friend tomorrow, etc. Simple as they may seem, they’re part of your everyday experience that will help you avoid feeling like you’re just trudging through one identical day after another.

Self-care has never been more important right now. Experts say by practicing self-care, you can stay motivated, productive, and healthy. So make sure that you’re getting enough sleep, eating nutritious food, staying hydrated, moving and exercising regularly, and that you’re still engaging with other people, even if it’s only through texts or social media. You wouldn’t be able to function at work efficiently and productively if you won’t make it your duty to also take care of yourself. 

Bottom Line

With the ongoing uncertainty around us, it can’t be helped to feel weary even if you’re working from home, especially if you’ve been working for long periods of time. But by practicing these simple coping strategies, you’re more likely to limit stress, improve your mood, and change how you respond to things that are beyond your control.

7 Thoughtful Questions to Ask on Your Next Remote Job Interview

When you’re getting ready for a remote job interview, it’s essential to think about and even research all the possible questions the hiring manager might ask you. But, don’t forget that the interview is also an opportunity for you to learn more about the job and the company, and to make sure that it’s a good fit for you. 

Asking thoughtful, well-crafted questions can show that you’ve done your research on the organization and are genuinely interested in learning how you can contribute. Likewise, the right questions can also show the interviewer that you’ve made an intentional choice to work remotely and are prepared for the challenges that telecommuting could present. 

Just remember not to fire all of these questions at your hiring manager but only choose a few that are appropriate to your situation. At the end of the day, the hiring process is a two-way street. These remote work questions will reveal if you are a savvy, prepared job-seeker and if the job is what you are looking for.

In the LinkedIn article entitled “The 1 Most Impressive Job Interview Question to Ask”, Brian Honigman of Honigman Media admitted he’d always secretly hoped to hear this question from applicants. Asking this question signifies that you acknowledge that you don't know everything, and it signals both humility and potential from you as a potential part of the company.

Since you’ll be working remotely, asking this will give you a better understanding of the role and know beyond what is detailed in the job description. However, make sure that you’ll only ask this if you and the interviewer haven’t discussed it already. By asking about your possible day-to-day responsibilities, you’ll get a better sense of what the work will involve. It might also prompt your interview to picture you in the job, and spark more conversation about how you could better spend your day and what hours are you most productive.

By asking about the next steps in the process, you can show the interviewer that you’re eager to know how you can onboard successfully. Subsequently, you may ask if training will be provided and what will be your first priority once you get hired. As a potential employee, you’ll learn what to expect and your employer will see that you’re excited to start off on the right foot.

Even if you’re working remotely, it’s a good thing to ask how your work will contribute to the team and to the organization’s mission. Likeable Media Co-Founder and CEO Dave Kerpen even wrote that it’s one of his favorite questions to ask during an interview. It mainly shows that you’re looking to join a team not just to advance your career but also to contribute to a larger purpose.

You’d also want to learn more about their approach to remote working, especially if you’re joining a company that’s entirely distributed. It’s a good avenue to understand why they’re passionate about the freedom and flexibility that comes with working remotely. Likewise, ask about any issues or challenges that the team has experienced and how the team has dealt with them together. 

It’s part of your responsibility as a remote employee to familiarize yourself with various communication apps, such as Slack, Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts, email, and others. By asking these kinds of questions, you’ll learn how the team communicates and interacts. It’ll also give you a good head start if you’re only new to remote work and don't yet know how to use most of these tools. If you’re already used to working from home, it can be an opportunity for you to share about a new technology you might know that enables better collaboration among remote teams.

Aside from the qualifications and experiences, hiring managers are also looking for someone who is a “cultural fit” for the company. Being a cultural fit means your attitudes, values, and beliefs are in line with the core values and culture of the organization. It’s especially important in a remote role where building camaraderie and relationships prove to be more challenging. 

So during your interview, be curious about the company culture and the values they deem most important. By bringing it up, you can decide whether or not you’d be a good match. Learn more about the values they share and live by. Some companies, even though they’re purely remote and distributed, give value to communication and get together at in-person events on a regular basis. While others might not expect much communication as long as you’re keeping with your tasks and deadlines. 

You may also ask how often they gather in person or how frequently they meet. Social gatherings may be prohibited for now due to the coronavirus pandemic, but time will come when we can have in-person meetings again. So it’s still helpful to know how frequently the company conducts meetings and socials in the past to build relationships and teamwork among their employees or contractors.#

5 Tips to Effectively Work From Home During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Remote work is now a way of life for many because of the COVID-19 pandemic. And being able to earn money as you shelter in place is one of the greatest gifts. However, without our normal routines such as hanging out with friends and colleagues after work, or dining out whenever we please, it might take a toll on our mental health. Add to that the seemingly endless household work, taking care of the kids, and trying to maintain a sense of normalcy despite the ongoing health crisis. Our ability to stay focused and productive could really be impacted, which could affect the way we handle work.  

In these challenging times, we share some tips that can help you stay effective, get your work done, and maintain your mental well-being:

1. Engage in a personal routine before officially starting work.

Because of stay-at-home orders to isolate ourselves from the community, we may feel less focused and more stressed than usual. You can avoid that by starting your work day with doing something more intentional and non-work related. Do some stretching or yoga, water the plants, meditate, do some crossword, read a few inspirational passages, listen to a podcast, write a journal, etc. Since there’s no need for you to commute, use the extra time as “me time” and for your personal development. By doing so, you can start your day with a clear mind and incorporate creativity into your work life. And maintaining good mental health and well-being is the key to being effective at the tasks that you will face later on.

2. Plot your schedule each day, but learn to adjust as necessary.

Collaborate on a schedule at the start of each day or each week with your partner or family members. Determine your work hours; when can you go out to buy groceries and other necessities (especially if you are the designated household member and can only go out on certain days); how often are you going to take breaks; who will be in charge of childcare and other house duties, and so on. Writing it down on a piece of paper and placing it somewhere everyone could see it, such as on the refrigerator or on a memo board, will make it easier to follow. Follow your set schedule for the day to help you in delivering your tasks and projects with less to no delays.

