Remote working has its fair share of disadvantages, from distractions that are hard to avoid to complex home responsibilities that make it hard for you to find a healthy, fulfilling work-life balance. That’s why we’ve made a list of tips to help you find success when working from home.
- Communicate: When you are not working out of the same office as your teammates and boss, you need to communicate proactively. Use phone calls, email, online chat tools, and video calls to get in touch with your co-workers. Make sure to ask how often your manager wants to hear from you and follow those preferences. When working from home, it’s better to over-communicate, so your co-workers are aware of your contributions.
- Set work hours for yourself and stick to them: When working remotely, it’s important to set a regular work schedule and stick to it. There’s really no substitute for face time with your colleagues and managers, so don’t forget that your availability is key for you as well as those who rely on you. Let your boss and team know when you’ll be online and ready to jump into a task or meeting, as well as when you’ll be offline and unavailable.
- Dress for success: Surprisingly, this one isn’t just about looking professional – it can actually help you be more productive. Wearing formal clothing makes you feel more professional, and it helps your mind differentiate between work time and playtime. After all, if you’re always in your pajamas or sweatpants, there’s no way to know when to switch modes.
- Create an office space for yourself: If you’re lucky enough to have an entire room in your home for an office, make use of every inch of the space! If not, consider setting up a home office in a spare closet or under the stairs. By designing your place specifically for work—no TV, toys, or other distractions allowed—you’ll be able to concentrate on the task at hand.
- Avoid personal chores during work hours: When you’re working from home, it can be tempting to tackle chores that are typically on your plate during non-work hours. But if you want to stay dedicated to your remote job, try your best not to allow personal chores to interrupt your workday. Some things are essential — laundry, for example — but you can keep these tasks on the back burner until later in the day.