Work from Home Guide

Things are rapidly changing, and we are adapting to the new normal. A lot of Americans are now commuting to their living room instead of their cubicle. Here are some easy tips for transitioning to working from home.

SET A DESIGNATED WORK AREA
Though this may seem trivial, choosing a spot in your home that is designated for working from home is an important step you can take to set yourself up for success. This could be a spare bedroom that you’ve turned into a home office, a desk located in the corner of the living room or even the dining room table. However, you should try to stay away from working in your bed or on the couch, as these areas are associated with relaxation in your brain, which could negatively impact your productivity.

Make sure your workspace functions efficiently for you and your work style. Treat your home work area as you would an office cubicle. Make your workspace a place you enjoy going to each day, an area where you can focus and do your best work.

DRESS LIKE YOU’RE GOING TO WORK IN THE OFFICE.
The way you dress has been proven to affect you psychologically. This means that although it may sound like a great idea to work from home in your pajamas, in reality, it isn’t. While you do not need to dress up in business casual attire if you are working from home, you should take the time to shower, brush your teeth and get ready for the day. Aim to dress casually—not sloppy—attire.

AVOID DISTRACTIONS AND STAY ON TASK.
One big challenge of telecommuting is accountability. Without co-workers or managers nearby, it’s easy to become distracted and fall behind on work. It will become apparent if you are not putting in the same effort into your work at home as you did in the office.

Stay focused on work throughout the day to maintain consistent productivity. Avoid online distractions as well. Limit the time spent on email, social media and websites unrelated to work. Set a timer on your phone or computer if necessary.

EVALUATE YOURSELF PERIODICALLY.
To ensure that telecommuting is working for you, be sure to conduct self-assessments periodically. Things to include in your assessment could include the following:

What is working as far as your hours?

What are you accomplishing in the office versus out of the office?

Are you meeting all your deadlines?

Are you feeling connected with your co-workers?

REMEMBER TO TAKE BREAKS WHEN YOU NEED TO.
Just like you are encouraged to take breaks while you’re in the office, remember to allow yourself time throughout the day for quick breaks. If you need a short break to gather your thoughts, try walking around the house or down the street, stretching, or making a snack or meal.

If you need to take a longer break or socialize, plan time in your schedule for this. A major advantage of working from home is having flexibility. Before you take an hour or two out of your day, though, make sure to communicate and check with your manager.