Working from home is more important now than ever. This practice is constantly evolving, with many organizations adopting hybrid models and flexible arrangements. This post shares examples of effective practices that are being embraced by both small startups and large corporations.
1. Structure your workday
Structure and routine is imperative towards preserving mental wellbeing when working from a remote basis. This means, where possible, make suitable adjustments to construct a home working environment. Creating a designated area helps create an effective working environment. Using productivity apps and tool can really support with this.
2. Set and stick to a routine
In the absence of steady schedules, it can feel that the boundaries between work and personal time feel merged. Try aim to maintain a regular sleep schedule and work patterns. This can be done by getting up around the same time, ensuring to eat breakfast and freshening up. Morning routines help kick-start the day. Some suggestions would be to allocate some time to read, write and exercise. When the workday draws to a close, remember to stop working. You could create a ritual like leaving the room you were working in or making it clear by sending a sign off message to some colleagues.
3. Establishing ground rules with others
Creating boundaries is important to help preserve your wellbeing at home. Make sure to set clear rules between your household to alert them of your expectations at work to avoid stress and moments of frustration. If it is difficult for you to manage domestic labour, make sure to communicate this concern to others.
4. Take breaks in their entirety
Do not short weight yourself when you have the chance to go on a break, especially during lunch hour. You can notify a colleague in a recent conversation, change your active status on a digital platform, use a time out app to lock yourself (although more on the extreme-end, you get the point). Your body needs to move so try to go outside at least twice during the week. There are countless studies proving the benefit of fresh air and natural light to mood and wellbeing.
5. Be sure to ask for what you need
Your company may provide free resources such as a headset, mouse or keyboard at no/low charge. Companies that are accustomed to remote workers typically have a budget for home office equipment. This might however be on a rental basis. Working from home might become the new norm therefore it may be worthwhile to improve existing work from home systems.
6. Keep a dedicated workspace
Creating an effective work space is essential if you want to stay on track and get things done. If possible, try to find a quiet space away from people and distractions. Try to improve your organisation by getting everything you need together in one place, before you start work – chargers, pens, notebooks and anything else. Even in a small or shared space, aim to designate an area only for work purposes. Consider investing into create a healthy office space (one with good ergonomic design). As well as design, be sure to get up, stretch and take important eye breaks.
7. Stay connected with your colleagues
Many companies offer ‘digital coffee meetings’ or something similar via platforms like Teams, Zoom... Try push yourself to join in these sessions. In remote team working, trust and transparency are vital so maintaining face-to-face human interaction can really help. This can help cultivate new relationships with co-workers and overcome any sense of isolation.
8. Attend meetings and be heard
Be sure to speak up during the meeting so that coworkers are aware of your presence. Simply signing off the call with “Thank you, Speak to you soon.” at the end of the meeting can help your coworkers acknowledge you respectfully. It pays to contribute confidently in meetings. Try to be bold by offering some ideas and suggestions in virtual meetings.
9. Take time off to recharge
Nowadays, more employers are realising the benefits of their employees taking time off, especially as research suggests a link with improved long term productivity. Don't wait until annual leave to prioritise personal life and mental wellbeing. Research has shown that spending time with loved ones is vital and can help prevent work-related stress and burnout. It can help employees to return to work, feeling refreshed with some level of mental clarity.
10. Keep an eye out for training opportunities
Being away from the office could mean that you are missing out on useful training and skill sessions that may help improve your productivity on tasks. Be sure to speak up and ask your coworkers to find out more about top-down training. You could also seek online training courses. Websites like Skillshare and Udemy offer a plethora of video tutorials that may substitute well.
11. Be reasonable and kind with yourself and others
Make sure to keep a positive tone when messaging between co-workers. Due to less face time between people, it can be hard to interpret tone through writing short, succinct messages. On the flip-side, make sure to be kind to yourself. Try to be realistic with yourself, on what you can and cannot achieve. Do not reprimand yourself if you do not manage to accomplish and complete your tasks. We are all human and so we will make mistakes. Always remember to ask for help when you need it, too. Your manager will be less able to see if you're struggling, so let them know sooner rather than later.
