Some of the many advantages of working remotely are the ability to set your own schedule, work where you are comfortable, and stay away from office politics. But this casual and comfortable atmosphere can lead remote workers to let themselves get a little too casual. The professionalism of the office often gives way to a relaxed way of working that might cause its own troubles.

If you are about to embark on a remote working lifestyle, avoid this trap by practicing these five key elements of professional behavior no matter where you work.

1. Dress Appropriately

While it's fun to work in your pajamas or sweatpants, you may not want to get into the habit of doing so. Donning business-casual attire often helps a worker get into 'work mode' and treat the work more as a regular job.

Even if you do opt for more casual wear when working by yourself, look sharp when meeting with others. This includes holding meetings with clients or vendors, participating in video conferences with your team, and even working in a co-working space with other professionals.

2. Use Other Locations

Most remote workers like to work from their own homes. But doing so isn't the most professional option all the time. You may not even want to have business contacts in your private home. What can you do to avoid this, then?

One easy solution is to use a co-working space that rents out individual offices and conference rooms for remote workers. You can often rent these spaces according to your needs for only a small investment. Use a real office to conduct meetings, conference with your boss, or even just spend one hard-working day at the office each week without distractions.

3. Communicate Professionally

When you are a remote worker, communication — in all its various forms — becomes an even larger part of your reputation. So brush up on your communication etiquette for various media, including email, texting, phone calls, and videoconferencing.

Start with simple, professional measures such as answering the phone with your name and "how can I help you?". Re-read all emails or texts before sending them out, and edit for a professional tone, good grammar, and correct spelling.

4. Be Reliable

Some remote workers are held to high standards by their employing company, but others have quite a bit of leeway to perform their job. If you fall into the latter category, you should be even more diligent to behave responsibly and reliably.

Set work hours. Let clients and coworkers know when you will be gone. Have your work completed (as much as possible) before leaving. Return phone calls and emails promptly. Show up early for video-conferences or client meetings. Turn in reports and complete projects when you said you would.

The more reliable you are, the more professionalism you exude. Your customers and coworkers will take notice.

5. Get Organized

If no one sees your home office or work space, does it really matter how it looks? The answer is yes — because you have to work productively in it. Tidy, organized offices are not just for appearance; they also help you function well.

A few organization tools can help you manage your workload. Look for a variety of technology (such as project management apps) and hardware (like a small filing system and labels). As a remote worker, focus on mobile office organization and digital tools you can use anywhere.

The result will be that you can find information at a moment's notice, present findings confidently, and answer clients' questions promptly.

At Executive Suites, LLC, we know the value of the right demeanor no matter what your job is. Our modern, fresh, and tidy offices and conference facilities can help you look and feel like the working professional you are. Visit us today to learn more.