The Executive’s Guide to Remote Work

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The Executive's Guide to Remote Work

By David Urman, Fractional Chief Revenue Officer & Fractional Chief Legal Officer

These are challenging times, and many have suddenly found themselves navigating the world of remote work. Personally, I’ve been working from home for about 25 years. In the early days, remote work was often synonymous with unemployment. Today, however, it is a credible, though still sometimes misunderstood, way to make a living.

Let me share some insights from my years of experience on how to effectively work remotely:

Maintain Hygiene

There are numerous office habits that may seem unnecessary when you start working from home. After all, remote work offers a lot of freedom. For men, one of the first things often abandoned is shaving.

Men generally dislike shaving—it’s inconvenient, risky, and feels unnatural from an evolutionary standpoint. It’s widely believed that early humans grew beards to protect themselves from the elements. (Okay, I might be exaggerating here.)

If you decide to ditch shaving, that’s fine. BUT, you need to commit to a facial hair plan. Either grow a full beard (it worked for figures like Abe Lincoln or Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof) or keep a clean shave. Stubble tends to make you look unkempt, almost like one of Robert Downey Jr.'s mugshots (take your pick — there are several).

So, remember to shave!

Another crucial hygiene aspect is showering. This one’s simple—you should aim to shower at least every other day, ideally daily. After two days without a shower, your hair begins to take on a greasy shine and forms awkward clumps.

If you skip a week, you might find yourself sculpting your hair into strange shapes, like those foil swans they make at upscale restaurants. Not exactly a professional look. Think of Jack Nicholson courtside at a Lakers game—enough said.

Change Your Pajama

Working from home can sometimes lead to wardrobe mistakes. While office-goers may take dressing up for granted, this isn’t always the case for those working remotely. We’re social-distancing as part of our work, and judgment can slip.

Here’s a real-life example:

The mail carrier arrives, and you’re excited—after all, it’s the only human interaction you might have all day (unless you accidentally start another fire in the kitchen and need the firefighters again). You rush to the door in your pajamas, robe, or boxers, only to find your neighbors peeking out their windows, watching you. You wave back, trying to look composed. Soon enough, you might find yourself removed from the Neighborhood Watch meetings. You might even end up on their watchlist.

Be Ready for Video Calls

When joining a video call with the office, wear a top that matches the professional standards of your workplace. What you wear below the waist is your choice—just avoid stepping out to check the mail during the call.

One last tip to keep your job secure: when your boss is on the call, look at them with a hint of admiration. A slight smile, with a glimmer in your eyes—almost teary. As if you’re marveling at how such a remarkable person could exist.

Change Focus to Feel Happy and Healthy

While it’s good to keep things light, it’s important to consider your well-being, too. Maintaining social interactions is still possible and vital. Some people need frequent interactions, while others thrive with less. Recognize your preference, but remember that everyone benefits from some level of social contact.

For remote workers, managing time effectively is crucial. Work in focused intervals of 40 minutes to an hour. Without office interruptions, you can accomplish a lot in short bursts.

You don’t need to be tied to your desk all day to be productive. Take breaks to step outside, go for a walk, or spend time in a park while keeping a safe distance. Seeing other people, even from afar, can provide perspective and reduce feelings of isolation.

Avoid using TV as a substitute for social contact. It’s not the same. I suggest keeping the TV off during work hours, except for Family Feud. I get most of my news from that show.

If you have children, they can be a source of distraction. But this can also be an opportunity. 

Plan breaks with them, set expectations, and organize activities in advance. This way, you can turn these moments into positive interactions that support their needs.

Keep in mind that office workers likely spend only around 40% of their day on actual work, with the rest filled with small breaks and casual chats. So, don’t be too hard on yourself if you get distracted. You’ll likely still be very productive, even while managing home life.

Be Grateful

If you’re feeling uneasy about remote work, remember that many others have lost their jobs. You’re fortunate to have work. It’s a great time to express gratitude—and maybe order some extra razor blades.

Conclusion

Shave, shower, and dress appropriately. It sounds simple, right? Though times have changed, the perks of working from home remain. It opens up new and exciting possibilities.

Take care of yourself and enjoy your new workspace.

 

About the Author

David Urman is a Fractional Chief Revenue Officer, and Fractional Chief Legal Officer. His primary value is focused and aggressive profitable revenue generation, and offers multiple skill sets as a sales leader and in-house counsel when needed, while also being responsible for P&L success.

 

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