Meetby’s Ultimate 10 Tips for Effective Work-from-Home
For numerous reasons, companies are shifting to a boosted culture of remote working, or rather simply, work-from-home. We can achieve higher job satisfaction and increased productivity, lesser stress and healthier workforce, if we follow some simple guidelines
For an easy shift to the culture of work-from-home, follow this crazily simple 10 rules compiled by Meetby team.
1. Dress up for work
A simple yet effective way to make yourself feel at office and kickstart the work
It doesn't specifically mean dress up for office, but just dress up. It could be casual wear as well, not necessarily office wear. But just don't give your brain the vibe of a lazy home evening in your pyjamas.
Always start fresh and never sit in front of the computer just after you wake up. Do some chores or walk around, take a bath and dress up. Relax a bit before you get on to the busy schedule. Remember, work from home means you are saving your commute time, so utilize that time as a warm up for the day ahead.
2. Take periodic breaks
That much needed break will keep you refreshed and help you stay focused
Get up and walk out for some time every 1-2 hours. That walk to the coffee pantry, those greetings at the cabin door, and the jabbering lunch table, everything helped you overcome work fatigue at the office. So shut your laptop and play that game with your child that he has been nagging for a long time or take a walk around your courtyard or just push the laundry into the washing machine, the list goes on. (Make sure to come back in 10-15 minutes!)
3. Set the boundaries
A clear cut horizon for your work and home will give you that ultimate work-home distinction
Your being at home could be perceived as a leave by your family. You might have to answer those curious questions of your little one, or may have to take a trip to the nearby grocery store, and if you are a working mom, the umpteen list of chores and the number of times each family member comes to you for help would be very distracting.
Make clear about your timing and office space boundary to the family members. When it comes to office, make sure to draw that fine line between your office time and personal time. Know when to shut your laptop and call it a day. And more importantly, stay away from the laptop and work, when you take a break. A big no to lunch in front of the laptop.
4. Work desk
An office away from the office, yet nestled in your comforting abode! Home sweet office
Allot a secluded working space specifically acting as your office. It could be an entire room, but in smaller households, a corner of the room or a part of the dining table or sofa will be fine. Make sure to keep away from the background things that might embarrass the professional you. If another member of your family is also working from home, make sure to keep space between your work spaces to avoid clashes of meetings and conferences.
5. Bring in collaboration
Virtual or real, teamwork is the deal maker! Make it happen through smart team inputs
When you are remote, it’s very important to follow basic etiquette of collaboration. Let the team know when you are away from the laptop. You should update status and away messages appropriately. Following a calendar would be an ultimate help in collaboration. That would remind you of meetings and conferences due and let your colleagues be aware of it as well.
While on meetings and conference calls, it's always advised to have a finger on the mute button so as to blank out that unnecessary background noise while others are speaking. Learn to screen share, this helps you to resolve issues which need supervision.
6. Necessary hardware and software infrastructure
Lay down the foundation for your office at home with supplies to support your performance
It would be a joke if you decide to work from home without a suitable laptop or PC. Have a properly serviced one with all the required software supports installed in it and make sure that you have bought the licenses. Make sure that you have a quality webcam and microphone for virtual meetings.
Even though you have lots of online tools that will connect you with others, a mobile phone will be handy in situations of an emergency internet or power breakdown. So share your contact numbers with your collaborators. Always have necessary cords and adapters as they are required to support your infrastructure.
7. Data security
Secure yourself, else the world will know your next step! Be shielded and stay unique
It is very important to take measures to secure your data and communications in this era of fraud and scam. Availing VPN from your company will aid in data security, which is a very serious issue while working from home.
Take support from your company personals to keep yourself trained on security guidelines for remote working. Have an emergency contact in hand in an event when you detect a security anomaly
And yeah! Are there any virtual assistants roaming around in the background? Then make sure to switch them off or else your most confidential conference discussion will no more be confidential!
8. Keep in touch
Stay away from work fatigue by reaching out to your colleagues. Never miss the office fun
Away from office and co-workers means away from the work vibe. The office buzz plays a very important role in your productivity. So be connected and always communicate with your co-workers. Make video call discussions whenever possible, a very easier task, what with the advent of some very elaborate video conference tools. If not about work, have a simple casual conversation with any random colleague on any random topic. It works wonders.
9. Internet connectivity and power backup
Make all the routes clear to an uninterrupted hassle free collaboration with your associates
Have a robust and uninterrupted internet connection available at your home. Always have a backup for internet and power especially if you are in a resource limited setting.
For internet backup, it could be as simple as buying a mobile broadband USB stick, a modem that plugs in like a flash drive or a prepaid mobile broadband or pocket WiFis. For power backup, prepare extra batteries and power banks and keep them fully charged. You can also get an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or even a backup generator.
10. Tools for remote working
Your online partner to collaborate with your associates virtually! Choose them wisely
Identify tools to support you in virtual meetings and conferences. A list of common tools are listed below. Choose according to your preferences
So buckle up for a fruitful and effective office session at your very own home office. Good luck!