However, if there’s any household errand that needs to be attended right away within your work schedule, inform your manager about it so necessary adjustments can be made. We’re all trying to incorporate a sense of normalcy despite this uncertain time, so just make sure to communicate properly if you have tasks that might be delayed because of any personal responsibilities.

3. Set boundaries and routines that work best for you.

If you’re still new to the remote workforce, you might often find yourself having difficulty separating work from your daily life. It isn’t inevitable since your commute now might just mean taking a few walks from your workspace to your living room couch (or maybe that’s where you work!). Thus, it can be more challenging to avoid distractions or end your workday definitively. This is why it’s important to establish boundaries and routines that will help you minimize distractions while working, and completely “clock out” when your workday is over.

Figure out ways to get around your usual distractions at home. Also, it’s important to communicate with your family members about when they can and cannot interrupt you. Set a time or periods during the day when you need to really focus on your tasks or perform deep work, especially if you’ve got a tight deadline. 

Because of our smartphones, we have access to work email and chat groups all day, which means shutting down or completely logging out of work can be another challenge. Establish a routine that will help you disconnect from work. When you were working in the office, the signal to the end of your work day could be washing up your coffee mug, tidying up your workspace, and then completely shutting down your computer. Incorporate any of those rituals at home and disable notifications for any work-related apps you’re using so you won’t be tempted to check in again. By taking into account the boundaries and habits that work best for you, the better equipped you are to achieve a healthy balance between work and life.

4. Take regular, small breaks.

In his blog entitled “The Power of the Break,” leadership expert and consultant Kevin Eikenberry highlights that “taking a break isn’t for slackers.” Instead, your productivity will soar and your stress will sink when you take them. When you’re working remotely, there’s no co-worker to invite you for a quick chat or grab a cup of coffee. And if you’re working on a lengthy task, it might be more difficult for you to get a break on your own.

But taking short, regular breaks have been proven to enhance productivity, make us feel less stressed, and help us regain our focus. It’s a healthy practice to distance yourself from your desk or laptop for a while and do something not work-related. Whether it’s making a cup of coffee, taking a short walk (with social distancing, and if your area allows it), getting in a quick call with a friend, or reading a travel blog, do whatever it is that makes you feel relaxed even for a short while. Make sure to incorporate breaks into your schedule and actually take them—your brain will thank you for it later.

5. Let gratitude be another motivation for you to do well.

Being able to work from home is certainly a huge blessing. There’s no need for us to go outside and be exposed to the community, unlike our equally hard working frontliners. But it’s a privilege knowing that we can still be of service to other people (and to our families) while we’re helping to flatten the curve. And while everyone’s situation and WFH set-up is different, the most common thing we should have is gratitude for our work. So aside from your family and friends who are your primary sources of inspiration and motivation, add your remote work opportunity as another thing to look forward to every time you’re feeling down or out of focus.#

7 Self-Care Tips to Practice at Home While in Community Quarantine

The community quarantine in Luzon and in many other areas of the country has been extended to continue our efforts to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and to help flatten the curve of the virus. This means we’ll still be spending a lot more time at home and practice strict social distancing when in public. Most of our frontliners are exhausted saving lives, while our health and government officials try to come up with policies and ways to overcome this crisis that is destabilizing every aspect of our economy.

The current situation is making us feel overwhelmed and helpless. That’s why now, more than ever before, we have to take care of ourselves and prioritize our emotional and mental health. When we take care of ourselves, we can take care of our family and also be of help to our community. Here are some self-care tips and reminders to help us cope through this uncertain time.

1. Limit information intake and take a break from social media.

While it’s important to stay informed, constantly watching and thinking about the news will only feed us fear and anxiety. These are things you can’t control, thus will make you feel powerless. Taking a break from media exposure will help reduce stress and give your mind room for positivity so you can make the best choices. Also, with the rampant spread of fake news, it’s critical to stick to reliable sources and guides rather than believing somebody’s post you’ve just seen on your news feed.

2. Maintain connections and routines.

With social distancing and community quarantine in place, our usual activities were definitely tossed in the sidelines. Because it was a drastic and abrupt change, it’s crucial to try to maintain your routine as best as you can. Stick to a schedule so your days will have more structure, purpose, and help yourself settle with this kind of normalcy. 

And while we may be physically distancing, keep in close contact with your family and friends outside your home through calls, texts, or even video calls via Skype or Zoom. Likewise, remember that everyone might be in the same situation but we could be riding on different boats so some may have it worse. Don’t forget to ask for help and support when you need it, and also offer help to someone who’s in need.

3. Keep up your personal hygiene.

It’s easier to not prioritize our hygiene when we’re just stuck at home, with days (or even weeks!) of not going out in public. However, a quick shower at the start or end of our day goes a long way. Besides, this ongoing health crisis is enough reason for us to be “OC” when it comes to cleanliness and proper hygiene. If you can, have some fun elevating your personal hygiene by using relaxing face masks or having an at-home mani/pedi to take better care of yourself.

4. Stretch and stay active. 

The stay-at-home order to help flatten the curve doesn’t mean we have to lounge around on our couch most of the day (also spelled as couch potato). Even if you aren’t in the mood to sweat a full workout, make sure you stretch. Setting aside some time to move your body is a great self-care practice to boost your energy. Exercise is also proven to reduce anxiety and depression. Just keep in mind to not force yourself and find ways to make it more enjoyable. You could even have a #fambam doing dance exercises, or have a Zoom fitness conference with your friends and colleagues.

