New To Working From Home? Here Are Some Pointers

Just because you’re not going into a physical office with coworkers and your boss present, doesn’t mean you can spend the day in bed. There is nothing wrong with sleeping in a little bit, but make sure you are ready to go at a reasonable time and are present for work meetings as scheduled. You do have to get shit done, after all.

Staying productive requires great consistency. One of the best ways to create positive WFH habits is to create a routine that is true to your needs, both professional and personal. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to this -- but should also help you maintain an optimal mindset throughout your work day.

Instead of just throwing yourself into your work day, take some time to allow yourself to fully wake up. One of the blessings of telecommuting is that one saves significant time by eliminating the commute to the office. Instead, the time that would normally be spent traveling to work can be spent in other productive ways. Whether that means getting a workout in or doing a little read, use this as an opportunity to get your mind right for the day.

District Maven CEO and President, Leigh Genetti Byers, speaks often of her unique daily routine, which promptly begins every morning with the song “Good Day” by Nappy Roots and a few episodes of The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

There is no doubt that things can change quickly, especially as new developments in the Coronavirus pandemic are being released at a rapid rate. Nonetheless, do your best to tentatively plan your work day to-do list in advance. It allows you to put the next day’s tasks at the forefront of your mind, ultimately providing a better balance of your professional and personal life.

As tempting as it is to stay in pajamas all day long, it won’t do much for your productivity while operating remotely. One way to get in the right mindset is to simply get dressed for the day. Even if you aren’t typically required to maintain a more formalized look at the office, wearing business casual attire will help remind yourself that it is still a work day and not vacation.

Just because the people you work with can’t physically see you, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make your presence known. It may seem like overkill when you are in the office every day, but make it a point to check in often with your clients, coworkers or bosses. Not only will this demonstrate that you are actually working, it will help them stay on track as well. (They are likely equally as frazzled as you are!)

Doing this will also move mountains when it comes to proving to your superiors that you can be trusted to get things done while working remotely -- you know, when the COVID-19 outbreak is finally over.

Sometimes the only thing needed to reignite one’s focus is a change of scenery! We typically would encourage leaving home entirely and picking work back up at another location that is conducive to your mindset and productivity. This can be increasingly difficult when quarantined at home, but can still be accomplished by going into another room or at least changing the view behind your computer.

No matter where you set up shop, minimize the materials on your desk. Not only will this help you minimize distractions, but will help ease Coronavirus-induced claustrophobia as well.

Working from home every day can get lonely fast -- even for the biggest of introverts. One way to give you a mental break is to engage is a little human interaction. Those practicing extreme social distancing and forgoing any social contact can still accomplish this digitally, through video chat on their computer, tablet and/or cell phone. Even a short conversation can go a long way in providing a sense of community, even when you’re not in the office.

For those who are willing to interact in small groups, coworking provides a level of collaboration while also increasing the fun factor of the work day as well. Given the current recommendations from the CDC and WHO, it is advisable to cowork with a limited number of people (ideally no more than three others besides yourself) to limit spreading germs to others.

Additionally, it is essential to establish expectations with those you telecommute with as well as others that will be home during the work day. Being upfront about your schedule, work style and required level of focus is important to making coworking a positive experience.

We admit, this last piece of advice is MUCH easier said than done, whether there is a disease outbreak or not. After getting used to the telecommuting lifestyle, it is common that one accomplishes far more than they would when working in a traditional office. While there are many potential reasons for this, we like to believe it is because you minimize distractions that are unimportant and time consuming. Instead of chatting with coworkers over coffee in the break room or partaking in another meeting that could easily have been an email, you are free to stay focused on deliverables on the docket.

Beware, however. Getting on a good work flow is difficult to achieve, but even harder to stop. It is super tempting to go on to the task list for tomorrow, even after finishing everything required for the day. Nonetheless, do your best to set a definitive time in which you will call it quits for the day. While there are no rules as to how when you conclude any given work day, the importance of a good night of sleep and a clear mind cannot be understated -- especially when working from home on a regular basis.