Working remote can be a great thing for so many people. If you live in a rural community with few job opportunities, bad weather, illness (can you say COVID-19?), handicapped in some way, need flexibility – the reasons go on. But working from home does require WORK and effort. One needs to be accountable and trustworthy. Here are a few tips from my experiences working remotely.
- Have a defined office space. The couch or chair in the living room does not count as a defined office space. Have a desk, with all the tools you need at hand – printer, paper, pen, whatever else you require. If you do not have living space for an “office”, then force one in. They make remarkably compact desks nowadays that can fit anywhere. Have multiple monitors if you can – this can really increase your effectiveness and speed. Sure, you can tap away at your laptop from your couch, but you will likely work twice as fast if utilizing a full mouse and multiple monitors (depending on your job that is). Plus, slouched over in a chair or couch WILL wreck your back and neck.
- Stick to a schedule. Get up at the same time every day, do the things you must get done, and then get to your office to work. Set “office hours”. I like the idea behind the Pomodoro method: work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. After four “pomodoros”, take a 20-minute break. It is also helpful to log what you will do in each “pomodoro” and check it off after each time. Each day when you begin, make a list of what you plan to get done. Include any house chores or family matters in your list so you can account for everything.
- Be accountable & be seen. This means having meetings with people, be it online or on phone or even in person. Having to check in with another person helps a great deal to keep you focused and on task. Attend webinars – another great way to be accountable and learn something at the same time. Take notes and share them out later with your team. Being “seen” and checking-in with coworkers and supervisors is even more important when you are not physically together.
- Keep distractions to a minimum. This means no, the TV is not on. Maybe some music but be careful with podcasts or talk-radio programs that can be distracting. I save podcasts for walk-breaks or in the car so I can listen. Keep the pets away. A cat on your keyboard can be very sweet, but also highly frustrating and will distract you from work. Your dog barking will interrupt calls. Is there a nice quiet place your dog can go while you have calls?
- Set clear boundaries. All those endless house chores should be done at set times, not just whenever you feel like it. Stick to work while it is work time, and house chores after. Do not mix the two or you will become distracted and ineffective. A solid 30 minutes of house chores, food prep, animal care will do wonders – the same as a solid 30 minutes of working will do wonders. Keep them separate.
Is Working Remote for You?
Many of us may be forced to work remote soon. Hopefully these tips can help set you on a path to success. Remember to set a schedule and stick with it! Creating a list of what you need to do each day will be invaluable. And let friends and family know when you are working and that you are not available. Take breaks, and do not isolate yourself! Online chats, phone or in person will help you feel included.
About Digital-Melissa: I am a veteran of all things internet, located in Rhinelander, WI. 20 years in eCommerce with everything from design to copy, social media, marketing, project management, website help & management plus more. Contact me today if you’d like to talk about how I could help your business.