Do you find yourself working from home now?

Almost overnight, desk and conference rooms have transitioned to dining tables and couches. As RCN Technologies and businesses around the world are adapting to working remotely, I wanted to share some of my thoughts about working from home from over a decade of experience working for companies remotely. Heck, I even worked remotely at my own company by living in Wisconsin while the majority of my team was in Las Vegas. With the fact in front of us that we will be working remotely for the foreseeable future, I wanted to give you five of my top work from home tips. The mental association you make between work and an office can make you more productive.

Pretend you’re going to the office.

Get up at the same time. Take a shower and get dressed. For me, I wouldn’t wear sweats to the office so I won’t wear them at my home office either. This includes Batman robes too, Nick. 

I used to leave my house and get a coffee from Starbucks and bring it to the “office” with me. I did this as kind of a brain trick to leave for work. While you can’t leave your house, you can still set up a routine to symbolize going to work. Maybe a quick walk around the block, similar to parking your car and walking to the building.

Create a separate and designated work area.

Just because you’re not working at your office doesn’t mean you can’t, well, have an office. Try to avoid rooms you typically use for leisure time or hanging your clothes in. Sitting on the couch is a killer for me. That’s where I watch half of a movie before falling asleep. Ideally, a separate room would be best. But not everyone can make that happen. If you need to work from the dining room or living room set yourself up for success by carving out a corner or even taking over the room.

Make sure you have all your regular work tools.

For instance, if you have dual monitors at the office, try to have the same thing at your home office too.

Use all of your communication tools.

The phone is great but we have Microsoft Teams too, which is an incredible tool for us internally and externally to have one on one meetings as well as group calls like we did on Monday. It’s easy to go days without seeing your co-workers or possibly even talking to them. Use the video option whenever you can. It’s a great way to feel more connected and prove to Geoff you’re not working from your bed. Just kidding, I know none of us would do that. I also know Geoff would not just spontaneously call you to check-in and catch you in your jammies.

Make a plan and share it with a co-worker

It’s hard to adjust to all the freedom that comes with working from your home office. It’s easy to get distracted by things around the house and end up being less productive then you would be at the office. Kristin and I have both commented we often feel less productive when we're in Knoxville because it’s not our norm and our day is filled with distractions.  Your change in scenery is filled with distractions.  Give this a try to stay on task, at the end of the day write down what you want to accomplish the next day. It doesn’t need to be a super long list. It’s not a competition but this gives you a good clear measurable plan. You can even take it one step further and share the list with someone you work with so you have some accountability.

Well, there you have it- Five of my Work From Home tips.  I hope you enjoy and find them useful. I wouldn’t mind hearing some of your new-found or tried and true tips too.