Not very long ago, in 2020, the way we work underwent a drastic change. Organizations shifted their employees to either complete remote work or a hybrid model. And they are still opting for this method, but many employees lack the knowledge to work effectively remotely. If you feel that you are one of them, this guide will help you work effectively in a remote setting. So, let’s get into the details.
First Things First, Create a Routine
Waking up, brushing your teeth, and jumping on your workstation is good, but you know what is excellent? Building a routine around your work.
If you work in the morning, it could be a morning routine. Alternatively, if you prefer working in the silence of the night, consider creating a nighttime routine. It could be making a cup of coffee before you start working, or it could be listening to music as you begin your workday.
Creating a routine is extremely helpful, mainly because it helps declutter your tasks for the day. I read in Atomic Habits that stacking one habit on top of another can make that habit a habit and enable you to work more efficiently.
Establishing a routine will help you eliminate unnecessary distractions, allowing you to stay focused on your work.
Speaking of which, making a routine is one thing; sticking to it is another. To establish a routine, you need to stay disciplined and adhere to the plan. The more you stick to it, the better it can help you with your work effectiveness.
Distinguish Your Working Hours
This is critical, and it can help you maintain a healthy work-life balance.
One of the most crucial factors that help you maintain a healthy work-life balance is distinguishing your working hours from your personal hours. How did you do that by building your routine and sticking to it?
That’s why companies rely on time clock solutions for remote teams to help define work hours, track attendance fairly, and ensure consistent collaboration, even across time zones. It not only helps reinforce healthy work routines but also ensures transparency and accountability.
It’s not limited to just routine; you need supporting hardware that makes you avoid extending your working hours. One such example is your home WiFi – you need to get a reliable internet connection, such as Xfinity, that doesn’t fluctuate, especially during your working hours. This will fundamentally eliminate the possibility of working in extended hours, provided you do everything on time.
Having standard working hours will keep you focused on your work and provide you with a sound work-life balance. So, make sure to do it.
Distinguish Your Workspace
You must work from a dedicated space every day. How would you do that?
By getting a dedicated workspace. I have been working from home long before the COVID-19 pandemic, and I’d like to elaborate on what my workspace looks like.
I have a dedicated room where I place my work laptop, along with some essentials like an ergonomic chair, the plants that reside by my desk, and headphones for meetings, among other things. There are additional gadgets, such as a smart alarm clock and smart lights, among others. But you can make it work without the extras.
The purpose of a dedicated workspace is to create a congenial atmosphere that fosters an efficient and straightforward workflow. Keeping that in mind, you can create a dedicated workspace using just a chair and a desk. You can make a workspace on your dining table or by setting up a desk and chair in your room. The trick about the workspace is that you should avoid anything that isn’t related to your work in that space. This will improve your focus.
Another tip I should offer is to create a dedicated account for the workspace. Never use your personal account while working; not only is that unsafe, but it might also cause distraction. Lastly, avoid having people around your workspace, again, to avoid distractions.
Keep Your VPN Connected
When working remotely, there is a risk that you may be connected to a public network. It could be anywhere, from a cozy coffee shop to a beach.
And you don’t want anyone to get their hands on your and your workplace’s sensitive information. To avoid this, you need to get a reliable VPN and establish your connection via it only.
A VPN is beneficial, as it not only helps protect your data but also makes country-locked content accessible. You can bake some popcorn and then hang out on your comfortable couch while streaming your favorite seasons.
Last but Not Least, Do Not Skip the Optional Meetings
While working from home, we often skip optional meetings, but you shouldn’t.
This is your chance to make everyone feel your presence, hear your ideas, and be heard. Additionally, these optional team meetings are the best way to bond with your team. So, do participate in them, create a dedicated workspace, and follow my tips to have a great work-from-home experience.