Preparing your work clothes for the next day, making sure your lunch is ready and setting up the alarm for the morning. This describes the daily routine of most workers out there, but not mine, not anymore. Why? I work remotely.
Remote work is becoming a very popular setting for many companies. There are several teams out there that are semi or fully remote. Teleworking is on the rise and according to Forrester, 1 out of 5 Americans will work from home by year 2016. That’s 2 years from now!
As it becomes more and more usual for people to telework, curiosity is sparked. Well, although it may sound amazing to jump out of bed to your desk still in your pajamas and getting to work at your own pace, the truth is – it’s not all peaches and cream.
When you work from home, you have to be independent and very organized, you normally don’t have your boss in the next room waiting for your tasks to be completed but you still have to be productive and assertive. This is not always the easiest when you are by yourself so I have managed to gather some recommendations from my personal experience for those of you already teleworking or thinking about applying to remote jobs.
Read on and find out how you can avoid falling to procrastination and loss of inspiration when working from home.
1. Avoid distractions
When you think of your home, you probably think of this special place devoted to resting and relaxing. Of course, this is not the case when you have to get work done. My first recommendation is for you to avoid all kinds of distractions. Depending on the types of things that could make you lose concentration, you want to set rules for yourself and the rest. If you don’t live by yourself, let your flatmates or family know that they shouldn’t interrupt you during certain times. Are you a TV junkie? Stay away from it and work in a room with no TV.
2. Establish a routine
It is very easy to forget that you are AT work when lounging in your pajamas, this is why you should probably get out of them (once in a while is okay!). Try to wake up on time, take a shower, prepare your breakfast and get dressed. Then follow a timeline, I get it can be very flexible but try to stick to a certain routine, it certainly helps taking your mind out of things that prevent you from being productive.
3. Choose a comfortable workplace
Choose the most comfortable place in your home. Some people are lucky enough to have an office at home, but for those who don’t – get creative. Also, you can move around your home if that’s what you like. Work outside during the Spring and Summer and in your room during the cold months. Also, you have the freedom of venturing to your favorite coffee shop. You choose!
4. Take breaks. Get out and breathe!
Sometimes when we work from home, we forget that we have to disconnect from work, too. In the office, you probably go with your colleagues to have some coffee. Well, when at home, make sure to set aside some time for yourself, to stand up, walk and breathe. It will do wonders to your productivity, don’t wait until you’re stuck to enjoy your “me” break.
5. Stay in close contact with your colleagues
A very important aspect of teleworking is communication. Even though you’re not in an office, make it a habit to connect with your colleagues at least once a day via e-mail, Skype, Google Hangouts or any other Instant Messaging app. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if a project is not clear or just ping your colleagues to share jokes and good vibes. It can get lonely when you’re teleworking so talk to your team as much as you can.
6. Make a To-Do List
Another way to make sure your organization is on check is by making To-Do lists. Personally, I use the Reminders app on my laptop to stay on top of all I have to do. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to forget things if you don’t write them down, so make sure you’re listing your tasks and projects and checking them off when they are ready. Also, enjoy the pleasure of finishing a To-Do list, it makes you feel accomplished when you cross off that last task at the end of the day.
Do you like the idea of working for home or not? Let us know!
Image credit: Volker Kannacher