Working from home has its challenges, but proper planning can help you adapt and excel in your new work situation.
As we’ve seen, working from home can have it’s advantages and disadvantages. However, if you’re still looking to set up a home office, make sure you’re prepared for the significant chances it will cause to, not only your work life, but your overall lifestyle. Stay productive, healthy and sane while working from home with these helpful tips.
Keep the lines of communication open.
Working from home means you’re avoiding the office pop-ins, but the downside is that your colleagues can forget about you. The disconnect from the office can make you feel as though you’re in the dark a lot of the time. It’s your responsibility to give updates, ask questions and collaborate when needed. Communication within a workplace is always key and that remains true wherever you’re working from.
Be available.
Working from home offers little more flexibility over your schedule. However, you need to remain reasonable and accommodating to the rest of your team. You can’t pile on your work Monday to Wednesday and then expect to take the rest of the week off. Make sure your schedule fits around staff meetings, be diligent with responding to emails and be there when your colleagues have questions.
Keep reasonable hours.
For your own sanity, it’s smart to establish a reasonable set of work hours. You might think you work better at night, but you don’t want to be pulling all-nighters during the work week. Likewise, as fun as long weekends can be, they hurt your motivation for the week ahead. Also, just because you don’t punch a clock doesn’t mean you should be working overtime all the time. There’s no need to stick to a 9-to-5 schedule but some routine is healthy.
Beware of distractions.
The comfort of a home office is appealing, but there’s such a thing as too much comfort where work is concerned. Whether it’s other people in the house, pets or other things to occupy your time, it’s important those don’t get in the way of your work. Identify distractions and combat them. If needed, change up your work location. The beauty of working remotely is that you can find the place that best suits your work style.
Be active.
We already discussed the struggles of maintaining an exercise routine while working from home, but it bears repeating. You’d be surprised how quickly you can fall into a inactive funk when you’re inside all day. Establish a schedule that allows for regular activity. Force yourself to get out for walks. Go to the library every now and then for a change in scenery. Make plans after work. Don’t let yourself become stuck to you home. Stay busy and get out there.
Before making any serious step towards working from home, be sure you’ve considered these essential concepts to keep yourself happy and healthy in this new work situation.