How to Successfully Work From Home

Before March of this year, only some Americans worked from home on a regular basis. But since the arrival and spread of Covid-19, more people are working remotely. There can be many benefits to working from home like employee morale and increased productivity. Since working from home was new to so many people who went virtual this spring and summer, many are still struggling to get used to it. Here are the best tips from veteran telecommuters and work-at-home experts. 

A Solid Foundation to Work from Home 

Of course, not all jobs or careers are the right fit to work at from home. Some things are obvious, like getting the approval from your employer to work from home. If you’re self-employed, there are still things you need to consider. Use the following ideas to help you plan.

• What are your tech needs? Consider everything from computer equipment, printers and internet service. What software platforms will you be using? If you work for someone else, make sure your employer is specific about ground rules. You may need other equipment like an additional monitor, headset or a monitor mount. 
• Know your schedule. If you work for someone else, do they require a 9-to-5 schedule, or can you make your own hours? 
• Make a transition plan. Unless you’ve been doing it for years, changing over to a work-from-home situation requires planning. Set reasonable expectations with your boss, team and organization about work and accountability. 

A Designated Workspace 

One of the biggest misconceptions people have about working from home is that it can be done in any room of your house. This may work short term, but it’s misguided to think you don’t need a space just for work. Here are some ways to create the best space for your working lifestyle. 

• Choose your space. Ideally, this is a space with a door that closes. This has many benefits. It cuts down on distractions from the rest of your household. It also helps you mentally step “into” your work zone, allowing for focus and attention. If you have a small space, you might have to get creative, but you can make virtually any space work. 
• Lighting for success. While a ceiling light is a good start, a desk lamp for focusing on reading is also important. Positioning your desk near a source of natural light will help you stay energized. 
• Desks Having a well-organized desk area is key to productivity when it comes to working from home. The variety of comfortable, smart and ergonomic desks available today are as wide-ranging as careers. This guide can help you decide what kind of desk is right for you.
• Storage Stuff. Most of us are not completely paperless yet, so smart storage is essential for the home office. Start by decluttering and choosing the right storage furniture. Remember your home office should not double as any other functioning room (like the dining room or a gym) if you want to maximize your productivity there. 

The Work at Home Life Balance

It’s a topic we’ve heard more about since the pandemic began. For some people, lines blur between work and home. What begins as a “flexible work schedule” can turn into working odd hours that eat into previously-sacred time for self or family. Some employers worry that projects may languish and the weekends extend, but many work-from-home vets feel they work more. The solution is to find a balance, or at least strive for one. The following are ways to work smart and take care of yourself, too. 

• Schedule screen breaks. For most companies, a one-hour lunch break and two 15-minute breaks is standard. Ask your employer to be sure, and if you’re self employed be sure to carve out daily time for yourself away from screens. 
• Use an app to make yourself take breaks. Setting timers and messages to pop up and lock your screen are effective ways to force a break. Spending too much time on screens can cause problems from red eyes to poor posture. If you know you’re a marathon worker, do yourself a favor and download one of these tools. 
• Set boundaries. This means physical and mental. Daily interruptions like pets, kids and other responsibilities can add up. It can be hard to say no when pressures creep in. Be firm and stick to your routines, so when you’re with family or friends you can be fully present for them. 
• Replace your commute. Most people don’t love having a commute to their job. But many do appreciate the time for podcasts, music, audiobooks or just zoning out. Incorporate something into your morning to replace this time, just for you. A daily walk, meditation or time outside doing something physical can start your day off right. 

If there’s anything 2020 has taught us, it’s about balancing. Dealing with a lot of stress, bigger and heavier than ever before, while still maintaining all the responsibilities of life. Working from home is not only a luxury for many people but truly a necessity. With the right mindset and tools of the trade, you can successfully work from home and practice self care.