Due to social distancing, many of us find ourselves working from home these days. If you are new to working remotely, here are some tips to keep on track.
1) Maintain Regular Hours
Set a schedule and stick to it. If you normally work 8am to 5pm and take a break for lunch, do that at home as well. Working from home does allow flexibility, so your days may differ slightly, however try to keep regular hours as much as possible. Setting clear guidelines of when to work helps you maintain a good work-life balance.
2) Create a Routine
If you normally workout before work or start your day with a shower and a cup of coffee, keep it up. While working at home allows you to work in your pajamas if you want to, it may not be the best thing for productivity. Wake up early, make your bed and get dressed for the day. Not only will you be more productive, you’ll be prepared for any spastic video conferences that may come up.
3) Set Ground Rules with the People in Your Space
Many of you may have kids, roommates or a significant other at home. While young kids especially will require a little more leniency, try to set some ground rules with those sharing your space during work hours. Let them know your office area is off limits or to keep it down during the day. Try to avoid interruptions so that you can stay productive.
4) Schedule Breaks
It can be easy to never stop working when you are working remotely since there is no official clock out time. But we really need a break to stay productive. Step away from your computer for a bit and have lunch or take a walk. Then you can return to work ready to focus.
5) Dedicate a Specific Office Space
Dedicate a specific space in your home as your work space. A separate room where you can close the door is ideal, but at least find a corner where you can leave everything set up. This allows you to get straight to work without any additional to set up your workspace and help keep you organized.
6) Communicate
Keep in touch with your boss, your coworkers and your clients. Whether it be through emails, phone calls or video conferencing, its good to stay connected and top of mind. This will benefit your work now and your business in the long term.