Mastering Remote Work: Tips to Thrive While Working From Home
Working from home can be quite demanding, especially in today’s climate. With many adapting to remote work, we’ve gathered some top strategies from readers to help you thrive.
Years ago, I transitioned from a successful freelance side hustle to full-time remote writing. Leaving my office behind, I wondered if I’d miss the office camaraderie and the familiar chaos of a bustling workplace.
Fast forward years later, and I can confirm: I still occasionally long for the rhythm of an office environment. Plus, my shih tzu isn't one for birthday celebrations, so cake is rare in my home workspace.
This journey of working from home has been ever-evolving. As my family has expanded, my work hours have shifted, and while I enjoy this arrangement, managing my time effectively can be tricky. Creating dedicated work hours and spaces at home requires patience and commitment.
If you’ve found yourself tackling deadlines from your kitchen table with family and pets around, it can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, when I asked for the best work-from-home tips from our community, the responses were fantastic. Here’s what they shared:
Time Management is Key.
Without a structured 9-5 routine, using timers can keep you focused while working remotely. I found that managing my time became one of the biggest challenges when I started telecommuting. It’s easy to lose track of time on a project and forget to take breaks. There were days I’d realize I hadn’t eaten or taken a moment for myself.
Theresa R. advises, “If you take a coffee break in the office, do the same at home. Don’t feel glued to your screen all day.” Regular breaks are vital for your productivity, and Kathleen C. adds, “I stroll in the park from 1 to 2 PM for my lunch hour. Getting fresh air makes a world of difference.”
Dress for Success.
We’ve all seen the humorous memes about working in pajamas, but dressing the part can significantly affect your mindset. While you don’t need to don a suit at home, showering and changing out of your sleepwear helps maintain a productive mindset. Kelli C.B. encourages dressing comfortably, viewing your home attire as your work uniform.
Plan Your Schedule.
Planning is crucial for remote work success, according to Kathryn Tuggle. She emphasizes setting meal times early in the day, aligning them with conference calls while staying adaptable. This strategy allows her to incorporate breaks into her day while maintaining her diet.
Shelby M. points out that she organizes her day even more strictly than in the office, with set wake-up times and scheduled workouts. “If I have important tasks, I tackle them first thing before distractions arise,” she shares.
Theresa R. also has insights for supervisors. “Don’t expect employees to be available every moment. They deserve breaks just like they would in a traditional office.”
Create Your Workspace.
I genuinely enjoy my home office, but it took time to create a space I loved. Initially, I pieced together furniture from our basement, which sufficed for a while. Eventually, I realized that to work creatively full-time, I needed a dedicated area that motivated me. Now, stepping into my home office inspires me to take on the day.
Susan G. agrees, emphasizing the importance of a spacious desk, good lighting, and a door. Erin K. adds, “If possible, have a specific area just for work. It feels great to close your laptop and walk away.”
Avoid Household Chores.
In the early days of remote work, I struggled to separate household tasks from my professional responsibilities. It was challenging to ignore laundry and dishes while meeting deadlines. My therapist reminded me that such chores could wait until after work hours, just like they did in an office setting.
Lynn M. warns against multitasking during work hours. “Seeing tasks around the house can be distracting and stressful. When you’re in the office, you wouldn’t do those chores, so don’t pressure yourself to complete everything at home.”
Stay Connected.
Regardless of your workspace, it’s essential to maintain social connections. Katie Doyle, who works remotely, makes it a point to engage with coworkers face-to-face. “Use video chats instead of messages for conversations. It helps us stay connected while working from home,” she explains.
Pro tip: If you're using Zoom, go to the lower-left corner, find Video Settings, and check “Touch Up My Appearance.” You’ll thank me later.
As you adjust to working from home, be patient with yourself. It takes time to settle into a new routine, and it’s natural to miss your previous work life. However, finding creative ways to connect can be enjoyable. Kilty S. suggests sending a fun question of the day to keep team spirits high, like “Show off your remote workspace.” I think we’d all love to work in Kilty’s vibrant office.
And to my coworkers, I hope to see some delicious cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery delivered to my door for my next birthday celebration. Singing is optional.