10 Tips for Working Remotely
For many, working from home has become the new normal over the past couple of years. Whilst it can come with many benefits, such as a more relaxed work environment and additional time with family, it can also have some challenges.
We’re all too familiar with the endless distractions that come with working in your own home, whether that’s children, pets, the tv or noisy neighbours.
As more and more businesses choose to allow for flexi-working, or decide to entirely close down their offices, getting a solid basis for working from home is essential in being successful. We’ve put together 10 tips to help you.
1. Your Work Space
Easily the most important factor when working from home is the space you choose to do it in. This might not always be the ideal working environment you’d have expected, but you can find a place in almost any home to set up shop.
Whilst you might initially be drawn to the ol’ reliable sofa, that comfy arm chair you picked up at a vintage market last week, or dare we even say it… your bed; in the long run it could be doing longer term damage to your posture and back.
Finding a space where you can sit upright with a proper chair will help to keep your head and spine straight, as well as maintain a consistent distance from your screen, which your eyes will thank you for later.
If you don’t have the space for a desk or dining table, then make sure to sit as upright as you can and consider purchasing a laptop table as opposed to keeping it on your lap.
It can also be refreshing to get out of your home sometimes, choosing to take a few hours in a coffee shop or in a communal work space. The fresh air and change of environment can help to relieve stress and give you a fresh perspective.
2. Distractions
It can be amazing to have your tv, kitchen and belongings at your fingertips whilst working, but they can also lead to endless distractions.
If you’re able to dedicate a separate space in your home to working, this can greatly help minimise the possibility of getting distracted by the familiarities of your home.
Make sure to bring the equipment you will need into the room with you, such as a phone, laptop, notepad, water and chargers. Set ground rules on who can enter the space, and when.
If you can’t separate yourself from the rest of your household, make sure people know when or if they can interrupt you. Investing in a pair of decent headphones can make working from home a lot easier if you’re likely to be surrounded by other people.
One of the perks of working from home is choosing what entertainment you decide to surround yourself with, and it can be all too tempting to stick the tv on whilst you work. If you’re able to multitask, then by all means binge through those Netflix series you’ve been planning on watching one day. But, if you find yourself getting lost in the latest Tiger King and before you know it half an hour has passed, it might be more productive for you to listen to some music or a podcast instead so you’ll focus on the task at hand.
3. Routine
Without the usual co-workers, meetings and lunch breaks, your day working at home can feel like it’s dragging. Try to break up your time by creating a daily routine (and sticking to it!). This can greatly help to improve your mental health and productivity.
Create a new morning routine with the additional time you’ve gained from not commuting, take a proper lunch break still and step away from your screen, allow yourself a coffee break to recharge throughout the day.
4. Make A To-Do List
Keeping a work to-do list can help you to stay focused and on-track with your work-load. It can also help you to stay motivated by checking off your accomplishments.
You could also try making a personal to-do list as well, with any chores you need to complete, or tasks you wouldn’t have had the time for when commuting.
5. Check In With Co-Workers
It can sometimes feel isolating when working from home alone, especially if you’re used to being surrounded by your co-workers. Make sure to check in with fellow team members to make sure they’re doing okay, and to keep up to date with where everyone is on projects.
6. Act Professional
This one might sound silly to begin with, but when you’re at home for the majority of your time, it can be easy to let things slip and fall into unproductive and unhealthy routines.
Making sure you still look presentable and work-appropriate can be a great help at getting into a positive, work-focused head space, and keeps you looking professional for the numerous work video calls you’re likely to have.
7. Software & Equipment
Make sure you’re set up to work in the easiest and most productive way possible from home. Alongside the obvious things, such as a laptop and phone, make sure you have all the necessary software you’ll need too.
Cloud software platforms such as Xero can be an immeasurable help in this regard, offering a variety of business-oriented apps all in one place.
Get More Business Blogs Like This
Like Us On Facebook | Follow Us On Twitter | Follow Us On LinkedIn