There is no denying that our lives have been forever changed by Covid-19. One of the biggest changes driven by the pandemic is the transition to remote work. Since the pandemic began, almost 70% of workers reported working from home at some point, and this change has been welcomed by many. In fact, 77% of those surveyed by OWL Labs reported that working remotely would make them happier. But that happiness can only be achieved through effective techniques to make remote work successful for employees and managers. It is important to understand that working remotely will present its challenges and to prepare for these dynamic differences. So here are our 6 tips for teams working from home:
1. Set up a morning routine. While it is a luxury to not commute to the office, it is important to designate a start to your at-home work day. Start your day with a healthy breakfast, enjoy your morning cup of coffee, and get dressed appropriately for the day. These simple tasks can help get you mentally prepared for the work day.
2. Keep a daily schedule. Plan a start and end time to your work day. It is important to distinguish between at-home leisure and at-home work. Creating structure to your day can help manage productivity and work-life balance.Establish a healthy to-do list to keep track of your work and your goals.
3. Take clear breaks throughout the day. In addition to planning a daily schedule and routine, it is important to include breaks. Taking an explicit lunch break each day allows you to get some needed fuel and rest to keep up with the daily grind. Breaks throughout the morning and afternoon allow you to avoid getting tunnel vision on your work tasks and perform more efficiently.
4. Get some exercise. Taking breaks throughout the day is important, and some of the energy spent on those breaks should go towards keeping your body moving. Staying cooped up inside all day can make you feel isolated. Fresh air will help you feel connected to the world around you, and a little exercise will keep your mind fresh. Stretching your legs, going for a walk, sitting outside in your garden or back yard, or even going to the gym will help make up for the loss of commute and mobility inside an office. Your mind and body will thank you for it!
5. Set up a designated workspace. While it seems like a fun idea to work while snuggled in bed, this can be a challenge for your productivity as you will have a hard time switching into work mode. Establishing a workspace will allow you to avoid distractions and focus on your duties. If your home workspace is not ideal for remote work, try listening to calming music through headphones, or consider setting up shop in a coffee house, cafe, or library to facilitate a peaceful workday.
6. Use a chat program to keep in touch with colleagues. Staying in contact in today’s age of technology has never been easier. However, this does not mean that remote work can’t still feel isolating. Using chat programs like Slack, Workplace, and Microsoft Teams can help you keep in casual contact with your colleagues to ensure healthy social connections throughout the work day. Team meetings can carry on through platforms like Zoom, Webex, and Google Meet to allow for face-to-face collaboration.
Finally, don’t forget to ask for help when needed. Nobody knows how to do this perfectly, and no one expects it to go seamlessly. It’s important to rely upon your colleagues, peers, and teammates to keep you grounded and connected.