12. Take advantage of the perks of remote work
Perhaps when we look into the future of remote work companies may not revert back to “business as usual” measures. The pandemic may be the tipping point convincing people that flexible work is the best for all. Considering these points, it is harsh reality at least for the short-term. From money savings, having more significant time with loved ones, working in cosy clothes, avoiding crowds and traffic - the perks of WFH may just be endless.
So... I miss the office?
While working from home inevitably comes with its challenges, there were a number of benefits highlighted too. Working from home can be a special and rewarding opportunity. Whether you are on a full-time contract or work only part-time, avoiding the office daily grind feels great. That being said, there are many additional responsibilities that come at the price of working from home. If you ever feel overwhelmed or distressed, please ensure to speak to someone about it.
Resources
(Article) The Realities of Remote Work
This article discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on remote work and its potential long-term effects.
(Article) 7 Impacts on working from home
The report emphasizes that the shift to working from home, catalyzed by the pandemic, is here to stay. Further growth is expected in the long run through improvements in technology.
(Paper) Working from Home Around the World
This paper takes a look at full-time workers in 27 countries to investigate the shift to working from home. Researchers surveyed full-time workers and cross-country comparisons were made.
Structure and routine is imperative towards preserving mental wellbeing when working from a remote basis. This means, where possible, make suitable adjustments to construct a home working environment. Creating a designated area helps create an effective working environment. Using productivity apps and tool can really support with this.
2. Set and stick to a routine
In the absence of steady schedules, it can feel that the boundaries between work and personal time feel merged. Try aim to maintain a regular sleep schedule and work patterns. This can be done by getting up around the same time, ensuring to eat breakfast and freshening up. Morning routines help kick-start the day. Some suggestions would be to allocate some time to read, write and exercise. When the workday draws to a close, remember to stop working. You could create a ritual like leaving the room you were working in or making it clear by sending a sign off message to some colleagues.
3. Establishing ground rules with others
Creating boundaries is important to help preserve your wellbeing at home. Make sure to set clear rules between your household to alert them of your expectations at work to avoid stress and moments of frustration. If it is difficult for you to manage domestic labour, make sure to communicate this concern to others.
4. Take breaks in their entirety
Do not short weight yourself when you have the chance to go on a break, especially during lunch hour. You can notify a colleague in a recent conversation, change your active status on a digital platform, use a time out app to lock yourself (although more on the extreme-end, you get the point). Your body needs to move so try to go outside at least twice during the week. There are countless studies proving the benefit of fresh air and natural light to mood and wellbeing.
"Hackers will be exploiting the security vulnerabilities that come with remote work. When people are scared and isolated, it's much easier to target them because they are not using good cyber hygiene--it's the last thing they're often worried about in a panic." – Aleksandr Y.
— Trueblogposts (@trueblogposts) January 2, 2021
5. Be sure to ask for what you need
Your company may provide free resources such as a headset, mouse or keyboard at no/low charge. Companies that are accustomed to remote workers typically have a budget for home office equipment. This might however be on a rental basis. Working from home might become the new norm therefore it may be worthwhile to improve existing work from home systems.
6. Keep a dedicated workspace
Creating an effective work space is essential if you want to stay on track and get things done. If possible, try to find a quiet space away from people and distractions. Try to improve your organisation by getting everything you need together in one place, before you start work – chargers, pens, notebooks and anything else. Even in a small or shared space, aim to designate an area only for work purposes. Consider investing into create a healthy office space (one with good ergonomic design). As well as design, be sure to get up, stretch and take important eye breaks.
