Since 2020, we have seen many changes in the workplace. Working from home has become the new normal, and could well be here to stay. More and more businesses are now adopting policies around staff safety and productivity after realizing that they do not need the high costs of operating from enormous offices. Many have moved to smaller premises, resulting in work being outsourced or staff working from home.
For some people, this comes easily, as they already have a home office, and are very organized by nature. However, for someone who has always commuted to the office daily, and now finds themselves in uncharted waters, here is some advice for you on how to survive and thrive as a remote worker.
1. ROUTINE
The most important concept to implement into your new work lifestyle is to spend some time and work out a daily routine that you can follow. This will give your life structure, and will also give you a feeling of security. Your routine needs to follow a set timetable that has a time that you start work, and any short tea breaks you want to take.
It is very unhealthy to sit all day. Get up and walk around your living quarters every hour for a couple of minutes. Include an hour off for eating lunch, weather permitting go for a walk outside. Schedule a time when you intend to stop every day, and stick to it. Just because you are working from home, does not mean you need to carry on until midnight.
2. SPACE
Now, we all wish we could have a home office like the picture above, however, most of us will just have to make do the best we can with what we have. So, dedicate a certain area in your living quarters just for working. If possible, a room with a door you can shut, though if this is not possible, the kitchen table, or a small table in your bedroom will be sufficient. This is now your new office. See it as the place where you go to work every day.
If you have family around, then explain to them that this space is a workspace, and when you are there working, they need to respect you and not disrupt you all the time. You are not to be interrupted any more than you would be if you were at your actual office. If you are strict with this, they will soon accept this.
3. LAYOUT
Sort out your desk or table in such a way that it is practical and easy to work. Have everything you need within arm’s reach. Whether it be files, a printer, or the coffee machine. The fewer excuses you can give yourself to get up and go wandering around looking for something, the more productive you will end up being.
If you can see that this will most likely become a long-term arrangement for you, consider purchasing anything that you might need to make your work as easy as possible. Most of the time, your company will cover the costs of the items, however, if they do not, then see it as an investment in your future as you will still be able to use your purchases long after you have moved on from your present company.
4. LONELINESS
Scores of people are extroverts and love to have the buzz and chatter of other people around them while they are working. They like to know they can get up and catch up with any of the latest office gossips around the water fountain. Suddenly finding themselves alone at home, they are now feeling very much isolated. They do not know what is going on with their friends or the boss anymore, nor are they able to catch up with any of the latest developments in the company.
If you are feeling like this, then you have to structure contact time during your breaks. Phone a friend, Skype, Zoom, or use any video chat, do whatever you have to, to bring social contact into your day. If you go for a walk during your lunch break, walk where you see other people, even if it is at a distance, like in a park. Should your work does not require you to have extreme concentration, then play the TV or radio in the background for chatter noise. Want something you can customize, and that is more on hand? click EvE for Extroverts.
5. COMMUNICATION
If your office has not set up a channel of daily communication with you, then try to implement it from your side. Insist on being able to go over any daily expectations with whoever is above or below you so that everyone knows what they must do. Keep channels open throughout the entire day for freedom of questions or approvals.
There is nothing worse than working on an important assignment but miss vital information and not being able to reach the relevant person who can help you. Also, having this daily contact will help bridge the distance between your office and the home environment more easily.
6. DRESS FOR SUCCESS
No gown and slippers will do here. Just because you are at home, it does not mean you can let yourself go. Get up in the morning and sort yourself out. Put on your work clothes as though you were on your way to your organization. Brush your hair, and if you would normally wear makeup to the office, then do so now as well.
Set the scene in your head to prepare yourself for a workday. Of course, this way you will also look great for any unexpected video chat or knock on the door. By looking good, you will feel good. This positive frame of mind will reflect in your work as well.
Finally, if you are disciplined enough, then do not overlook the flexibility of working from home. Enjoy the benefit of being able to take a couple of hours off during the day. If you want to do something else, do it, and consider making up the time later that evening. Indeed, take pleasure in the freedom that remote working can offer, as it will ultimately give you more job satisfaction. Remember, this is one more step towards living more authentically. Commuting to the office is a man-made construct and not something natural.