Working from home seems to be the new way to go. It’s more flexible, there is no commute, and you are in the comfort of your home. However, this does not mean it doesn’t have any challenges. Whether you’re just starting out or have been working from home for years, check out these tips on how to improve your work experience!

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SET YOUR HOURS IN ADVANCE

There are countless studies about how beneficial a daily routine is. A set schedule is a great way to instill good habits, be more efficient, and decrease stress levels. If you know you are going to be sitting down to work at 9am, you are less likely to start late and waste time. Similarly, if you know you need to wrap up around 4pm, you’re less likely to stress your whole evening about continuing to work.

KEEP OFFICE SPACE SEPARATE AND TIDY

Having an established office or workspace will separate you from the other things going on in the house. Having an environment that takes you out of your normal life will improve focus and efficiency. However, if that space is cluttered, it can increase stress. Decrease paper build up by scanning important documents and keeping them digitally. Keep a microfiber cloth to remove smudges and dust that builds up. Use command hooks to hang up wires that get in the way. The little things will improve productivity and state of mind!

ESTABLISH RULES WITH PEOPLE IN THE HOUSE

If you’re a mom, you know if you’re in the house your kids will think you are readily available to them. In order to avoid distraction, it could be a good idea to set rules with people in the house to let them know when you are available. You can explain that when you are working, it’s like if you were to actually be at your office instead of at home. By setting rules, people in the home will also be aware of what they’re allowed vs. not allowed to do while you are working.

TAKE BREAKS! WALK OUTSIDE.

Breaks are also shown to improve productivity. Taking a break throughout the work day can spark creativity, produce better decision making, and improve long term projects. Just like the average US employee gets a lunch break, allow yourself to have one! It’s also not a bad day to step outside of the house once or twice to get a breath of fresh air.

GET FAMILIAR WITH ZOOM

Most schools and companies are beginning to incorporate Zoom meetings in order to avoid meeting in person. There can be a lot of kinks to work out when first getting familiar with Zoom, so be sure to research those. Make sure your computer has compatible audio and video so you can fully participate in the meeting. Consider holding a practice run with a couple family members to get used to the features. Zoom can be your new best friend if you know how to use it to its full potential!

LOOK FOR TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Since everything is online, it will be easy to miss out on the usual training opportunities that are held in person. It’s also difficult for companies to keep track of everyone online. For these reasons, be proactive! Make sure you are on lists to be involved in different classes or training to continue developing your skill. Register for online classes and participate.

COMMUNICATION IS KEY!

Being online is an inconvenience as far as communication. In order to maintain up to date information with your colleagues, try to over communicate! Make sure everyone knows when you are available. Make sure to report everything that gets done in order to not lose track of everything. Check emails and messages frequently. Staying in touch with coworkers will help the work environment run smoothly.

MEAL AND SNACK PREP

How often do you get started on a project and realize around 2pm that you are hungry? Getting up to take extra time to cook could cut into work time. It’s important to take food breaks, but by preparing meals and snacks beforehand, these times are a lot more efficient. Plus, it’s one less thing to stress about during your work day.

GET TO KNOW COWORKERS

Working from behind a computer all day can get tedious and lonely. Try to interact with the people you work with! Get together with them or just meet them over Zoom. Having a friendly work environment will produce much better results than a bunch of strangers collaborating.

TAKE EXTRA CARE TO BE POSITIVE

Work is hard! And that is okay! Embrace the advantages of being at home and working. Try to sound upbeat in messages or over the phone. You will be surprised at how much these little things can improve your day.

As always, we are here to help with anything you need! If you need any extra help with how to adjust to working from home, please let us know or leave a comment. Happy Friday!

https://www.pcmag.com/news/get-organized-20-tips-for-working-from-home

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/347479

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