First, I want to say that I think the ability to work from home is a privilege. My husband is a chef and lets me know how envious he is all the time. I understand that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. That’s fine but chances are we have to do it at least every once in a while so here are some tips to make your WFH time just as effective as, if not more, your time spent in the office.
1. Control Your Schedule
You will have meetings set by other team members and that is out of your hands, but you can get ahead of it. Make sure to be looking at your schedule a week ahead and a day or two ahead. If you see that you have a few meetings already scheduled in the afternoon, try and squeeze a meeting that you need in that block as well so you can reserve the morning for solid, productive hours. To do that, make sure you put a block on your actual shared work calendar so others can see that you are unavailable. Likewise, if you know that you like to have lunch every day at noon and enjoy stepping away from your desk or have school pickup at 3, put it on the calendar. It’s your time and you know how to use it the most efficiently.
2. Over Communicate
What you miss in the office is being able to see people and, more importantly, for people to see you. Check-in with those you work with most in the morning, even if it is just a hello or quick update on a project. Not only are you letting them know you are there, you proactively let them know they don’t have to chase you down for something they were going to ask for anyway.
3. Set Boundaries
Just because you are working at home and your computer is always available does not mean that you are always available. Your work calendar and chat service should allow you to set work/do-not-disturb hours that can help establish boundaries. This is very important because whatever expectations set will become the expected. If you’re sending emails at 11:30 pm, people will expect you to respond to emails at 11:30 pm. Do yourself a favor and set your work hours and stick to them. If you have to catch up on something, schedule an email to be sent first thing in the morning. Make sure to let your coworkers know how you like to work at home. I find there are periods of time I need to ignore emails and chat to devote my attention to a larger project. I let them know this and subsequently give my coworkers my cell number telling them to text me if something is urgent.
For workers who primarily work from home, don’t forget you are still entitled to your sick and vacation time. Again, just because you could work any time from any place, doesn’t mean you should.
4. Have a Designated Work Space
Ideally, everyone could have a home office where they have a beautiful desk, chair, monitors, and a total ergonomic setup. Sadly that’s not always the case. Designate a place for your work that you feel most comfortable and productive. Try and avoid distraction zones like the couch and bed, but if these are the best places by default, do something that makes it feel like work time. Get a special lap desk, unplug the TV, make the bed, set out your notebook and coffee. Anything to make you feel like this is time for work.
5. Have a Routine
Just like you would have if you had to commute to the office, have a morning routine. For me, that looks like getting a quick work out while I indulge in YouTube videos (which would normally distract me during the day). Then I take 20 minutes to tidy the house because messes distract me. I take a quick shower, get dressed, let the dog out, make my tea, and settle in for the day. Likewise, you need to have an evening routine to signal the end of the working day and shut that side of your brain off. I like to close my computer, tidy my desk, then take the dog for a walk or tend the garden. Find what works for you.
6. Work with Your Distractions
Speaking of distractions, there can be a lot at home. Probably more than I fully understand, not having kids yet. Do your best to limit distractions. Set up space away from TVs, kids, comfy looking beds and try to focus. Sometimes this is easier said than done, so I allow myself to be distracted in controlled amounts of time. If the dog keeps scratching at the door, I look for the next 10 minutes I can step away to help her get some energy out. If I know it’s the laundry pulling my attention away, I let myself cycle through a few loads and think of it just like getting up to get a snack at the office. If you can squash a distraction by indulging in it for a few minutes, do that over wasting hours letting it take away your focus.
7. Watch Your Tone
When working from home, most of your communication changes from in-person conversations to Slack and email. “How’s that project coming along?” can sound very different than you intended. It’s important to use your “please” and “thanks” and maybe a few smiley emojis just to make sure your tone is overly clear.
8. Speak Up
Speak up both figuratively and literally. First, you want to make sure your set up is properly functioning for all the conference calls you will be having. Have a solid connection or work with your internet provider to ensure stability. Second, make sure you actually speak at every meeting you attend. Even if that is a simple “Hello” or “Thanks, Bye.” Make sure your time on calls counts. Finally, make sure you have everything you need, speak up to coworkers or management about things that you need to work more efficiently. Most of the time these requests are mutually beneficial so don’t be afraid to ask.
9. Take Advantage
Don’t go wild here, but find something that makes the WFH life a little sweeter. Whether that means you get to eat lunch with your kids every day or you indulge in TV time while you eat. Find something small that makes you say “Well, I can’t do that at the office.” For me, it’s honestly being able to be fully in control of the temperature at home. Raise your hand if you know what I’m talking about. It’s a game-changer from the frigid tundra that is my corporate office.
Have any more tips? Leave them in the comments!
