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After over 9 months of working from home, we can say that there are multiple benefits to it: no time spent on commuting, a comfortable and quiet work environment, and a bit more independence. But, it takes some trial and error to become a successful remote employee.
Finding the best routine for you and sticking to a healthy diet can be a challenge for many of us, which is why we give you our top 9 tips to reduce stress, manage your work and time more efficiently, and become a trustworthy from-home employee:
1. Establish a work schedule and stick to it
It’s essential to set a working schedule that allows you to finish your daily tasks and also get some time to rest. The easiest way to do this is to stick to the schedule you had when you used to work at the office, and once the clock hits finish time, wrap up your day. This way you will avoid working 24/7 and burnout! It can be easy to lose track of time when you are in the same place the whole day, but it’s important to find working hours that suit you. If the established “general” schedule does not work for you, speak about it with your manager and colleagues, and figure out better times for you (as long as you complete the required tasks and hours).
2. Get dressed as if you were going to work
As much as we all love the comfort of our pajamas, take the time to get dressed as if you were going to work on a casual day. This will help your brain get into working mode. It can shift your mindset and prepare you for a productive day, bringing more energy into work. If you do not have any virtual meetings planned for the day, keep it casual, but a pro tip is to keep a jacket or a blazer in hand in case you need it!
3. Put work/life boundaries in place
This is easier said than done, but, keep in mind that even though you are at home, you are also working. It is inevitable to avoid distractions to the full extent. You might receive packages you ordered, or a neighbor/friend is stopping by to say hi. It is important to remind them and yourself, that you are still working and let them know when you have free time, and politely ask them to respect that.
4. Have a solid home office setup
There are a few things to consider when working from home to keep your health in line. Ergonomics are important! Picking the right computer or laptop, a comfortable and supportive chair, and a laptop stand can make a huge difference to your back and sight. Try to set your home office space near a window to get natural sunlight, which is always better than lightbulbs. And, to reduce any inconveniences with your technology, make sure you have a strong Wi-Fi connection.
Check out our blog on ergonomics and correct positioning to set your home office space correctly.
5. Get familiar with tech tools
You can learn how to use digital communication and collaboration tools through tutorials, including applications for sharing files like Google Drive or Dropbox. Familiarize yourself with videoconferencing tools like Google Meets and Zoom for meetings with your team and clients. Multiple videos are offering useful information on how to manage these tools and get the best out of them.
6. Make an extra effort to communicate with your boss and team
Before, we could just go up to their offices or desks and notify them of the progress of the projects we are working on. Now, having frequent conversations, whether that is by phone, text, email, or video chats, can boost the trust between you and your boss and colleagues. Catch up weekly with your manager and tell them how you are doing with your tasks, if you have questions, or even how you feel about the project! Your commitment to communicate will be greatly appreciated.
7. Take breaks
Taking care of yourself is key to being a successful remote worker. Take time to exercise, call a friend or family member, take a walk, practice meditation, or read a chapter – whatever works for you to get a distraction from work and refresh. Some studies say that listening to music and even breaking a dance can help you focus better!
8. Eat healthily
When working from home, it is easy to start eating the first thing you see, reaching out for some snacks like chips or candy. Try keeping fruit and water nearby so instead of reaching out to unhealthy snacks, you are reminded to think about your nutrition. The same goes for lunch, try to eat as balanced as you can to get the most energy you can!
9. Deliver
One of the biggest challenges for remote workers is the intrinsic issue of trust. Show your manager and coworkers that you are producing and performing. Make sure you meet your deadlines and find ways to exceed expectations. Accept tasks that will help you grow and acquire/practice new skills. Not only will you demonstrate your capability of working from home but also your commitment to the company.
Some of us will learn what we like most: remote working or on-site, or a mix of both. But, for as long as the pandemic continues and we are asked to continue working from home, we might as well become excellent at it! A great remote worker is one that is committed to delivering the best quality work and still have time for their personal things.
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