Tips on working from home (dos and don’ts)

Working from home (aka WFH) opens many possibilities for how businesses can work and structure themselves. Unlike traditional work patterns, this approach has limitations and has had a significant impact on both organisations and individuals.

When working remotely, every job is different, but some key strategies can help anyone work from home more effectively while achieving a work-life balance. Here are some helpful tips that the team here at Gilligan Sheppard rely on when working away from the office.

Do’s

Set up a fixed location.

Have a designated and organised “office space” in your home to help with distractions. Creating a comfortable and warm space will increase your productivity. A quiet corner with natural light will work wonders.

Structure your day like you would in the office and follow a routine.

You have to be more self-motivated and have more control over your schedule of what you’ll do and when. Your agenda should include a set lunch break and start and end times for your workday. The structure will keep you focused and productive.

Set Boundaries.

While working from home, it’s quite likely that there will be other people in your house with you, and distractions are inevitable. Ensure your family or flatmates know when you’re working and respect your work obligations.

Stay connected to your work colleagues.

Social interaction is limited or non-existent when working remotely. Withdrawing from the team dynamic can lead to stress and anxiety. This is why it’s vital to keep in touch with your co-workers and maintain relationships.

Eat and exercise on time.

There is a popular saying, “Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind, and spirit.” Maintaining health, eating on time, exercising, and getting sufficient sleep means improved work performance. This one, for sure, is a golden WFH tip.

Don’ts

Don’t let social media distract you.

Social media is one of the biggest temptations, and it can easily become a distraction affecting productivity. To help alleviate the temptation, remove any shortcuts from your browser and log out of your social accounts during the workday – out of sight, out of mind, as they say.

Don’t neglect cybersecurity measures.

One challenge when working from home is dealing with technology issues alone. It can be tough to troubleshoot problems with hardware and software when there’s no IT team to help you. Plus, when you’re working from home, there’s a greater risk of cyber-attacks if you’re not careful. That’s why it’s important to ensure any cloud-based file-sharing and storage apps you use have the right security measures, depending on your industry. You should also set up two-factor authentication to log in to your networks and a VPN to access your business files.

Don’t micromanage remote employees.

No one likes to be micromanaged, and remote employees, in particular, may feel you don’t trust them if you are always looking over their shoulders. Give remote employees tasks to do, ensure they have the tools to do them and let them handle the details of how they plan to accomplish those tasks.

Don’t forget to include remote workers in company activities.

It is important to keep remote employees involved, both virtually and in real life, so they feel they’re still part of the team. Invite them to company events, both formal and informal, which require them to attend at least some of the time.

In conclusion, the benefits of working from home are undeniable, from increased flexibility to reduced commuting stress. However, it’s crucial to balance work and personal life, maintain communication with your team, and stay disciplined. By implementing these strategies, you can maximise your remote work experience and enjoy a productive and fulfilling professional life from the comfort of your home.