Tips on Working Remotely

Working from home is far from a new concept - but it has become more prevalent in recent years. The pandemic showed countless companies that there was little need to force their employees into the office daily.

As a result, more employees have been given the option to work from home or to pick up a hybrid schedule (partially working from home and in the office). However, it's important to remember that working from home isn't like working in the office. Naturally, some people will flourish in this environment, while some will find that they still prefer the office environment.

Here are some tips for working remotely.

Always Communicate

When you're working from home, there is no such thing as over-communicating. Don't hesitate to contact your boss and coworkers about updates. This will help keep you in the loop - and ensure that everyone knows what you are working on.

Extensive communication will have another benefit - keeping you in your boss's mind. It's more challenging for managers to track their team and work levels, but by being available, you can help decrease this concern.

Get Good Tech

Your work may provide you with some basic tech, such as a computer, laptop, or monitor. However, you'll likely be in charge of supplying the rest of your tech (though if you're lucky, your work may compensate you for internet and phone costs).

In other words, choosing this tech will be your responsibility. Make a point of investing in sound technology, such as a strong modem and router. This will make work easier for you. Likewise, don't go for the cheapest options when buying your mouse and keyboard.

Set Up a Workspace

Ideally, anyone working from home full-time should have an available workspace. For some people, that may require carving out space in their kitchens or dining rooms. In contrast, others will have a room for an office space.

Whichever option you choose, take the time to set up your new workspace. Consider how you like to work and what sort of workspace would be most conducive to your working style. Try to design your space in a way that encourages work.

Maintain a Schedule

Working from home provides many benefits, but it also comes with risks. For example, if your work doesn't have set hours, you may fall into the pitfall of working odd hours throughout the day and week. Sometimes this is necessary to accommodate life, but people tend to do better with a consistent schedule.

As such, make a point of maintaining a schedule. Pick a set of hours that you would prefer to work (say 9-5) and work those hours. That means being at your computer by nine and clocking out at five.

Avoid Extra Work Off The Clock

Sometimes the lines get blurred when one is working from home. Should they respond to that email they received at 10 pm or wait until the morning? What about this urgent issue that's occurring outside of office hours?

Just because you work from home does not mean you can ignore your hours. Likewise, you should not provide free work. This means you should avoid answering calls and questions when you are not on the clock. Save those responses for when you are at your desk and ready to work.

Create a Morning Routine

Look back to when you still have to commute to the office. You had a routine, right? Your routine likely involved things such as prepping for work, eating breakfast, and commuting to work. Working from home will naturally change your routine. Yet you should still put in the effort to maintain a routine.

A morning routine can help get your mind in focus for the day. It's a way of telling your mind what you're doing next and helps to set the tone. A remote routine may consist of getting up, getting ready, and sitting down for ten minutes to have a coffee before clocking in for the day. As long as the routine works for you, that is all that matters.

With these tips, you can set yourself up for success in your remote position.