How to Improve Your Working from Home Experience
Recently, you and many others may find yourselves working from home. Prior to current
world events, you may have worked from home on occasion. But now the demands of your job and your home life collide
on a daily basis. The transition can be difficult. How can you remain productive while working from home? How can
you avoid distractions? How can you maintain a healthy balance between work and home?
You can take these steps to make the transition to working from home easier and help you find success working
remotely.
Get the Work from Home Essentials
It is unlikely you will be able to set up a space identical to your workspace in the office. Determine the
essentials you need to do your job. First, figure out where you will work. Do you have a home office? Will you set
up your "office" at a table, or do you need to transform some other space in your home?
Then, make sure you have the equipment you need. Laptop, notepads, pens, wireless printer, cell phone, headphones
and a nearby outlet to power all devices are just a few items you may require.
Also, since many of your face-to-face meetings may now be carried out over video conference calls, here is another
accessory to consider. Video conference calls are easier with DeskFone, the hands-free desktop cell
phone holder from WeatherTech. When you are limited on screen space, and don’t want to hold your phone
throughout the entire call, DeskFone is here to save the day. DeskFone is also ideal for family video chats, online
classes, and so much more.
Establish a Work Environment at Home
After you set up all of the technology and accessories you need to carry out your day-to-day tasks, you still need
to establish an environment that encourages productivity. The goal is to eliminate distractions (as much as
possible) and maximize your ability to focus.
Some distractions are unavoidable. If your children or pets are home with you, they may pull your attention away
from time to time. This may just be something you can come to expect when working from home. You will get
distracted, but with a good work environment, you can more easily switch back to your daily tasks.
Here are some things to consider for a positive work-from-home environment:
- Sound: Do you prefer to work while listening to music or podcasts? Or do you require a quiet workspace? If
you think television will be a distraction, then make sure you set yourself up somewhere that it will not be
visible.
- Lighting: A properly lit workspace can help with concentration and reduce eyestrain. Working somewhere with
natural light can help, as can a desk lamp.
- Avoid clutter: A messy workspace can increase stress levels. Try to select a space that is clean and
orderly. If you need to organize the space you will be working in, it will be time well spent.
- Consistent workspace: Having a consistent workspace is another way to help you stay focused when working
from home. It will be easier to get into "work mode" when you enter this space each day.
- Be comfortable: Transitioning to working from home full time can be a strain on you physically. Make sure
you choose a comfortable chair. Good posture can still go a long way. And don’t forget to
stretch!
Set Daily Routines to Work from Home
Your daily routines can play a critical role in helping you transition to working from home. Set specific work
hours for yourself. Get dressed every day. Even if your attire is more casual than it would be in the office, it is
an important part of getting ready for your work day. Each morning, plan out the day ahead of you. Determine the
major tasks you plan to tackle, when you will take your lunch break, and when you plan to end your work day.
If it helps, try time-blocking your day. Knowing the tasks you should be focused on at any time of day can help
with productivity. It can also make the day feel like it is going by faster.
If you feel like you are struggling working from home, talk to your peers. They can be a great resource for tips to
help make this a positive experience for you.