Remote workers unite! ... Separately!

xpost: https://lemmy.dbzer0.com/post/56130779

Thanks @Stamets!

https://feddit.org/post/20182613

crossposted from https://lemmy.dbzer0.com/post/55154811

Due to neck pains I've been unable to solve in any other way I've just ordered a "Zero-g workstation" from Levus. While waiting for it to be delivered, I've started looking into everything else I need to sort out as well.

Up until now, I've had two different work desks for my remote working setup. One for the client (I'm a contractor), and one for the company where I'm employed as well as my own personal use.

With the Zero-G workstation, I'll now need to use it for everything for it to be of any use. This is what I've identified so far:

1. Deskhop for keyboard/mouse. These I already use in various setups (see Github for the project) and they're absolutely awesome. Since they're completely done in hardware with no drivers, there's nothing I need to install nor any risk for leaks of information between client and non-client systems. Additionally, they support whatever keyboard/mouse setup you have.

2. Switching input to the monitors without having to physically reach out and navigate monitor buttons. The DDC protocol seems to solve this, I've just made some initial tests and think I'll manage to work with this.

3. Webcam. This I haven't solved yet. A naïve solution is of course to just buy another one. For work I've previously used the one in the client supplied laptop, but in the new setup there's no way that angle will work.

4. Speakers. Not worried about this, client sound can probably come through the laptop they supply as before.

What am I missing, and does anyone have any other solutions to the issues above I haven't thought about? The total amount of monitors will be four, where two will be switchable between client and non-client work.

Note: Due to the nature of my work (cybersec) the systems need to be completely separate. I don't even run the client laptop on the same VLAN as anything else.

After 25 years in the industry as a software dev / manager and various other roles I decided it was time to just do the actual hands-on stuff that I enjoy. I became a consultant, with 100% remote being a requirement.

I've worked that way for soon three years now, and I've never been more productive whilst at the same time enjoying what I do than now.

I'm based in Sweden, where 100% remote is still somewhat unusual. Most workplaces embrace some form of hybrid but it still means 1-2 days at an office which limits the pool of workers to those living within reasonable commuting distance. For this to change we need to be able to show how things can work well without that office time, which I feel puts some pressure on us that are already fully remote.

Anyway; here's how I've handled it:

1. Separate room and/or building for the home office. This is an absolute requirement - both for your focus when working but also to be able to "leave work".

2. You cannot overspend on suitable office furniture. Get the best ergonomic chair, keyboard etc. You want to enjoy working.

3. Overperform. Yeah, maybe not the most fun to hear but imagine being your employer. If things are less than perfect the person that's remote will be terminated before others. You're the one not having to go into the office, so evenings and weekends you might want to be the first one to raise your hand.

4. Make yourself seen. Even though others might turn the cameras off when in a videoconf, you'll want to have yours on. The others need to "know you" as they know the other colleagues they see in the office.

5. For the love of Brian - DON'T get any idiotic ideas about "more than one job" or trying to do things "on the side". You wanted remote working - don't screw it up.

6. Be extremely transparent in your communication. Humans communicate much more via body language, tone of voice etc than just via text. Explain what you're working on, what your thoughts are, how you're thinking about approaching a problem etc. Not just for your colleagues, but for your manager as well. Write a weekly report even if unprompted. Remember, you don't want "wonder what they're doing?" thoughts popping up just because they can't see you.

Ask away.