7. Stay connected with your colleagues
Many companies offer ‘digital coffee meetings’ or something similar via platforms like Teams, Zoom... Try push yourself to join in these sessions. In remote team working, trust and transparency are vital so maintaining face-to-face human interaction can really help. This can help cultivate new relationships with co-workers and overcome any sense of isolation.
8. Attend meetings and be heard
Be sure to speak up during the meeting so that coworkers are aware of your presence. Simply signing off the call with “Thank you, Speak to you soon.” at the end of the meeting can help your coworkers acknowledge you respectfully. It pays to contribute confidently in meetings. Try to be bold by offering some ideas and suggestions in virtual meetings.
"If you work from home, especially in cold-climates, you can go days without going outside. Getting a snake plant, money tree or areca palm can make a big difference for your work space." – Michael Alexis
— Trueblogposts (@trueblogposts) January 2, 2021
9. Take time off to recharge
Nowadays, more employers are realising the benefits of their employees taking time off, especially as research suggests a link with improved long term productivity. Don't wait until annual leave to prioritise personal life and mental wellbeing. Research has shown that spending time with loved ones is vital and can help prevent work-related stress and burnout. It can help employees to return to work, feeling refreshed with some level of mental clarity.
10. Keep an eye out for training opportunities
Being away from the office could mean that you are missing out on useful training and skill sessions that may help improve your productivity on tasks. Be sure to speak up and ask your coworkers to find out more about top-down training. You could also seek online training courses. Websites like Skillshare and Udemy offer a plethora of video tutorials that may substitute well.
11. Be reasonable and kind with yourself and others
Make sure to keep a positive tone when messaging between co-workers. Due to less face time between people, it can be hard to interpret tone through writing short, succinct messages. On the flip-side, make sure to be kind to yourself. Try to be realistic with yourself, on what you can and cannot achieve. Do not reprimand yourself if you do not manage to accomplish and complete your tasks. We are all human and so we will make mistakes. Always remember to ask for help when you need it, too. Your manager will be less able to see if you're struggling, so let them know sooner rather than later.
12. Take advantage of the perks of remote work
Perhaps when we look into the future of remote work companies may not revert back to “business as usual” measures. The pandemic may be the tipping point convincing people that flexible work is the best for all. Considering these points, it is harsh reality at least for the short-term. From money savings, having more significant time with loved ones, working in cosy clothes, avoiding crowds and traffic - the perks of WFH may just be endless.
So... I miss the office?
While working from home inevitably comes with its challenges, there were a number of benefits highlighted too. Working from home can be a special and rewarding opportunity. Whether you are on a full-time contract or work only part-time, avoiding the office daily grind feels great. That being said, there are many additional responsibilities that come at the price of working from home. If you ever feel overwhelmed or distressed, please ensure to speak to someone about it.
Resources
(Article) The Realities of Remote Work
This article discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on remote work and its potential long-term effects.
(Article) 7 Impacts on working from home
The report emphasizes that the shift to working from home, catalyzed by the pandemic, is here to stay. Further growth is expected in the long run through improvements in technology.
(Paper) Working from Home Around the World
This paper takes a look at full-time workers in 27 countries to investigate the shift to working from home. Researchers surveyed full-time workers and cross-country comparisons were made.
Last updated: 29/10/2024
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5 comments:
I think sticking with your old routine really helps. Like doing the same tasks while you're in office. Also, a dedicated office space at home really does help to concentrate on work.
It is good to evolve with pandemic times and make the best of working from home. I definitely struggle when I am working at home and it is good to have tips like these to help focus.
I was working from home a couple of years before the pandemic, and while it was difficult to make the initial transition, I wouldn't go back to office life! This is so much better.
These are all great tips you’ve shared. I especially agree with setting a schedule and taking your breaks.
Romote work is the best! It´s what allows me to live the life I want, but it also has lot´s of frustrations on the way, this tips are totally useful, specially number 4 and 9, which are the harder to do correctly, but the most important for staying healthy and concentrated.
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