1. CREATE YOUR SPACE
    • Set up a comfortable workspace in your home, similar to what you would have at an office. Bonus points for outside views!
    • We support people living healthier lives (that includes YOU!) which includes having healthy boundaries around work.
    • Virtual office essentials: good headphones, good lighting, professional background.
    • Virtual office nice to haves: second monitor, external keyboard & mouse, light filtering glasses.
  1. SET CLEAR BOUNDARIES
    • Especially if you’re a first time Remotie, it’s easy to get caught in the trap of 24/7 availability. If you work at odd hours, people will expect you to be available at odd hours.
    • Be consistent and maintain a clear line between life and work. This reduces burnout and helps you continue to love your job, while still enjoying the benefits of working remotely.
    • Our mission is to empower people to live better and healthier lives. This includes you!
  1. CAMERAS ON!
    • Turn on your camera on all video calls. When we see each other, it’s easier to connect, engage, and build relationships.
  1. TAKE A BREAK (OR TWO. OR THREE.)
    • Schedule breaks throughout your workday. Contrary to popular belief, this will help you be MORE productive, not less.
    • When taking breaks, do something non-work related. Have a healthy snack, refill your water bottle, grab a quick walk, and give your eyes some much needed rest from the computer screen.
    • Sitting gets old and makes you older faster! Consider investing in a standing desk or treadmill desk, or set a timer on your computer to remind you at intervals to get up and move.
  1. MAKE CONNECTIONS
    • We have lots of opportunities, depending on your interests and style!
    • Join the quarterly all Remotie meetings (or watch the recordings). They are a blast and a great way to participate in our community.
    • Check out our Slack rooms for Remoties ― you can find a current list on our Remote Office 101 page.
    • Reach out to fellow Remoties to schedule virtual meetings; join small group happy hours, and look up coworkers when traveling to their cities.
  1. GET INVOLVED
    • Attend our local pop up events, showcase your skills with a cooking club video, volunteer on a committee, share a virtual office tour or in-the-field video, start a new Slack channel, or anything else that allows you to connect with your coworkers.
    • There are so many ways to contribute to our community. Find out more on our Remote Office 101 page!
  1. SHOW YOUR FACE
    • Add pics to all your account profiles so coworkers can connect the name to the person.
    • Take selfies wearing your Remotie and Livongo swag. If you don’t like taking selfies, pet pics are equally welcome.
  1. COMMUNICATE
    • What do you love? What do you wish for? How can we help? Share your feedback, ideas, praises and gripes. Livongo listens, so use your voice!
    • Express your gratitude, too! Use our recognition tool to acknowledge your coworkers (be they Remoties or not) and share your appreciation.
  1. PRACTICE GOOD VIRTUAL ETIQUETTE
    • When on group calls, make sure you’re muted.
    • When responding to large group emails, avoid “Reply ALL” unless you have something meaningful to say to everyone. You know the saying, measure twice, cut once? In our world, it’s proofread twice, send once.
    • Online communication is hard sometimes. You’re bound to make a faux pas here and there, so don’t stress! We’ve got your back.
  1. DRESS FOR SUCCESS
    • If you feel super successful in your PJ’s, more power to you! However, many people report that maintaining a morning routine, dressing nicely, and brushing your teeth before noon really helps with productivity.

Remember, change takes practice. It’s just like we tell our Members: Take one step at a time! Try out one or two of these tricks at first and make them routine. Once you’ve got a telecommuting arrangement that works for you, incorporate more of these tips ― and share your own with your fellow Remoties!