5. Engage in a new hobby and other creative activities.

Picking up a new hobby—whether it’s reading, drawing, singing, dancing, calligraphy, gardening, baking, cooking, or a combination of those things—is a good way to help lessen stress and feel good about yourself. Also, don’t be pressured to come up with something tangible or beautiful to assure yourself that you’ve done it well. Just doing it for pure fun and to pass time is already a reward on its own.

6. Write your feelings and experiences in a journal.

Keeping a journal isn’t only for students and younger kids. It’s a great avenue for anyone to boost creativity, record memories, and help focus on the positive aspects of life. We are dealing with uncertain times now and who knows when this pandemic is going to end? It’s easier for anyone’s thoughts to swim in the negative side. But we can always take time to pause or slow down, be mindful of the present, and be grateful for moments and experiences that we often take for granted. Having our kids, partner, loved ones, and even pets healthy and safe is enough for us to be thankful, so write them down each day to help keep anxiety at bay.

7. Be kind to yourself, always.

The best thing you have to remember is: you are not alone. There’s a lot of things we can’t control and no one has it all figured out. Thus, being too hard on yourself is giving yourself an injustice. Everything we’re feeling—from fear, to anxiety, and restlessness—is understandable. This is why experts recommend paying attention to your feelings and practicing self-compassion. Remember to be kind to yourself and to others, always. #

7 Productivity Tips for Anyone Working from Home During this Community Quarantine

As the threat of the COVID-19 continues, many companies decided to implement a work-from-home or telecommuting policy to protect their staff. Consider yourself fortunate if you’re one of those employees who get to have this kind of setup during this enhanced community quarantine. Because by staying at home and practicing social distancing, we can help contain the spread of the virus that is already affecting thousands of people around the world. 

But while working from home isn’t exactly a fresh concept, it can be tricky making the transition since your work and life are now technically happening in the same place. Consider these essential tips to help you stay productive and have a clear work-life balance.

7 Tips For Taking A Fun But Productive Workcation

We’re still answering chats and important emails from our colleagues, still crunching the keyboards on our laptops for approximately eight hours to get our tasks. We still attend meetings and conferences via apps like Zoom or Skype.

But this time, we do it while lounging on the restaurant of a hotel resort with an infinity pool. Or from a rooftop of an affordable AirBnB rental with that perfect mountain view. Or from a cool cafe in the outskirts of a city instead of our usual home office. This time, we’ve taken a “workcation”.

Workcation or simply a “faux vacation” because we also do work, is a perfect chance for any full-time remote worker to get a change of scenery (Buh-bye, burnout!) without using your precious vacation days. This is also your best choice if you can’t totally leave any important tasks or you can’t let your work pile up while you’re away. This summer season, if you want to unwind or visit new places but don’t exactly enjoy the idea of requesting for a leave, then workcation is what you need.

That said, it requires some planning to ensure that you’ll enjoy your time outside your regular programming while still getting productive (aka getting your job done). You need to plan your work the way you see fit and take into account potential distractions along the way. You may work for a couple of hours in the morning and then another four hours in the evening, it’s totally up to you and your desired set-up. Just make sure that before you pack your bags and book that flight, heed these tips to ensure a productive and successful workcation.

Your primary question when choosing a hotel or an AirBnB rental should be, “How fast is the Wi-Fi?” Sure, that hotel boasts an incredible pool deck and exquisite bar, while that AirBnB’s cozy interior is so IG-worthy. However, having high-speed internet access should be your utmost priority if you want to get the most out of your workcation. It’ll also be helpful to carry your own portable Internet connection so your devices and private information are secured.

Backup your files in both a hard drive and in the cloud. Storing your files in the cloud can be useful just in case you’ve unexpectedly lost or damaged your USB drivers and other removable data storage. Likewise, storing your files on a hard drive protects you just in case you found yourself without a stable internet connection and you can’t access data in the cloud.

Aside from testing the reliability of your Internet connection, you need to plan when it comes to your workspace. This might mean choosing a hotel room or accommodation with a desk and a comfortable chair where you can concentrate and stay productive, instead of just settling on a sofa bed. If you want to work in coffee shops near where you’re staying, do check them out in advance so you’ll know what to expect.

Be proactive in communicating with your clients and colleagues when you’re on a workcation. Remind them when you will be working and when you won’t be so they clearly set their expectations. Defining your work hours is especially essential if you’ll be staying in a country with a different time zone. Browse through your tasks in advance and delegate those that you won’t be able to do while you’re away. Also decide which scheduled meetings you’ll be able to attend and make a plan for any obligations that you’ll need to pass off.

Communicate the best way your colleagues or clients can contact you while you are away from your regular workspace. Will you be available over chat or will you prefer to be contacted via phone, especially if people in your team have an urgent request? If some urgent issues come up and you can’t be reached, who will decide on your behalf? Addressing any logistic differences beforehand will prevent frustrations on both sides and will ensure you still won’t miss out.

Here’s the biggest tip: workcations are not for destination hopping or touring around too much. So save your dream Southeast Asia trip or the ultimate African safari encounter for your actual vacation and go somewhere a little low-key. Else, make it a single-destination trip so it’ll be easier for you to keep work as a priority. And your best options are relaxing destinations such as resorts with Wi-Fi or quaint towns with beautiful cafes and striking sceneries. This way, you can focus on finishing work during the day and then enjoy eating out, hanging out in pubs, or just lounge comfortably by the beach while watching the sunset.

Just like any trip, take the time to plot out potential challenges and prepare solutions for any worst-case scenario. If your laptop crashes once you got off the plane or your phone got lost while on commute, how will you contact your co-workers? This is the best time to go old school and keep a hard copy of your colleagues’ phone numbers so you can still get in touch with them in case something goes wrong and you can’t immediately report to work as they expect you.

