Maybe you’re a veteran when it comes to working from home, or maybe you’ve newly started to work from home, either way, you probably could use some tips for helping you get the most out of working from home. To help you, we’ve done the research and compiled our list of the best tips for working from home!
1. Get Dressed
“Don’t underestimate the power of putting on clothes suitable for public viewing. It makes you feel human [and] confident and helps draw the line between being at work and being at home,” says Heather Yurovsky, Muse career coach and the founder of Shatter & Shine.
2. Designate a Workspace
Entering into your workspace each day will act as a queue for your mind that you’re starting work, and then will also be that queue to help you switch off your mind from work as your leave your workspace. If you need to work in a space that you use after work hours (like a dining room) be sure to pack up your work each evening to make the end of your day decisive. And no matter where your workspace is, make sure you have a good chair, good lighting (with natural light if possible) and a few decorations to help you really enjoy your space.
3. Keep Defined Working Hours
“The biggest difference between working from home and working in the office is that you are in charge of your environment and have to treat yourself like an employee,” say Heather Yurovsky, Muse career coach and the founder of Shatter & Shine. This means holding yourself accountable, but also recognizing when enough is enough, just as a good manager might. “If you feel yourself extending your work hours because you aren’t doing anything in the evening…tell yourself it’s time to put work away, recharge, and start tomorrow with a fresh mind. The work will be there in the morning.”
4. Overcommunicate
Working remotely requires you to overcommunicate. Tell everyone who needs to know about your schedule and availability often. When you finish a project or important task, say so. Overcommunicating doesn’t necessarily mean you have to write an essay to explain your every move, but it does mean repeating yourself at times. Even if it feels like an irrelevant update, still communicate it, more is more in this scenario.
5. Socialize with Colleagues
Loneliness and disconnect are common challenges with remote working. Be sure to use any communication tools offered through your company, like instant messaging, to occasionally chat about common interests with your colleagues, much as you would if you were in person. If this isn’t an available tool for you, look for other ways you can connect with colleagues such as joining a conference call a little early to chat with other attendees before the meeting starts, or take the lead on creating a reoccurring “virtual watercooler” meeting where you send an open invitation to any colleagues to join in on short 15-minutes or so casual discussions.
6. Take regular breaks
If you work from home, it can be easy to work too long without stopping. Not only does working non-stop make you feel drained, but it also takes a physical toll and could cause muscle and joint problems. Pausing throughout the day boosts energy, focus and motivation, which then allows us to be more productive. It’s recommended to take a 5 to 7-minute break every hour. When taking a break, focus on an activity that allows you to disconnect from your computer mentally and physically. Take a short walk, stretch, go to the kitchen and make a healthy snack, or spend some time with your pet.
We hope this article has given you some new ideas on making the best of your work from home environment. If you’d like some more information on workspace tools to help you work more comfortably while at home, reach out to one of our product experts who would be happy to help give you advice for your specific environment.