Working remotely? Tips for success

With the widespread concern of Coronavirus, an unprecedented number of employees may soon be transitioning to remote work-from-home positions. While this new work arrangement may only be temporary, the following tips will help telecommuting employees remain engaged and stay on track with their work.

Whether or not you're new to working from home, here are 8 tips to make it successful.

1. WORKING REMOTELY? SET A DESIGNATED WORK AREA.

Though this may seem trivial, choosing a spot in your home that is designated for working from home is an important step you can take to set yourself up for success. Consider using a spare bedroom that you’ve turned into a home office, a desk located in the corner of the living room, or even the dining room table. However, you should try to stay away from working in your bed or on the couch, as these areas are associated with relaxation in your brain, which could negatively impact your productivity.

Make sure your workspace functions efficiently for you and your work style. Treat your at-home work area as you would an office cubicle. Make your workspace a place where you can focus and do your best work.

2. WORKING REMOTELY? PLAN AND TEST COMMUNICATIONS.

To ensure that you aren’t left out of the loop, make sure to schedule regular meetings and communications with your team, supervisors and managers. It can be easy to feel disconnected with what’s going on in the office, so staying engaged with your co-workers is key. Communications can include virtual meetings, phone calls, instant messaging, or emails.

Of course, make sure that your communication method of choice functions properly before you consistently telecommute.

3. WORKING REMOTELY? MAKE SURE YOUR NETWORK AND WORK PROGRAMS ARE PROTECTED.

Telecommuting introduces another set of potential cyber security risks. Make sure you speak with your manager about cyber security and strategies you can use for mitigating the risk of a cyber-attack while you are working from your home.

4. WORKING REMOTELY? DRESS LIKE YOU’RE GOING TO WORK IN THE OFFICE.

The way you dress has been proven to affect you psychologically. This means that although it may sound like a great idea to work from home in your pajamas, in reality, it isn’t. While you do not need to dress up in business formal attire if you are working from home, you should take the time to shower, brush your teeth and get ready for the day. Aim to dress in casual—not sloppy—attire.

5. WORKING REMOTELY? AVOID DISTRACTIONS AND STAY ON TASK.

One big challenge of telecommuting is accountability. Without co-workers or managers nearby, it’s easy to become distracted and fall behind on work. Remember that working from home is a privilege, and that it will become apparent if you are not putting in the same effort into your work at home as you did in the office.

Stay focused on work throughout the day to maintain consistent productivity. Avoid online distractions, as well. Limit the time spent on email, social media and websites unrelated to work. Set a timer on your phone or computer if necessary.

6. WORKING REMOTELY? EVALUATE YOURSELF PERIODICALLY.

To ensure that telecommuting is working for you, be sure to conduct self-assessments periodically. Things to include in your assessment could include the following:

• What is working as far as your hours?
• What are you accomplishing in the office versus out of the office?
• Are you meeting all of your deadlines?
• Are you feeling connected with your co-workers?

7. WORKING REMOTELY? REMEMBER TO TAKE BREAKS WHEN NEEDED.

Just like you are encouraged to take breaks while you’re in the office, remember to allow yourself time throughout the day for quick breaks. If you need a short break to gather your thoughts, try walking around the house or down the street, stretching, or making a snack or meal.

If you need to take a longer break or socialize, plan time in your schedule for this. A major advantage of working from home is having flexibility. Before you take an hour or two out of your day, though, make sure to communicate and check with your manager so that you remain compliant with your company’s policies.

8. WORKING REMOTELY? BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF.

Telecommuting is not a viable option for every employee. If you find that working from home is negatively impacting your productivity or making you feel disconnected from your team and your work, speak to your manager.

For help with setting up your company’s telecommuting policy or questions about remote work arrangements, please contact our HR experts at HR@stratus.hr.

Source: Zywave, Inc.

Whether or not you're new to working from home, here are 8 tips to make it successful.

Related articles:

• CyberSecurity Alert Heightened: What Are You Doing About It?
• SCOTUS Blocks Vaccine Mandate: “OSHA Lacks Authority”
• Benchmarking Employee Benefits: How Do You Compare?
• Can Employers Ask for Proof of Vaccination?