Also, consider your potential distractions and be responsible enough to prepare for those things. Make a clear line between work and leisure and don’t be afraid to shut yourself up in the hotel room for a few hours to finish your tasks. This way, you can enjoy sightseeing the city’s nightlife and enjoy a worthwhile dinner afterwards without any work-related things to think about. #

How Remote Work Champions Diversity And Equality

Telecommuting isn’t just a millennial trend — it has already become a way of life for many employees who wanted to break away from the traditional workplace. And with the worsening city traffic and rising costs of transportation, there’s no doubt about it becoming the future of work. 

Here are three ways remote work promotes diversity, equality, and inclusion in the workforce.

In a traditional workspace, adding locations to a business or an organization means serious capital. But with remote work, businesses are able to extend both nationally and internationally. It encourages new markets and a wider pool of talents, which drive transformation and innovation in the workplace. Professionals from all backgrounds, ethnicity, culture, and sexuality are able to work together as a team and help grow the business. 

Our Ylopo PH team boasts a pool of creative contractors not only from Metro Manila but also from other cities and provinces. We have great talents from as far as Benguet, Cebu, Iloilo, Davao del Sur, and Negros Oriental! Location is never a barrier for us to expand our team’s efficacy.

Remote work helps to level the playing field for all workers to have the opportunity to showcase their skills, regardless of age and ability. There are many older workers who are near retirement age but still want to contribute to their field and continue learning. Some choose to delay retirement because they have inadequate savings or they still want to contribute to their families, especially for their grandchildren. However, things such as the hectic daily commute and regular health check-ups make it more challenging for them to commit to an office job. Telecommuting can give them flexibility while still making ends meet.

Meanwhile, professionals with disabilities can showcase their talents and skills without fear of ridicule and discrimination about their capabilities. Companies usually care more about their employee’s outputs, so anyone, regardless of their age or ability levels, can excel and contribute to their organization’s success.

The ability to prepare your family’s meals even on workdays, to personally pick up your kids from school and not have to ask others, and the potential to have more savings, are just some of the advantages for many parents who choose to remote work. Mothers aren’t being limited to being housewives and caregivers, and they don’t have to reduce their work hours or leave their jobs just so they can take care of their kids or even aging relatives. Their flexible work allows them to pursue and excel in their respective careers without sacrificing precious times with their families. #

14 Things You’ll Love the Most About Working From Home

Because love comes in many forms, we’ve rounded up some of the best things we love about the remote work life.

5 Unwritten Rules of Remote Work Meetings

Learning the unwritten rules of communication in the remote workplace is often trickier since there’s no way you can figure them out through observing others. It’s only natural for any beginner virtual assistant to find it more challenging because it’s usually not part of the outlined formal policies or onboarding procedures of any company. 

Luckily, many of these unwritten rules are practically universal and it all boils down to one thing: respect. By understanding these rules and showing respect to your co-workers, you can avoid taking actions that can harm your career as a remote worker and reap the benefits of maintaining pleasant relationships.

Being late to a virtual meeting or a conference call just because you lost track of time will never be a valid excuse. If you can’t avoid being late because of an ongoing prior meeting, an emergency, or any technical difficulty, it is your responsibility to inform the other parties immediately and re-schedule. Make sure you won’t be late with no explanation as it will show your lack of integrity and responsibility.

Likewise, remember to set up calls and other communication with respect to your recipient’s time zone. Ask the other party first if you are not sure whether the time of your call will be appropriate so as not to inconvenience others. You can’t expect anyone to be alert and focused if they’ve just woken out of a deep sleep, more so to have a meaningful and productive conversation that should be the aim of any meeting.

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Working from home also means trying to embrace all sorts of distracting background noise — barking dogs, crowing roosters, loud TV, children screaming, you name it. However, when it comes to having a phone call, there is nothing more irritating than having to hear all the noise while you’re trying to talk. As much as possible, try to find a place where you can have a conversation in peace, whether it’s in your home office or a quiet room. Or at least mute the mic whenever your dog starts barking as respect to the person you’re talking with.

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Impressions are important, even in remote work meetings. If the communication requires a video call, try to at least look appropriate. There’s no need to don a suit and tie or an office blazer; just try to look presentable especially if the bosses or clients are included in the conversation. By sporting a casual office look, the person on the other end will think that you’re all set for the call.

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How can you focus on the discussion if you are crunching codes or responding to emails, even if it’s a multi-party meeting that seems to go on forever? Resist the urge to multitask, no matter how tempting it is or how good you are at juggling a few things at the same time. Because when it’s time to give your input or comment on a certain topic, you have to shift your attention to the conversation. It might make you miss a few key details, making your insight less valuable than it could be. It will give others the impression that you are disinterested, and you might even look or sound rude and conceited. Remember that your teammates or anyone who’s in a call with you deserve your undivided attention for the time they also spend on the meeting.

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Don’t jump off right away at a conference meeting the minute it seems like it’s going to an end. It’s usually best to be prepared to hang on for a few more minutes so you won’t miss important changes to deliverables, designs, and topics. Someone might’ve chimed in at the last minute, causing the “spillover discussions” to continue. If you’ve abruptly left, make sure to follow up with your co-workers to make sure you didn’t miss anything that was decided after the formal meeting ended.#

7 Habits That Kill Your Focus And Productivity When Working From Home

“Depending on what they are, our habits will either make us or break us. We become what we repeatedly do.” 

― Sean Covey

Another year is coming to an end and we’re probably having another huge checklist we call “Resolutions” and a bucket list of other things. But just as we embrace the fresh things that are coming for us, we must also reassess our habits and how we approach the daily grind. Unfortunately, we fail to notice that many of the habits we’re guilty of doing are actually killing our focus and productivity. 

You may need to figure out first what makes you ineffectual and recognize them for what they are before taking the necessary steps to control them. Remember, we become what we repeatedly think and do. So if you want to seize the day and get as many things done as possible, consider ditching these bad habits to lead your most intentional life.

