Our Top 5 Tips for Effective (or Almost) Remote Work

It’s now been two years since remote work became an integral part of our professional lives. What was originally supposed to be two weeks of effort to “flatten the curve” (ha! ha!) turned into wonderful lessons in life and technology, along with countless live pet-therapy sessions straight from our living rooms. At Sparkling, we like to look on the bright side. That’s why today we’re sharing our top 5 tried-and-tested tips and tricks for optimal (and fun) remote work.

1- Daily meetings

Virtual meetings come with their fair share of challenges: “Your mic’s still off, David.” Still, we have to admit we always feel more energized and motivated after talking to actual humans, especially when they’re fantastic coworkers or inspiring clients! We keep everyone on track with a team meeting every morning. That’s how we set the day’s tasks, and everyone shares one thing they’re grateful for from the last 24 hours to start the day on the right foot. We also use Slack for internal communications and project approvals, but most importantly, for sharing cute photos of our furry friends, which is an absolute must for morale at Sparkling.

2- A well-oiled system of snacks and drinks

Whether it’s to help you actually open your eyes in the morning or to fight off that afternoon energy slump, having something to smile about when you open the fridge or pantry is essential. Whether it’s a decadent tray Anne-Catherine style or a reward for finishing a task Sophie style, here are a few must-haves:

• Melk’s cold-brewed dulce de leche latte
• Verbena herbal tea
• Betjeman & Barton’s Christmas tea blend
• Homemade cookies, biscuits, cakes and scones
• Made Good vanilla crispy squares
• Prana’s Kilimanjaro nuts
• Miss Vickie’s balsamic vinegar and sweet onion chips
• And for Cassonade, fine herbs and bananas. 🐇 Yum!

3- Lists

Having a creative bulletin board, a planner and a well-stocked set of coloured pencils, laying out our timelines on Asana, or sharing our Google calendars are all great ways to stay organized day to day. That way, nothing falls through the cracks, and few things are as satisfying as checking off your last to-do of the day. If you’re creative and love lists, you might want to give bullet journaling a try. Click here for a few tips.

4- The art of unplugging

As much as we appreciate each other and love the projects we work on, stepping back is essential to staying at the top of your game. We love going for a walk (or a run) at lunchtime, getting (or demanding) a good dose of affection from our pets, taking an espresso-nap*, and stepping away from screens at the end of the workday. We put balance first, above all else. And when willpower starts to fade, the zen mode on our mobile devices has proven itself time and again by saving us from falling into the TikTok trap. * Espresso-nap: a nap of no more than 20 minutes taken right after drinking an espresso. It’s a documented thing ☕️.

5- Fun desk gadgets

A third of our days is spent working. That’s why we especially enjoy upgrading our spaces with ergonomic tools like laptop stands, a gorgeous wireless keyboard, or the best notebooks in the universe. Plants are also a great way to bring a refreshing touch to a desk corner, whatever our furry friends might think. Finally, having a functional, inviting and bright setup is essential to being efficient. Our colleague Mickey will tell you: you get bonus points if it’s color-coordinated. Do you have a remote-work must-have to share with us?