Remote work has become more popular since the Covid-19 pandemic. Many employees look forward to relocating their workstations from offices to homes. Companies are also introducing flexible hybrid home/office arrangements. Remote work comes with benefits as well as challenges. Some workers would like to work from home, but do not know how to do it. This article provides a guide that can help you to work successfully from the comfort of your home.
1. Decide a Viable Schedule
Though you cannot replicate your schedule in the office, a little structure can help you maintain a work-life balance. Set a regular time for starting and finishing your work daily. Remember that one of the best benefits of remote work is flexibility. If you have to change your schedule to accommodate someone within the day, be sure to consider it by either closing early or starting a little late the following day.
You can use tracking ups to keep yourself busy throughout the day and determine when you are most productive. Monitoring yourself can help you to know the best time to tackle challenging tasks and when you can take rest or schedule meetings. Always ensure that your most productive time is not wasted on less demanding activities, such as making phone calls.
2. Create a Dedicated Workspace
You need to create a physical boundary between you and your work. Instead of working on the couch or in your room, spaces that you associate with leisure time, dedicate a specific room, space, or surface for work. Commit yourself to the dedicated zone of work throughout the day. Once you are done for the day, shut the door or put your laptop away to avoid the temptation of continuing with work.
3. Set Expectations/Ground Rules with People at Home
Let the people at home or who share the space with you know what they can and cannot do when you are still working. If any other person is working at home, discuss how you will share the resources, and inform each other when you will be having meetings for everyone to prepare and work around it. Remember that you are a remote worker, not a house manager, so don’t allow yourself to be overburdened with house chores.
4. Take Regular Breaks
Regular breaks are a significant way of resetting your mind and keeping yourself motivated throughout the day. Working from home does not mean that you no longer deserve to take regular breaks. During the break, avoid staying at your desk and watching clips. Take a walk away from your desk and enjoy the fresh air. You can also interact with other people in the house during the break.
5. Avoid Using Social Media
Opening and browsing social media during work is detrimental to productivity. Remove social media apps from your desktop and phone shortcuts to prevent them from enticing you. Also, log out from your accounts to avoid receiving notifications during working hours.
6. Set Objectives for Yourself
Sometimes the day can run so first. Setting objectives can help you to keep track of your activities. You can allocate time for different tasks and ensure that you complete most of them within the set timeline. Daily objectives can prevent you from procrastinating and help you prioritize important tasks at the beginning of the day.
7. Get Out of the House
You must step out of your house before, during, and after working hours. Natural light is good for your well-being. Your body also requires blood circulation and fresh air. Take a short time outside your house in the morning before you start the job, during the lunch break, and in the evening after closing. You can visit cafes, libraries, or nearby parks, but the most important thing is getting your body moving and enjoying the fresh air and natural light.
8. Ask Your Employer for What You Need
If your employer can support your work from home, request any equipment you need as soon as you realize it. Talk to your manager or supervisor to help you get what you need to work comfortably. Ask if there is anything that you need to pay for, such as shipping and service fees. Make sure that your requests are sensible and acceptable.
9. Focus on Quality Communication
Conversation with co-workers is very important. But initiating a conversation at the wrong time can be disruptive for others. Only contact co-workers for important issues during working hours. Use virtual coffee breaks or lunch breaks for an informal catch-up. You can schedule a catch-up with them and agree on when to call.
10. Eat and Sleep Well
When working from home, you have an opportunity to eat a healthy diet. You can prepare food yourself or talk to someone to prepare it for you. Some people also prefer preparing food the previous night for the day. Eating unhealthy food can affect your productivity and drain your energy. Also, keep a proper sleep schedule. Avoid binge-watching on weekdays. A night of proper sleep and healthy food are great for success.
11. Actively Participate in Meetings
Make contributions during company meetings. Don’t be left out of the discussion; share your thoughts and offer suggestions. Online meetings can be a good place to break boredom and connect with your fellow employees. Ensure that your camera is on throughout the meeting to boost your concentration.
12. Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself
Remember that some behaviours will affect you both at home and in the office. Don’t reprimand yourself harshly when you are drifting from your work. It is normal for human attention to drift sometimes. Get back to work and concentrate on what you are doing. Remember that the most important thing is to balance productivity and self-care.
Final Thoughts
Working from home has so many benefits for workers and employers. As an employee, you don’t have to worry about commuting daily. You can also get time to take care of your loved ones during the break. These tips will help you to balance your work and personal life. They can help you to achieve the most out of your valuable time. Try them out and increase your productivity without experiencing burnout.
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