1. Using too many productivity tools and apps.

Slack, Skype, Asana, Jira, Trello, Evernote, you name it — there’s an awesome productivity tool or app that suits our any tasks and needs. But when you use too many of these tools, you may end up wasting time updating each and every one of them instead of actually using them to complete the tasks you have. That will just defeat their purpose and make you counterproductive.  

Productivity Tip: Find a tool or app for each task and function (e.g. Slack for communication, Trello for checklists), learn as much about it, and stick to it. It may also be helpful to use tools that cover multiple bases or sync up with others easily so there’s a smoother flow when you transition between them.

2. Mindless browsing on your social media accounts and other websites

This habit is probably something we’re all guilty about! Who doesn’t, now that we’re living in this digital age and many of the things we need are only a click away. It’s also not easy to control, especially for virtual assistants whose main job is to manage their clients’ social media accounts and websites. There’s the obsession to feel constantly “connected,” and sometimes it’s easier to forget about our workload and just scroll, scroll, and scroll. As the day ends, we realize that we’ve got mountains of things to do and have wasted so much time.

Productivity Tip: If you can, block social media channels and other sites during certain times of the work day so you won’t be tempted to check them. Similarly, you can completely turn off the internet connection on your handheld devices so you won’t get distracted to check your notifications, or watch that cute cat or dog video. Make it a habit to only grab your phone during lunch or restroom breaks if you need to send any important messages.

3. Multi-tasking

While it is the flip side of procrastination, multi-tasking could also be detrimental to your productivity in several ways. If you keep flipping back and forth between multiple tasks, you’re channelling more of your energy and attention on the act of switching tasks, instead of completing the task you have at hand. This lowers your productivity and could cause you to make more mistakes because the act of “switching gears” also drains your mental resources.

Productivity Tip: Be a completionist! Don’t be tempted to switch between tasks, no matter how much you want to. This will help build your focus and improve your work quality. 

If you feel that multi-tasking is the only way for you to go, write down all of your tasks in one day and group two to three similar tasks together. Then, zone in and focus on finishing those to-do’s one a time. By doing so, you’ll make less mistakes and preserve your energy better.

4. Having a huge to-do list or scheduling too many tasks all at once

One surefire way to kill your own productivity levels is to fill your day’s to-do list with a dozen or more tasks because you thought it can help you become super productive. However, the hard truth is that you’ll most likely be unable to complete them all. And the pressure of that could overwhelm you at the end of the day, doing you more harm than good. 

Productivity Tip: Keep your to-do lists at a minimum, maybe between 2-5 tasks at a time, so you won’t feel overwhelmed on completing them. It will help keep your productive momentum and build your motivation as you check them off one by one. Also, limit the amount of time you spend making plans on how you will accomplish your tasks and just get started instead. Just trust yourself, you will figure things out along the way! 

5. Always demanding perfection

Despite not having their bosses lurking around their shoulders, successful remote workers know that they always need to produce quality work. However, there are times when it’s okay to have less-than perfect results. If your tasks at work are delayed just because of perfectionism, it may not be working to your advantage. Aiming for perfection, such as having unrealistically high work standards or being thrown off balance when things don’t go exactly as you’d like, could hinder you from maximizing your time and productivity. It could cause you to fall behind schedule and leave a mountain of tasks that should’ve been completed a long time ago.

Productivity Tip: Learn what your bosses or clients are looking for and do just a little bit better than that. Remember that there’s always room for improvement. Focus on simply completing the task first, and then go back and perfect things if there’s still time. Also, accept that a huge part of making progress is actually making mistakes and learning from them.

6. Self-doubt

“Self-doubt is killing your productivity because it’s making you procrastinate and delay your decisions.” 

- Sandy Kreps, 10 Habits That Are Killing Your Productivity, ModernSimplicity.org

Comparing your productivity levels to someone else’s and not feeling confident in yourself can actually zap your productivity. You’re worrying because someone does something faster than you when it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are being productive, and we have our own ways of doing work. 

Productivity Tip: Don’t let self-doubt keep you from getting the stuff done! Set your own productivity goals by knowing how you work and knowing the best ways to utilize your skills. If you won’t waste your energy feeling sorry for yourself, you can live your most productive life and make the best decisions for yourself. 

7. Skipping meals

With no co-workers around to invite you to grab a bite, it’s easier to skip breakfast or lunch to finish your tasks. However, skipping meals often or regularly moving your meal times can have negative effects on your health. Skipping meals is associated with lower energy or motivation levels, according to a study from the journal Appetite. A research from the journal Neurology also found that it can negatively affect cognitive functions, including attention, memory, concentration, and general mental performance.

If you make your meal times irregular, you’re robbing your body of energy and rhythm that are essential to boosting your productivity.

Productivity Tip: Prepare your meals the night before so you won’t be using precious minutes of your work day to make your food, if that’s what you’re worried about. This way, you’d still be eating healthy home-cooked meals while making your meal times as timely as you can. #

Stop Believing These 7 Common Misconceptions About Virtual Assistants

Myth #1: Anyone with a computer and internet connection can be a VA.

Truth: While it might be easy for some people to invest in all the necessary equipment to start working online, there’s so much more to being a VA than having a good desktop computer or laptop and a stable internet connection. You need to have the appropriate skills and traits to be hired and also leverage your knowledge and expertise so you can stay in this career. More so, the recruitment process of any trusted company, agency, or client for any VA role is as thorough and rigid as they would do so with any other work positions.

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Myth #2: VAs can only do administrative work.

Truth: When you see or hear the term “virtual assistant,” what comes to your mind? Some people might automatically think a VA only does administrative tasks or is simply a secretary online. In reality, it could describe a varied group of professionals also known as remote workers, who work closely with clients to support their businesses. Virtual assistants can be of any role—administrative assistant, content writer or editor, marketing strategist, social media manager, website or graphic designer, sales support, customer service, and more!

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Myth #3: Or they can do everything you’d want them to do. 

