The current outbreak of COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus has more people now working from home. Over the next few days and weeks, the large majority of people may be quarantined and have no choice but to telecommute.
If you’re new to working remotely, I have some very helpful tips as I have worked from home for many years being a business owner. There is definitely pros, but also cons, of working from home, and it’s important to know how to not only stay productive but also maintain healthy balance.
Here are ten tips on how to productively work from home!
1. Maintain Regular Hours
Whether you have regular office hours to adhere to, or own your own business, it’s important to set a schedule, and stick to it. Having clear guidelines for when to work and when to “clock out” helps many remote workers maintain a healthy work-life balance. That said, one of the benefits of remote work is flexibility, and sometimes you need to extend your day or start early to accommodate someone else’s time zone. When you do, be sure to wrap up earlier than usual or sleep in a bit the next morning to make up for it.
2. Have a Morning Routine
If you have been reading my blog for a while, you’ll know that I always stress the importance of a morning routine (you can read about mine here.) Deciding you’ll sit down at your desk and start work at a certain time every day is important. But creating a routine that guides you to your desk to begin the work day is another. What in your morning routine indicates you’re now ready to start work? It might be after you finish your first cup of coffee, or after you shower. A solid morning routine can be more powerful than a clock at helping you get started each day.
3. Schedule Regular Breaks
It can be easy to go non-stop if you are working from home with no distractions. It’s important to know your company’s policy on break times and utilize them. If you’re self-employed, give yourself adequate time during the day to walk away from the computer screen and phone. I find it helpful to take a 15-minute long walk around the block and get some fresh air.
4. Create a Dedicated Office Space
Dedicate a specific space in your home to be your “office space.” Some may not be lucky enough to have an actual office or spare room. Wherever your dedicated work space is, be it an office desk or dining room table, make sure to keep it there. It’s easy to slip into the bedroom or couch with your laptop because it is more comfortable, but next thing you know you will be taking a nap or watching TV when you are supposed to be working.
5. Use a VPN
Use a VPN whenever you’re connected to a network that you don’t control. That includes Wi-Fi at co-working spaces, cafes, libraries, and airports. Some organizations have their own VPNs that off-site employees need to access certain servers or websites that store information meant only for internal use. In those cases, you’ll also need to use a VPN at home. In any case, it’s always a smart idea for you (and your employer) to leave your VPN connected as often as possible. More info on VPNs here.
6. Socialize
Loneliness, disconnect, and isolation are common problems in remote work life. I have found it helpful to schedule video calls instead of conference calls to get some face-to-face time in. After work, my friends and I have temporarily halted happy hour, so instead, we have group video chats with each other to unwind and drink wine together, in our separate homes.
7. Stay and Be Positive
Working remotely does mean more non face-to-face communication, so there is more chance for things to be lost in translation if they cannot hear your tone or see your facial expressions. I have learned that keeping an upbeat, positive attitude and demeanor in my digital communications helps with those moments. I err on the side of overly enthusiastic just to make sure my point is not taken offensively. A good tip is to read your email or text out loud before sending, as you can catch what might be negative remarks. Embrace the exclamation point! And don’t hesitate to throw in an emoji to lighten the mood 
7. Get Dressed!
Getting dressed, even if it is in comfortable athleisure, and changing out of your pajamas tricks your mind that it is time to work. I swear, the days where I was lazy and went straight from my bed to my computer, were the days I was the most lethargic and truly unproductive. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes I wear sweats or workout clothes all day if I have no meetings, but other days, it really helps just to put on an actual coordinated outfit, especially if you have video calls!
8. Take a Lunch Break
Sometimes you can get so much in the zone, that you come to at 3pm realizing you have not eaten anything all day. Obviously, that is not the healthiest thing as you then scramble and probably grab a protein bar or leftovers and eat it quickly (at your desk.) I highly recommend taking an actual lunch break, whether that is cooking something at home, ordering in, or grabbing something at a cafe nearby.
9. Reduce Noise
I am super sensitive to noise. The times I did work in an office environment, I felt so distracted by other people’s conversations, music, traffic noise, that it would make me so much less productive. Luckily, I live in a pretty quiet neighborhood in Beverly Hills that I do not need to worry so much about noise, but even the slightest sounds from outside can get on my nerves. I found that having a white noise machine on in the background really mitigated the noise issue for me. I suggest getting a machine (this is a good one) if you are sensitive like I am.
10. Have a Hard Stop
Lastly, have a hard stop, and stick to it. Don’t be loose with your working hours, because it can impact your work-life balance and the way you feel inside of your home. When you’ve clocked out, turn off your computer, your work phone, and leave them be until the next work day. It’s been really important for me to delineate where I work, when I work, and how I relax on my off-hours.
The post 10 Tips for Working from Home appeared first on Caviar & Cashmere.