Working from home is becoming increasingly popular as technology enables more flexibility and companies realize the benefits of remote work. However, working from home can present some challenges if you don’t take steps to create structure and separation between your work and home life. Here are some tips on how to effectively work from home.
Set Up a Dedicated Workspace
It’s important to create a dedicated workspace at home that allows you to focus on work tasks. Trying to work from your couch or bed can be challenging as those areas are associated with relaxation in your brain. Set up a desk, office chair and other equipment like monitors in an area just for work. Make sure it is quiet and free from distractions.
If you don’t have an extra room for a home office, try carving out space in a guest room or even a basement or attic. Get creative with space to make an area just for work. You want to mentally shift gears when entering your workspace.
Establish a Routine
One challenge of remote work is lack of structure. Without having to commute to an office and interact with coworkers, your days can easily blend together. Establish set hours you will work and stick to them. Maintain your regular morning and evening routines like getting dressed, eating breakfast, etc.
Creating a schedule provides structure and signals your brain when it’s time for work mode versus home mode. Let family members know your schedule so they can respect your working time. Avoid things like running errands during work time.
Limit Distractions
Distractions can kill productivity when working from home. Try to remove anything from your workspace that could pull your focus like TV or pets. Ask other family members to limit interruptions during work hours. Put your phone on silent and only check it during designated break times.
Using headphones and productivity music can also help drown out noise from your environment. Set expectations with others in your home to respect your uninterrupted work time. Close the door to your workspace if needed.
Take Breaks
Even though you’re home, take regular breaks just like you would at an outside office. Get up and walk around, stretch, grab a snack, etc. Stepping away from your desk will give your brain a chance to recharge so you can tackle the next task.
It’s also important to maintain work/life balance by stopping work at a consistent time each day. Don’t be tempted to work extra hours just because you’re home. Stick to a schedule that allows you downtime in the evenings and weekends.
Maintain Connections
Working remotely can feel isolating without daily face-to-face interaction with coworkers. Make an effort to stay connected through regular meetings, IM chats, phone calls, etc. Have video calls instead of just emails when possible.
Tell your manager if you are feeling disconnected and look for opportunities to collaborate virtually on projects. Maintaining social bonds will help you stay engaged and happy with your work.
Get Out of the House
While home offers comfort and convenience, getting out of the house periodically during the workday can provide mental stimulation. Consider working from a coffee shop, library or co-working space once or twice a week.
Change of location helps separate work and home environments. Seeing other people working can also motivate you. And grabbing coffee or lunch out gives you a needed break.
Invest in Proper Equipment
Having professional grade equipment goes a long way towards productivity when working remotely. Invest in a good laptop, external monitor, keyboard, mouse, headset, etc. Proper office furniture like a supportive chair, standing desk, and footrest can also make a big difference in comfort over long work hours.
Taking the time to create a functional, comfortable workspace shows you are taking your remote work seriously and not just working on the couch.
Set Work Hours and Be Disciplined
When you work from home, no one is watching you punch a time clock. It’s important to have discipline and stick to your set work hours. Don’t be tempted to knock off early or slack off during the day just because you can.
Set a schedule that gives you flexibility but also honors your commitment to your job. Take breaks but also refocus and avoid distractions. Prove you can be just as productive working remotely as you are in the office.
Don’t Mix Home Tasks with Work
One advantage of working from home is being able to do small home tasks like throwing in a load of laundry during a short break. But don’t let these tasks take over and impact your work time.
Leave extended errands and cleaning for after work time. Learn to fully focus on work tasks when it is time to work so you don’t become distracted.
Dress the Part
It can be tempting to work in your pajamas when working from home! But taking the time to shower, get dressed and ready for the day can put you in a productive mindset. Maintain your regular morning routine and wear work appropriate clothes.
You’ll mentally feel more like you are going to work rather than just hanging at home. This signals your brain to focus and be in work mode.
Set Professional Boundaries
Working from home can sometimes blur the lines between personal and professional lives. Be sure to maintain professionalism in all your communications and interactions. Don’t take liberties just because you are working remotely.
Maintain your normal work attitude, language, communication style, etc. By setting these professional boundaries, you will gain respect as a dedicated remote employee.
Invest in Professional Development
Just because you work from home doesn’t mean your professional development should stall. Take the initiative to look for remote learning opportunities like online courses, webinars, mentorship programs etc.
Stay up to date on trends in your industry. Seek out ways to expand your skills so you continue growing as a remote employee and become even more valuable.
Stay Visible
Out of sight shouldn’t mean out of mind when you work remotely. Make efforts to stay visible to your manager and team members. Communicate regularly via email, chat and video calls. Participate in virtual meetings and social events.
Volunteer for projects and special assignments. Speak up with ideas and opinions. Staying engaged and contributing will help prevent you from feeling like the forgotten remote employee.
Don’t Always Be “On”
One pitfall of working from home is feeling like you need to be available 24/7. Be sure to truly unplug after work hours and make time for yourself. Set boundaries for when you will check email and take calls.
Just because you’re home, doesn’t mean you are working all the time. Model good work-life balance for your family and coworkers.
Conclusion
Working from home offers amazing flexibility and convenience. But it also requires discipline and detachment from distractions. Implementing these tips can help you stay productive, engaged and happy while working remotely. With some structure and routine, you may find working from home boosts your job satisfaction.