Truth: VAs are multi-talented, a big yes, but you can’t expect them to know how to do everything. Depending on the job description and their set of skills, they may be able to fulfill two or more roles at the same time (e.g. content writer/social media manager), but they will have their expertise.

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Myth #4: The career is only for work-at-home parents.

Truth: Being a virtual assistant is appealing to moms and dads because they get to spend more time with their kids and supervise the household while still earning. However, anyone can be a VA, and it’s a great job for anyone who wants the flexibility they can’t get from a traditional 8-to-5. While it’s true that most virtual assistants are work-at-home parents, they choose the remote work life because of many reasons. Maybe they’re tired of their commute, they want to travel more, or desire a good work-life balance. For some, it might be easier to finish their studies or pursue higher learning while working as a VA. 

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 Myth #5: Working as a VA means easy money.

Truth: They can work practically anywhere and they don’t have their bosses watching their every move, but that doesn’t mean earning is relatively easy. Similar to any other careers and profession, it’s all about hard work and perseverance for anyone to become a trusted VA. You need to step out of your comfort zone and never stop learning, communicate effectively, and always maintain integrity so you can survive in the virtual work space. Besides, with all the distractions at home they need to face, it takes a good amount of discipline to be an outstanding VA.

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Myth #6: They don’t require onboarding and training.

Truth: Just like with typical in-house employees, newly-hired VAs also need onboarding, training, and constant communication regarding the processes, procedures, and task expectations. Sure, they can catch up fast, but you can’t expect them to hit the ground running on the first day. A thorough onboarding process will help them set up clear goals and expectations so they can soon work independently and without much oversight.

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Myth #7: VAs are for temporary projects only.

Truth: Don’t let this misconception hinder you from deciding to be a VA. While there are many instances where hiring a VA is a short-term solution, it actually depends on the client or business. There are a lot of VAs who are working for long-term projects or are working full-time for a company, which gives them an opportunity to maximize their potential and have healthy relationships with their clients.

A Remote Worker’s Guide to Improving Email Etiquette

A key characteristic of a successful remote worker is being an effective communicator. And sometimes, the only method of communication among remote teams and their clients is through email. Therefore, it’s crucial to have excellent email communication skills and get your points clearly through writing since you can’t have in-person conversations to explain your message. It’s helpful that Google has added a “Smart Reply” feature to Inbox by Gmail, which allows senders to choose quick, auto-generated responses. However, quick and casual responses aren’t always appropriate and can be detrimental to professional emails.

Heed these 10 tips to up your email game and get your message across, especially in the virtual workspace where one wrong reply could lead to miscommunication.

1. Keep subject titles specific and in title case form.

Make sure that your subject line gets to the point instead of just writing “Hello” since inboxes get clogged by hundreds of e-mails a day. You want them to notice your email and read it so your title has to be reasonably simple and descriptive. Also, don’t forget to proofread it as you would for the rest of the e-mail.

2. Use proper greeting and salutation.

Always begin your email with a proper and respectful salutation, such as “Good morning,” “Hello,” or “Greetings” to make it more professional. Avoid starting your message with a casual “Hi” or “Hey” unless it’s only for the perusal of colleagues whom you’re friendly with.

3. Get to the point.

The golden tip: keep it short and simple. Brevity is the key to making your emails easier to read and understand. This is especially important since clients often read and reply to emails via mobile phones, and a longer email means it will take them longer to scroll down. Feel free to follow these simple tips as well to avoid your email getting moved into the Trash folder:

• Always use bullet points to organize information or present different points.

• Use lots of white space so as to not overwhelm the recipient.

• State your purpose within the first two sentences so the person reading it will quickly figure out the gist of the email.

4. Watch your words and style.

When you’re writing a professional email, you need to be mindful of how you present every word on the message. Remember these key points:

• Don’t use ALL CAPS as they may indicate yelling.

• Be careful when using exclamation marks (!!!) Keep them to a minimum and only use them on positive statements.

• Also, be mindful of using colors or highlights, as well as Italic and underline.

• Blinking icons and emoticons are also inappropriate and unprofessional.  

5. Proofread.

You might have kept your email short and sweet, but if it has bad grammar and lots of spelling mistakes, no one would really bother reading it. Likewise, it’s also annoying to read and your reputation could be at stake. Your recipient may not take the message seriously or even mistake it as spam. Always read your email at least twice before sending it to check for any misspelled words, punctuation errors, and other careless email mistakes that you could’ve avoided if you’ve reviewed your message first before sending it. 

6. Ditch the jargon.

Using acronyms, jargon, slang, or shortcuts can confuse your recipients and is not acceptable in business-related emails. Write in simple language and use layman’s terms to get your point across. Those acronyms and jargon might be allowed on the occasional internal email, but any emails for clients should be written in a language that’s easy to understand. That way, there won’t be a need for any follow-up emails to explain what you really meant to say. 

7. Use one thread for each subject.

Subject titles should not only be specific but should also match the discussion in the thread. When a thread topic changes, don’t hesitate to change the subject to make it appropriate with the content. This will help make your emails highly searchable among hundreds of emails your co-workers are receiving every day. Never ever open an old email and hit Reply to discuss a different topic just because it has the same recipients, or you just feel like it. 

8. Summarize threads.

When forwarding a long thread or a message with attachments, don’t just send it out as is. Always include a summary to save the recipient some time so they can respond to you faster.

9. Learn how to CC and BCC properly.

The carbon copy (CC) and blind carbon copy (BCC) features in the email aren’t just there as ornaments. These tools might be tricky to use, but they are helpful if used properly and appropriately. Make sure to take the time to send your messages to the right people and truly think about how it will be important to others. 

Remember:

Using Cc - This line is for recipients who need to be in the loop on a particular communication. You can include here someone that might need the information you sent in your email, or you think they can add something valuable to the conversation. If you are Cc’d in an email, you can read and archive, but often there’s no action necessary.

