Hi there, amazing work-from-home moms! 🌟 Today, we’re diving deeper into the “Remote Work Productivity Triangle” model, which is all about helping you balance remote work and family life. This approach helps you decide if remote work is right for you or optimize your current setup if you’re already working remotely.
Now, let’s focus on the first parameter: “Work.” This includes the demands and expectations of your role, which directly affect your productivity and how well you can balance parenting and remote work. To make it clearer, let me share my own experience when I was deciding if I could work remotely as a mom to a newborn (If you’re wondering where this idea came from and why it’s helpful, check out my previous post):
1. Task Predictability in Remote Jobs
The first thing I analysed was how predictable my tasks were.
If 80% of your work involves unexpected tasks and only 20% is predictable, that’s one scenario. If it’s the other way around—80% predictable and just 20% surprises—that’s a completely different story.
Neither setup is “good” or “bad,” but you need to understand your reality. Highly unpredictable work can make balancing work and parenting more challenging, while predictable tasks allow for better alignment with your family’s schedule.
2. Remote Work Flexibility: Is It Possible?
Next, I asked myself, “How flexible can my schedule be?”
In my case, I arranged a flexible workday: solo tasks in the early morning (5 to 9 a.m.) while my baby slept, and collaborative tasks later when my colleagues were active. This kind of flexibility in remote work made it possible to succeed professionally and personally.
However, it’s crucial to discuss flexible schedules with your employer upfront to ensure your work setup aligns with your family’s needs.
3. Handling Work Emergencies Remotely
Emergencies are part of any job, but they can wreak havoc on a carefully planned day.
If you plan your work hours meticulously—maybe even hire a nanny—only to find that emergencies pop up frequently, it can be overwhelming. Before committing to remote work, ask about the likelihood of work emergencies and whether they’re manageable for your situation.
4. Trust and Collaboration in Remote Teams
One of the most critical factors in remote work is trust.
Ask yourself: Do I have a good relationship with my manager and team? If not, it might be challenging to build trust while working remotely. Good work chemistry with your boss and colleagues makes a world of difference, even when you’re miles apart. Without it, remote work challenges can quickly escalate.
5. Understanding Processes and Company Culture
Every company has its unique approach to getting things done.
For example, does your company rely heavily on in-person interactions, or are they comfortable with digital communication like emails and messengers? When I evaluated remote work, it was critical for me that meetings didn’t require cameras. As a new mom balancing work and parenting, I often found myself prioritising tasks over appearances.
Take the time to assess how your company’s processes align with remote work norms.
6. Performance Evaluation in Remote Roles
Finally, think about how your productivity will be measured.
Will your employer require daily logs of your activities, or will they evaluate you based on outcomes? If there’s mutual trust, they’re more likely to focus on results rather than micromanagement. Without trust, however, you might feel bogged down by excessive reporting.
This first parameter, “Work,” is all about understanding whether your role is compatible with a remote work setup. In the next post, we’ll explore the other two parameters: “You” and “Environment.”
Until next time, may your remote work productivity triangle stay balanced. 💻✨
