Working from home is gaining in popularity. It was a move many companies had to make during the pandemic. Large corporations are discovering the benefits of remote employees, including flexibility and savings. There is much less overhead when business owners do not need to maintain a large office space. Many employees are choosing to work remotely when given the option. If you are preparing for this transition for the long haul, there are 7 things everyone who work from home needs.
1. You Need a Home Office
Working on your couch in the living room or stretched out in bed is not going to help you to be productive. You need to create a space in your home that is designated as your office space. A separate room with a door is the best option. Otherwise, find yourself a nook that is out of everyone’s way. You should have access to all of the materials that are needed for a day’s work to avoid downtime. Make it clear to your family members that you are on the clock once your work day begins. If you have children, you will need your spouse or a babysitter to provide supervision. You cannot concentrate on your work and your family obligations at the same time. Think of it like walking into the office the moment you sign in to your computer.
2. You Need to Act Like a Professional
Being too casual is one of the greatest mistakes many remote employees make. You are more likely to make mistakes if you don’t stay on the ball. Set your clock every morning like you would when you used to go to your place of employment. Get dressed. Don’t lounge around in your pajamas. Take the same breaks that you normally would. Don’t sign off from your computer until your day is officially over. If for some reason your hours vary due to obligations or requests from your employer, document pertinent information.
3. Make Sure You are Comfortable
If you are sitting down, your desk and chair should be ergonomically correct. You want to avoid a sore neck, an aching back, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Choose the best blue light blocking glasses to stave off eye strain. Consider a standing desk to have a healthier option. Take breaks every so often to get up and move around your office space. You should not be sitting for prolonged periods of time. If you can do your work standing up, it will benefit your health. Consider pacing back and forth when you get a call. Movement may even get the creative juices flowing.
4. Get the Proper Training for Remote Technology
Working in an office means tapping into technology on a regular basis. If you run into issues, you have co-workers only a cubicle away or your IT professional in the office down the hall. When you are a remote employee, it’s time to get tech savvy on your own. You’ll be holding online conferences, connecting with clients, your boss, and colleagues, as well as other companies. You may have to troubleshoot problems that hit out of the blue. Learn about apps that will make it easier for you to message others when you are working online. This will help you to multi-task. You can take a call, type a document, and have a window open for messaging at the same time.
5. Take Care of Your Physical Needs
It can be easy to become driven when you are working at home. You can become so focused that you forget to eat or stay hydrated. Set a timer to remind you when it is time to get a snack or eat a nutritious lunch. Consider walking or doing yoga on your lunch break. Walk away from the computer and rest your eyes when possible. Don’t compromise your health.
6. Communicate Frequently with Others at Work
You may feel like you are an island when you take on remote working. Don’t keep your self isolated from your boss and colleagues. Reach out to others when you have a question. If you are struggling, let someone know. Don’t be afraid to admit something may not be working for you when you are in your home office. Brainstorm to find solutions.
7. Be Goal-Oriented
If you are going to work from home, you need to establish goals for yourself on a daily basis. You should have a to-do list. Prioritize what must be accomplished each day. Don’t overwhelm yourself. You need to pay attention to pacing. Recognize that some items on your list will need to wait. If you find yourself getting in over your head, delegate tasks to other qualified members of your team.
Working remotely poses challenges. However, it can be extremely rewarding if you are equipped for this life-changing transition. Talk to your employer to make sure you have all of the necessary tools to be an effective remote employee.
