Working from home might be a new reality for many professionals, but it’s familiar territory for Philip Linscott.
By his count, the sales engineering director at endpoint security service CrowdStrike has worked remotely “on and off” for more than 15 years. His key to staying productive?
Consistency.
“Take the time to plan out your day just as you would plan any normal day in the office,” Linscott said. “Being consistent will help you focus on the task at hand and those to come.”
According to Linscott, abiding by a structured routine and schedule helps achieve both short- and long-term tasks. That workload, he said, should be tempered with regular reprieves from work.
“Little moments to recharge will help you be more productive throughout the day and week,” he said.
Below, Linscott shared why he’s drawn to remote work, why he thinks it’s important to unplug and how he plans out his days.
How long have you worked remotely, and what drew you to this type of role?
I have worked remotely on and off for more than 15 years from many domestic and international locations. CrowdStrike had already developed a work-from-home policy prior to COVID-19 shutting down Austin.
I’m drawn to remote work because it allows me to get more work done in a quiet environment. However, I’m also looking forward to seeing the entire Austin team once we are allowed back in the office. I’m a sales engineer, so there is a social aspect to my personality. I like engaging with my co-workers in person, rather than having countless Zoom happy hours and coffee break meetings (but those are fun, too).
Little moments to recharge will help you be more productive throughout the day and week.”
What's the one thing you do every day that has the biggest positive impact on your work as a remote employee?
At the end of each day, I review my calendar for the next couple of days. It helps me focus on what I need to do in the near term to be successful in each of my tasks. Like many others, my most important ritual is my morning coffee. It doesn’t sound exotic, but it’s critical to having a good morning, and it gives me the energy to stay on task.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned about remote work throughout your experiences?
Keep a schedule and have a routine. Don’t stay up later because you believe you will be able to sleep in longer. Take the time to plan out your day just as you would plan any normal day in the office. Being consistent will help you focus on the task at hand and those to come.
That said, you also need to take a break from your computer and walk outside. From when I wake up to when I go to bed, I am on a device, so it’s important to take a break or two to refill your coffee, walk the dog or not eat lunch in front of the computer. Little moments to recharge will help you be more productive throughout the day and week.
