2020 has seen a huge surge in remote workers due to the global pandemic. Many people who are used to working in an office are discovering the challenges of working from home. While it’s often more convenient and flexible, that doesn’t mean remote work isn’t without difficulties. If you’re struggling to make the change, let’s dig into some of our best tips for working from home successfully!

Tips for Working from Home Successfully

Maintain a Schedule

Working from home gives you tons of flexibility when it comes to your work hours, however, it’s important to keep a regular schedule as much as possible. Setting a regular schedule is also helpful for other remote workers on your team. They’ll know when they’ll be able to reach you and when they are unlikely to hear back from you.

Create your schedule based on the hours and days you are most productive. Some people find mornings to be their most productive time, while others opt for afternoons and evenings. Whatever schedule you settle on, if you aren’t a solopreneur and work with a team, check to make sure your schedule works for them as well.

Create a Dedicated Workspace

While not every remote worker will have the ability to use an entire room for an office, it’s still important to create a dedicated workspace. Consider clearing out a

spare bedroom or large closet and turning it into your office. Wherever you are, try to choose a quiet location in your home to reduce distractions, improve productivity, and help you get into the right frame of mind for work.

Communicate

When you’re working from home, communication with coworkers or team members becomes more important than ever! Your easy “water cooler” chats where you ask coworkers or managers quick questions will need to be more deliberate. Incorporate communication tools such as Slack, email, or video calls to keep in touch with anyone you work with regularly. If you have a team of people, set up regular meetings to make sure tasks are being completed so you can keep your business rolling!

Minimize Distractions

In some ways, it’s easier to get distracted when you’re working from home. While it’s not always possible to remove all distractions from your workday, there are a few ways to cut them down.

• Avoid social media
• Create a “To Do” list to help you stay focused
• Only check personal email outside of your work hours
• Try playing background music
• Avoid TV time during the day
• Use a white noise machine

If you can, close the door to your office space. You’ll reduce distractions from your family members and pets. While it’s nice to be more available to your family by working at home, it’s important to separate work and family when necessary.

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Get Organized

Organization is key to a successful remote working experience. When we have others around us, it can feel easier to stay on task. Shifting to a work-from-home situation may mean you need to take more actions to have an organized workday. Here are a few organizational tips that may work for you!

• Post your work schedule
• Update your “To Do” list daily
• Use either a digital planner or a paper planner
• Try out a time management app

Anything you can do to organize your time will help you work more efficiently in the long run and will also increase your productivity. You may surprise yourself with how much you can accomplish in a workday.

Take Time Off

Overworking is a real issue for many remote workers. Because you work from home, it’s easier to access versus leaving work at an office and going home. If you’re not careful, it can creep into your personal time, your family time, and even your weekends. It’s just as important to take time off when you work from home.

Whether you take a few days off for a staycation, take off early at the end of the day, or take sick days when needed, it’s important to take time away from work. You’ll avoid burnout and establish a better work-life balance. Remember to mark yourself as away online, turn off your computer, and walk away from your desk until you return to normal work hours. You may even want to turn off work notifications on your cell phone during your time off!

Get Out of the House

One of the most difficult adjustments for many remote workers is being home all the time. Most people are used to commuting to work and it provides a much-needed distraction and change of pace. When you work from home, you have to create those opportunities deliberately. Stepping outside for a few minutes during lunch can break up your day, and help you feel ready for the afternoon. If you’re feeling cooped up, go for a drive, or enjoy a trip to the store.

Manage Expectations with Your Family

Your work schedule isn’t just for you and your coworkers, it’s for your family too! Set clear ground rules especially if you have children at home so they know what they can and cannot do during work hours. If you’re clear about your work hours and available to your family and friends after work, you’re more likely to be productive during the day and avoid unnecessary interruptions.

Working from home is a wonderful option for many people right now and may end up being a more long-term solution for many businesses. When you approach it with the right attitude and awesome strategies, you’ll find a better work-life balance, increased productivity, and better business continuity.

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