Using Bcc - This tool allows you to quietly keep someone in an email conversation, or protect their email from a large group of recipients. 

10. Know when you should hit the ‘Reply All’ button.

Before hitting the “Reply All” button after receiving an email with many recipients, simply ask yourself: “Does everyone need to see my reply or just the sender?” Unless you’re positive that the entire team needs to have the information you’ll be adding to the thread, don’t hit “reply all” and waste everyone’s time. Also, if the thread has gone long enough, it might be easier to create a new thread with a different subject and a different set of recipients. 

5 Best Practices To Be A Happy and Successful Remote Team Member

While there are many tips and pieces of advice on how to be successful when you’re working remotely, there is really no secret formula that fits all. But here we share some of the best practices so you can be happy, content, and successful as part of a team. Just remember that at the end of the day, building a culture of trust, support, and collaboration is important to promote efficiency and productivity among remote workers.

You may be physically separated from your team members as you work—whether you’re working cozily from your home office or finishing your task from a coffee shop—but that doesn’t mean you work separately. As a member of a larger work team, you need to understand your role and what is expected from you. You’re still part of the work processes that involve other people, so you need to recognize how you contribute to the company’s picture of success and failure. Once you set crystal clear expectations about your role, it will be much easier for you to stay efficient and productive.

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Because some things may be interpreted differently than you intended when you’re working remotely, communicating effectively will help step up your game. Here at Ylopo, we’re firm believers that there’s no such thing as “over-communication.” When in doubt, communicate. When you want to celebrate even small achievements, communicate. By communicating—and by doing it effectively—there’d be less room for misunderstandings, which will make a huge difference to the productivity of the team. 

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Oftentimes it can be quite challenging to receive feedback or criticism from your manager, team leader, or even from a co-worker. But remember that there are benefits to receiving feedback, especially when you’ve just started on a role or a task. Constructive criticism is essential for you to improve your skills and help you meet the expectations needed of you. 

It might not be easy, especially if the person giving criticism isn’t someone you look up to or it’s someone you haven’t even seen or met. However, instead of questioning the person’s assessment, try to focus on understanding his or her comments and perspective for your own improvement. Whether or not you agree with the assessment, at least acknowledge the effort your colleague made to evaluate you. As a remote team member, learning to give and accept feedback will help you get through the challenges of the work and contribute to building positive relationships with your colleagues.

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According to Kevin Eikenberry, a world-renowned leadership expert and consultant, when someone says or does something that doesn’t make sense to you, start with the assumption that their intention was honorable and helpful. Because even though there is email or instant messages that help remote workers to communicate quickly and easily, the lack of visual or verbal cues provides room for miscommunication. And any miscommunication can be worsened by the lack of relationship and trust between colleagues who are working at a distance. Starting with the assumption of positive intent may not always be correct, but it will allow you to have a more productive conversation and will less likely create stress and conflict. 

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Of course, people who work near each other will always have a chance to have small conversations that could lead to deeper connections and working relationships. However, when you work from home none of this happens automatically. But since you’re still a part of a team, having solid working relationships with your colleagues is important to be happy and successful. You can avoid the feeling of isolation if you intentionally work to build relationships and trust with those you closely work with. Celebrate birthdays and big wins, and make time to check on your colleagues to see how they’re coping. 

6 Ways To Stay Healthy While Working the Graveyard Shift

For many virtual assistants and remote workers, working the night shift is the only option since they have to cater to their foreign clients in different time zones. And one of the biggest challenges they have is getting enough sleep during the day—when it’s hot, it’s noisy, and everyone in the house is up and about. And if you get sleep-deprived for a long time, it can take a toll on your work performance and eventually, on your health.

Remember the old adage saying “Health is wealth”? It is and always will be! So don’t let your health be compromised and apply these simple tips to help you cope better.

1. Stick to a sleeping schedule.

While it’s not always possible for everyone to get at least 6-8 hours of sleep a day (especially for parents with little kids), give yourself enough time to fall asleep. Stick to a schedule so your body doesn’t have to adjust to new sleeping patterns every time. It might be helpful if you invest in some blackout curtains or shades, have a sleep mask ready, and avoid using gadgets before going to bed. Having an air conditioner installed in your room could also be a useful investment since you can be much more comfortable, especially during summer. If it helps, use a white noise app such as Headspace or drink a soothing tea before retiring to your cozy nook.

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2. Moderate your caffeine intake.

Yes, for many of us, our first impulse to cure our sleepiness is gulping down mugs of coffee or bottles of energy drinks. But while caffeine increases alertness and boosts energy levels, too much caffeine may hurt you in the long run. Especially if you’re drinking beverages with lots of sugar, such as 3-in-1 coffee packs or sodas, you may experience some sugar rush that will just make sleeping much harder once your shift is done. If you must have caffeine, opt for green tea instead of coffee since it has less caffeine and is also loaded with good antioxidants.

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3. Eat healthy food and stay hydrated.

Consuming healthy meals in the middle of the night is another challenge for any professional. Even if you’re working from home, you might be tempted to just grab any instant food you might have in the pantry or order some fast food just to conveniently have your midnight lunch. But for you to take care of your health, you would need to say no to unhealthy stuff most of the time. Prepare your meals in advance and stock up on healthy snacks like fruits and nuts so you can avoid eating junk food. Also, always drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated and give you enough reason to stand up and take the occasional toilet breaks.

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4. Take vitamins.

No matter your age, taking health supplements can be very beneficial. Especially if you’re working at night and you’re not getting enough sleep, taking supplements such as Vitamin C can improve your immune system to help you cope in the long run.  

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5. Do some exercise. 

While it might be better to schedule the heavy workout on your days off, you can squeeze in some exercise by doing some brisk walking or calisthenics before your shift. This will prevent you from feeling drained or groggy and will instead make you feel energized and alert. You can also opt to use the stairs repeatedly or do some squats right at your desk. A few minutes of exercise is still better than just sitting for long hours, which can also be detrimental to your health.

