Working
from home was never a reality for many of us. While working from home
has become quite common in the new age of technology, some people
still either prefer working from offices or their jobs do not allow
them to be able to work from home. However, currently, a lot of us
have found ourselves forced to work from home.
Since
most of us have no prior experience in working from home, there are
some basics which should be followed to make working from home easy
and functional.
Make a Schedule:
While
most of us may have the flexibility of setting our timetable for
working from home, it is better to stick to a schedule we're used to,
or our employers recommend. To not increase already existing stress,
your schedule does not have to be binding. Rearrange it according to
what suits you best, as long as you keep getting a considerable
amount of work done.
Set a Working Space:
Considering
the circumstances, it is not likely that the majority of us already
have an existing home office to work from. But, a make-shift space
can be made. You need to have a quiet and peaceful space to work
from. All you need is a table, a chair, a laptop with a working
internet connection, office supplies and you're good to go!
Have Reliable Electronics and Internet Connection:
Since
you will be the connection between you and your company, and will
likely need to communicate with them often, having a reliable phone,
computer and internet connection is essential for you. Your working
space should have an outlet and a backup electricity supply in case
you run out of battery or charging. Make sure you also have a backup
internet supply in case your internet is down, such as data on your
mobile phone.
Dress Accordingly:
No
one will see you while you work, but dressing appropriately will put
you in the right frame of mind and will increase your productivity
levels. This does not mean dressing up into formal clothing like you
would for a regular office, but changing out of pyjamas into at least
day clothes can be a start. While you don't technically need to do
this, it can help demarcate your time from your work time and make it
easy to follow a schedule and stay up to date.
Communicate:
While,
not having to see your boss or co-workers every day sounds like a
good idea, keeping them out of the loop though may not be. If you are
working remotely, communication with your employer and colleagues is
essential. Stay in touch with them via email, instant messaging, or
programs that allow you to work simultaneously with your colleagues
on shared documents. Stay within reach via phone and emails and
check-in with your boss or co-workers if you have confusions any time
along the way.
Don’t Get Distracted:
Working
from home may seem easy, but it can be difficult to keep yourself
focused if you're constantly faced with distractions such as the
doorbell ringing or your family talking in the background. Keep your
workspace relatively distraction-free. Consider getting
noise-cancellation headphones, or use other methods of
sound-proofing. If you live with a family or roommates, let them know
that you are not to be disturbed at this time.
Avoid Extra-Curricular Activities in the Time Period:
If
there are some household tasks or chores you are required to be
tending to while you're at home, schedule them according to your
working timetable so that you don't need to use your 'office hours'
for household tasks. You need to be disciplined and able to manage
time efficiently. Avoid taking breaks for cleaning or cooking and
schedule time for them later, so they don't pose a distraction while
you work from home.
Keep Your Mind Fresh:
Working
from home can over some time become quite lonely and claustrophobic,
especially when you're stuck in a routine and can't leave your house
often. Some ways to keep yourself from falling into the monotony is
to keep your mind fresh. Try to set up your working space near a
window so you can have a view of the outside while you work. If
you’re not lucky enough for that, keeping an indoor plant near your
work table is fairly low-maintenance and can have a positive effect.
Keep yourself well hydrated and have healthy snacks in the middle to
keep your energy levels up.
These are just a handful of
small essentials to fulfill to make working from home a wholesome and
positive experience for yourself. Choosing the best environment for
yourself and optimizing it according to your needs is the secret to
having a successful home office.