The world is still under pressure from COVID-19, borders are beginning to slowly open once more, as are office buildings and many other workplaces. Remote working became the norm for much of 2020, and that might not change too quickly as the COVID-19 economic recovery begins. The shutting down of entire countries, borders, businesses, and travel made many companies move to work from home.
How do you work successfully from home?
Initially, freedom might feel great. Being able to sit on the sofa and check emails. But that will be short-lived because you still need to stay on top of your work, maintain productivity and perform.
Using the right office equipment is essential. An ergonomic chair that supports those long hours in front of the computer and a desk that is the right height for you are just the start.
Set Office Hours
If you work for someone, then your office hours should be your regular office hours, although the temptation will be there to keep checking in on your work. However, you will quickly find this means that you can’t switch off.
Remote working does allow you to choose your working hours to some extent if you own your business or are a freelancer. You can control your time, so do so.
Setting your office hours makes you more productive in the hours you choose. It will discourage people from trying to contact you while you’re working too.
Not only that, but it will allow you to have some balance in your life, which is essential when you’re working and relaxing in the same environment.
Working Space
One of the most common issues for remote working is that there isn’t a designated working space. Creating a dedicated working space will further reinforce the work-life balance that you are aiming to develop.
Being able to walk away from your work desk and chair will allow you to close the day down after you have finished work. Establishing a routine where you arrive at your desk, and leave at the end of play will keep you in a routine that works.
Breaks
Remote workers don’t slack, despite what people might believe. In fact, they tend to skip breaks and work right through. This typically means eating and relaxing at the same desk they are working at and checking emails and more during the time that would usually be used to eat or have a coffee away from your desk. Breaks are essential because they allow your brain to focus on something else for a while. Pomodoro applications can help you work in timed slots, and give you designated breaks too.
Tasks
Get into the habit of creating a to-do list every morning. Add your most important tasks to the top of the list, as well as any frogs you need to eat (the tasks you don’t want to do). Systematically work through your list. There are a number of tools that can help; Asana is one of the most popular ones.
Communicate effectively with your team members or staff. This can help everyone stay on track and understand what is expected of them on any given day.
Dedication and organization are the order of the day for successful working from home.