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6. Take power naps.

Sometimes, we just have to pause and listen to what our body really needs. If you weren’t able to get more than four or five hours of sleep during the day, you just have to give in and take some powerful naps within your shift. Of course, you have to do it during your break time, but getting some shuteye can be effective to help you energize. Just make sure to set up your alarm so you won’t oversleep—just enough to give your body and mind a few minutes of rest that they truly need.

How To Develop Your Emotional Intelligence In The Remote Workplace

In his book Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ (1995), Daniel Goleman argued that emotional intelligence could be just as important, if not even more so, at predicting success in life. He further suggested that people who are successful at work aren’t just smart but also have a strong amount of emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence even plays a more important role in the remote work setting. Trainer and consultant Janine Wyborn, in an article in RemoteWorkHub.com, emphasized that EI awareness “should actually be heightened in a remote working environment.” Because even if a team is composed of skilled, high-performing professionals, if every individual can’t identify and manage their own emotions, they won’t be able to solve misunderstandings and conflicts that could be detrimental to their success. Simply put, your emotional intelligence also matters if you’re working virtually.

Here are ways to develop your emotional intelligence and create better relationships:

Experts say self-awareness is the cornerstone of emotional intelligence. Employees with high EI are fully aware of their emotional strengths and weaknesses and recognize how their actions can affect their colleagues. You have to take the time to understand how you are feeling at any given moment and know how these emotions influence how you respond or interact with others. By reflecting on your own emotions, you become much more aware of the roles they play into your life.

Do you get annoyed or frustrated easily? Can you still communicate well with others, even if you’re feeling impatient? Fathom why you’re feeling that way and allow yourself to look for ways to deal with such shortcomings. Remember that emotions tend to be fleeting and what you’re feeling at any given moment is temporary, so don’t make rash decisions that can affect your long-term goals or can be damaging to the company’s reputation.

Emotionally intelligent people are more empathetic. They see things from another's point of view and try to understand how they feel. They step into another person’s shoes, recognize how they are feeling, and think about how to respond in these emotions. Empathy enables employees to build stronger relationships, develop mutual respect, trust, and openness so they can operate better as a team and work together towards achieving their organization’s goals.

It can be challenging at times, especially when you don’t agree with the other person or you feel that what they believe is wrong (especially if it’s your team lead or any higher-ups). By being more empathetic, you look at the situation from another’s perspective rather than letting the disagreements build up and turn into a major conflict.

Self-regulation, according to Goleman, is another critical part of emotional intelligence. It’s being able to manage your emotions so you can adapt well to changing situations. A great way to improve your self-regulation in the workplace is by identifying what stresses you out and then taking proactive steps to have less of it in your life. Is it the emails from work that keep on piling up that hinder you from taking a much-needed rest? Avoid checking it once you’ve arrived home and especially before going to bed. 

When things get stressful at work and you’re having a really bad day, keep your cool and accept the fact that you can’t control everything. Don’t rush into making decisions, especially if it will greatly affect your team and company. Take time to think, as emotions can overwhelm you and prevent you from being rational and objective. An emotionally intelligent person thinks about how their emotional expressions affect others so they don’t just react impulsively at the moment.

One of the greatest challenges affecting virtual teams is, undoubtedly, effective communication. Face-to-face conversations are limited, which means you can’t rely on other factors like body language and tone of voice to send out your message. Emotionally intelligent people in the virtual workplace understand that they need to choose their words carefully since emails and chats carry no emotions and may be perceived differently by the recipient. You need to be concise and explain yourself clearly to break any communication deficiencies so there’s less room for misunderstanding.

Aside from being good communicators, people with high EQs also have strong social skills. Employees, managers, and leaders with great social skills are able to communicate their thoughts and ideas effectively. They also make great team players: a skill that is also highly valued in the workplace. 

To strengthen your own social skills in the workplace, practice active listening. During phone meetings and video conferences, you can show you are listening by asking questions and providing feedback, and not just passively listening to other people talk. Listening to what others have to say, whatever work you’re in, will show that you regard them with respect and you’re willing to work with others to help reach any goals. 

Diversity in the workplace is beautiful and should be celebrated, but it also comes with many challenges. You must learn to be more sensitive to other cultures, as much as other people from other cultures must also be sensitive to yours. If you’re working remotely with a team whose people came from different social, cultural, and economic backgrounds, seek out your cultural differences so you can understand them. 

By understanding that others might have different responses and customs based on their upbringing, you can develop your social and emotional intelligence, as well as your cultural competency. It will help you to effectively work with people who may not even share your native language or share the same beliefs or lifestyle as you.

Another key component of emotional intelligence is intrinsic motivation or the behavior that is driven by internal rewards. People who have strong emotional intelligence tend to be more motivated to achieve goals for their own sake and pursue to do things because they are passionate about it.

For remote workers, a key factor for your growth and success is being self-motivated. It can be tough to work in isolation, so internal motivation should always be paramount. Or else, you’ll find yourself having poor self-management skills and underperform in the virtual setting, which could be detrimental to your career. Focus on the aspects of your job that you truly love and enjoy—whether it’s the freedom to work anywhere you want, the highly competitive pay, or the opportunity to help many clients achieve their own goals. Keep in mind that there will always be things about your job that you’ll love as much as you’ll hate. So take inspiration on the things you enjoy doing and focus on the sense of accomplishment you feel every time you complete a new challenge.

Bottom Line

The greatest beauty of emotional intelligence is that it can be applied in all facets of life; it isn’t just an essential skill in the workplace or business. And whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, it’s actually something that can be learned by having the right mindset and keeping your composure at all times. Easier said than done, right? But there’s no harm in trying to always apply these important principles for you to succeed better in life.