10 simple workarounds for an alternative working style

The alarm rings and it’s already 6:00 am. Meera has a couple of tasks to complete before she heads for office. She has a toddler to take care of, dress her 4-year-old daughter to school, cook and get ready to leave for work. She has been thinking of an alternative to balance her career and take care of her home.

Tina loves her job and enjoys working. The only hitch is the distance to cover to get to her workplace and the time that it consumes on a daily basis. She is on a prowl for opportunities to work remote and commute to the office on a need basis. As for jayanth, he is looking for an alternative working style than from an office as it freaks him off.

These are a few cases to which Work from home or remote work comes as a breather. Work from home is becoming the new mantra in the business world. It offers various working options to their employees. It is breaking the old style of confining oneself to an office for a fixed duration of work. It is a boon for those looking for an alternative working style and work-life balance.

Today’s world has shrunk in its geographical lines with advanced communication technologies. It is workable and provides various options as per one’s needs and flexibility.

Some companies speculate on work from home options and have their own reservations. The fear of lower work productivity and lack of monitoring grips them. Some feel this might give their employees time to laze around and not concentrate enough. The integrity of the employee working is also a concern.

Work from home is a serious business and is very challenging. While one gets to work from the coziness of their homes, boredom sets in a little sooner than expected. Especially, if you have worked full time out of an office and are new to this concept.

Though this work pattern is remote based it can turn out to be either stressful or enjoyable. It all depends on the way one handles it.

As said, there is a workaround for every problem or situation. A few changes in the way you function will get you rocking. Let us go through ten simple rules to make the work from home more professional and efficient.

10 simple workarounds to enhance the work from home experience

1. Breath and organize your work: No matter how the day looks like, start your work with a few deep breaths. This relaxes your nerves. Make a checklist and complete the tasks for the day. Set a deadline. You are all set to face what the day has to unfold.

2. Exercise: Setting a daily exercise routine can be taxing. Take one baby step at a time. Start with 15 minutes of stretching or walking or take a jog. Once the routine sets in, you can work on the kind of workout that suits you best. Enroll yourself in a local gym if required. Give yourself the time to stretch. Awake yourself from the tiredness.

3. Complete important tasks: A common tendency is to complete chores between work. This, in the long run, gets into a habit and diverts your attention. It is a good practice to complete the necessary important household task before you sit down to work. Do not keep unfinished important task to address between your work schedule.

4. Dress for the day: Working from home does not come with a compliment of working in one’s pajamas. Get out of the bed and get ready to dress for the day. A well dressed “you” build in the confidence, cheers you up and refreshes you from inside out. Besides, find a well lit and ventilated place to work. Set your working table with the necessary accessories. Keep your laptop charged to avoid a shutdown on sudden power outage.

5. Keep a schedule: This can be the most challenging task to do. One can overdo the schedule or overlap the work time and the family and leisure time. One may also lose a sense of time while working from home. It is always a good practice to work on a regular schedule. It is alright to tweak it a little if required but, make sure you do not overdo it and blow it up completely. This sets in the required pattern and helps you concentrate on your other tasks.

6. Connect with your employer: Working from home requires more rapport building. At times working in isolation can draw you into a shell. Connect with your employer and the team (if there is one). Get involved with the team. Use communication tools to share work, lighter moment and experiences. Get to know your colleagues better.

7. Dedicated focus: Make sure you have a proper internet connection at home. Use technology to understand work more. Make use of Google hangouts, Web ex, Skype for video conferencing. Pay the most attention to work at hand and give it your complete focus. Work without distraction is less erroneous increasing the productivity of work.

8. Maintain transparency: Maintain work transparency. schedule the tasks you can do for the day. This makes it easy for your employer to allot task and expect the desired outcome. Keep your employer informed in case of unforeseen situations or unavoidable circumstances. This will build confidence and help you work better.

9. Take breaks: Working from home can get lonely at times. It is good to take intermediate small breaks to refresh your mind. Readout of the internet to update and educate you. This adds value to your work. Grab that sip of coffee! Look outside the window.

10. Walk the talk: One of the most faced challenges in work from home is the integrity of the person. It is very important to gain the trust of your employer for you to work in peace. The only way is through your work and how you handle and manage your time and work. Keep up your values. Be honest and walk the talk. Let the integrity in you, not rumble.

Companies are on the hunt for new talents and experienced people to add value to their business. Look for companies that work on the work from home or remote work business model. There are also websites offering work from home on a freelance or commission basis (if that is what you want to do). Discuss your payment terms for freelancing or a consultant profile. Choose the ones that suit you best and that fits into your schedule. Try various permutation and combinations and set your best foot forward. All the best :)