We’ve Been Doing It For Years!
To help with the transition, we are sharing our top 5 tips for working remotely.
Whether your company is embracing a remote policy for the first time or preparing for your entire organization to work remote, it can be challenging to navigate.
1. Stay Connected!
Use tools like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Slack or other communication platforms to stay connected with your team. A major challenge when working from home is finding ways to feel connected. Schedule daily face-time with your team to keep momentum and connection. It’s a great idea to say good morning to your favorite co-worker through these real-time interaction tools. Hey, you would if you were in the office!
“There is no such thing as over communication and you’ll find that it is even more vital as your team transitions from what they currently know, as normal, to what they are being asked to do.” – Jeanine Busch, Business Development
2. Dedicate a Workspace.
It is important to have a place to work without noise and distractions. Prepare a work area that is dedicated to only working. This will allow you to stay focused. If working from home is temporary, set up space in a spare bedroom, basement or another area that is out of the normal traffic paths of the household. If this will be permanent, convert a space that is your own. Whether temporary or permanent, make sure to communicate with the household that the space is where you work and should be treated as such. This communication will help to create boundaries that will allow you to separate your work time from personal time.
“As a father of 2 children under the age of 2 years old, I have found that I require a designated space that is completely my own. My current office is in the basement, far away from my families living area. Having my own office space that is dedicated and clean has helped me to be more efficient and focused.” – Steve Vanzin, Engagement Success
3. Set a Schedule.
Just as you are expected to be at work each morning at 8 am, you should set regular office hours for yourself. This will help you stay disciplined and focused as you transition. Flexibility is great but if you get into bad habits quickly, that flexibility can threaten your productivity. On the contrary, flexibility can also threaten your livelihood. Be sure to pick a time that you will turn off. Hopefully you aren’t expected to stay at the office until 8 pm; so, don’t completely ignore your typical in-office schedule. This should also include morning routines, breaks (out of the house) and evening routines!
“Do your best work early. Don't delay diving in because you don't have to commute. The brain is highly efficient in the morning.” - Steve Langley, Engagement Director
4. Dress the Part.
Many studies have shown that the way you feel affects the way you work. If you are in sweats and a t-shirt you might feel more relaxed, and that can impact your work ethic and drive. All that aside, the last thing you want is for the camera to catch you in your PJs.
“Always prepare for your day like you are meeting someone in-person.” – Steve Voytovich, President
5. Get Technology.
Technology is what enables remote work; so, make sure you have what you need. Take home things like your keyboard, mouse, and extra monitors from work to make working from home a little easier. You may want to consider investing in a good pair of noise cancelling headphones to keep others from hearing any background noise during meetings and calls. Making the switch to working from home is tough enough; don’t let technology get in your way. Invest in whatever you need to easily do your job.
“When I first started working from home, I had middle of the road Wi-Fi and one monitor. What a difference it made when I finally upgraded my internet speeds and invested in a second monitor. Whether it’s double monitors or a simple surge protector, investing in and protecting my technology helps me to be more effective and efficient.” – Jodie Yepes, Consultant
The brij team is here to help you through this transition. Contact us with any questions.
