Work From Home
Tips for Maximizing Your Work-From-Home Experience
Introduction:
Before 2020, working from home was primarily associated with informal employment and freelancers. However, it has now become the new norm across nearly all industries. The benefits and challenges of remote work are widely discussed in today's boardroom meetings. In this article, we will provide you with valuable tips on how to make the most out of this working arrangement.
1. Have a Regular Working Schedule
Now that the normal 8-to-5 routine is not practical, one must create a routine for themselves. Most employers require that employees report to work online at specific hours in the morning and write a report to mark the end of the day. This routine makes it easy for remote employees. Otherwise, each person has to create a schedule and stick to it.
This mode of work requires a routine to mark the beginning and the end of work. It can mean sitting at the table with hot coffee, getting out of pyjamas, or sitting up on the bed with a laptop on your lap. If it triggers your mind into work mode, make it a habit.
The same principle applies to the day's closing work. It might be shutting down the computer, sending a report, or playing your favorite song. All these routines help the mind to focus on work.
2. Have a Specific Space to Work From Home
Most people find the bedroom a good working place while others prefer the kitchen table. The trick is to have a space set aside for work. It is also essential to explain to children or others in the house the need to respect the space.
Those who cannot find a comfortable place in the house should consider shared working spaces. In addition to being calm and suitable for working, most working spaces offer networking opportunities.
3. Have Productivity Metrics
One of the main issues with working from home is measuring employee productivity. While several studies have shown that employees are more productive when working from home, one has to prove it, or risk becoming redundant.
The strategy is to have measurable daily deliverables. For an IT remote support employee, the metrics would be resolving technical issues, achieving specific milestones, fixing bugs, and happy customers. One can create these metrics depending on the industry, roles, and employer's expectations.
4. Be Active in Work From Home Meetings
Most companies have regular video conferencing meetings with their employees. Some organizations prefer doing it daily or when they need to touch base on project progress. A remote employee needs to make their presence noticeable. However, the idea is not to speak up for the sake of it. Your colleagues or employer needs to feel your value in the meeting.
5. Ask and Give Help
The loneliness and disconnect that comes with working from home can be counterproductive to people with outgoing personalities. It is advisable to create time to socialize with colleagues. An ideal way is by offering to help others whenever you can. It not only breaks monotony but also makes it easier to find help when stuck.
Conclusion
The key to working from home is to have a routine that makes it possible to meet measurable goals. However, one should remember to keep in touch with colleagues as this helps boost morale and trust.
