Due to the unfortunate need for social distancing because of COVID-19, many people are being sent home to work. This can be difficult for those who haven’t spent much time working remotely. However, the transition can be a little smoother by following many of the ideas outlined here in our best tips for working from home.
At MboaGeek, many of us have worked remotely for long periods, and we developed these tips based on those experiences as well as on what we’ve learned from people who do well remotely.
The hardest aspect of remote work is mental. While setting up and getting started can be an issue from a basic technical standpoint (stable internet connection, a powerful computer, etc.), when you look at the problems related to working from home, how we adapt mentally tops the list. Why is that? Simply put, everything has changed.
A new environment – While most people are comfortable in their home environment, that doesn’t make it conducive to work. Often, our homes are sanctuaries once we’re done working. It can be hard to work while you adjust to being home day after day when you’re used to being out of the house. Many people think the idea sounds great, but once they’ve done it for a few weeks, it can become a mental challenge.
Less structure – A morning routine? What’s that? When you work from home, you can literally roll out of bed and be at work. This can be a blessing and a curse. The lack of structure can make it hard for some to work diligently. It can also lead to overworking because the ability to work is immediately available.
More distractions – Kids, spouses, chores, stress, that new video game and many other things are at home to distract you.
Some of the most important tips we’ll share are related to the mental aspect of working from home. It’s important to understand this when you consider implementing various ideas. Being able to stay mentally fresh takes effort and planning, but it’s essential when you combine your workspace with your leisure space.
1- Start early
You can get a lot done when you start early, that is, when your mind is freshest. Many of us who work from home start by making coffee and then work through the day. We’d suggest instead trying to knock out the hardest task before breakfast, which then becomes a well-deserved reward! When you start slowly, motivation can slow down, which can be a problem given the comfort of home surrounding you.
2- Create a private workspace
Solitude and quiet are a must for working effectively at home. Avoid setting up a desk in centralized locations like a kitchen table or a living-room couch. A spare bedroom is ideal. Using a garage can be a great short-term solution.
You should have a door, good lighting, a stable work surface like a table or desk, as well as power outlets and a stable internet connection. A dedicated workspace isn’t associated with your free time and helps put you in the work mindset.
3- Review your work tools
By work tools, we mean everything essential to your daily activities. Do you have all the software you use at work on your home computer? Do you need to print documents? Sign documents? Do you have video conferences? Do you need a headset for phone calls? Do you need new apps like DropBox for file sharing, or Slack for communication, or Rescue Time to stay focused?
Run through your daily, weekly and monthly tasks to make sure you have everything to function and to also be aware of what needs to be taken care of. In some cases, you’ll need to change the way you do certain tasks.
4- Follow a regular schedule
This rule applies both to people who have trouble motivating themselves and to workaholics. It’s essential to establish a regular work schedule. If you need to be at your computer at 8:30, then everyone in your household needs to understand and respect that. Also, it’s important to respect yourself and your personal time. When it’s the end of the day, stop working. If there’s unfinished work, come back to it later after dinner. It’s important to get up, move around, and stop looking at the screen simply for your mental state.
5- Take regular breaks
This is something people have a hard enough time doing at work, but at home, it’s a must. It’s a key aspect of your mental state. It can become easy to let your work space take over your home space. One way to avoid this is to take the breaks and lunches you need. Play with your kids for twenty minutes. Have lunch outside with a book. Take a short walk in the afternoon. Don’t do chores. Do things that help you disconnect mentally.
6- Stay connected
Working from home can be isolating, especially for people who live alone. Many people get used to those daily interactions with their colleagues. Instant messaging apps and video calls are two great ways to stay connected. If you have family at home, make sure to interact with them too.
7- Enjoy the perks
There are many perks to working from home, and they should be enjoyed without shame or remorse. Access to your entire music playlist without worrying about colleagues hearing you sing, cooking and eating right at home, and having time for breakfast are my favorites. This also helps improve your mental state.
In the end, even though from a technological standpoint working from home has never been easier, it can still be a difficult adjustment. In our experience, a good mindset plays the biggest role in determining what you can accomplish. Our best tips for working from home can help during this transition, leading to a more successful and enjoyable experience.
What about you? Would you like to hire and work with skilled developers who know how to work remotely? Don’t hesitate to contact us or leave a comment 🙂 !