How to Efficiently Work From Home

Work From Home (WFH) - sounds very easy to some and on the other hand, not so comfortable feeling for others. The work from home culture was not popular at least in most geographical regions, until a few years ago. It gained popularity amongst a few organizations and cultures in the recent years. I have been partially working from home, for quite a few years now. Though I do work from the office for a few hours every day, the significant chunk of my working time is from home.

It was challenging initially, as the people around me did not understand 'I was working'. Connectivity and rest of the infrastructure wasn't the best either. Though, technology has drastically advanced in the last couple years; still, at times, it adds extra pressure on you when you feel you are not able to produce the same results as you would do from the office.

In the current circumstances, during this tough time, the whole world is going through; there is a need for a lot of individuals and teams to work from home and collaborate remotely. WFH is not easy at all. It is essential to take care of ourselves and our teams, AND do justice to the business.

Having the infrastructure and other required setup is not the only thing which is needed to be successful while working from home. Here are a few key points, some of which, help us meet and surpass the expectations while working from within the office and become critical when we work from home.

Prepare for work: Since you likely will be working with the team, preparation is the key. Prepare for any conference calls, group meetings, discussions to ensure you get the information you are looking for and have prepared yourself to answer the questions others might have.

Be Disciplined: We work across the globe, with different time zones, especially if we are in the Technology and related businesses. It is crucial to find out the routine that works the best for you and the company. Plan around the time requirement, and you will be easily able to find the balance. It is also equally important to dress up appropriately for work. It would allow you to be prepared not only for the scheduled discussions but the adhoc\impromptu calls. It helps with the collaboration.

The team, including members from management, need to consider the fact that people are working from home and there might be some distractions. All need trust and patience. The results will flow.

Plan ahead and Document: It is vital to plan your day ahead of time. Share if at all possible, with the stakeholders and members of your team. Planning your work for the day and the week would allow you to keep track of the time. Additionally, plan your personal and family time accordingly. Both family and work need your attention.

Suitable place for work: When you are working, you are working. Find a comfortable place where you can work without much distraction. Attempt to keep it separate from your living area and the rest of the family activity. Doing that would allow you to sit for work and get up for a break. It is a nice feeling and keeps you refreshed. Keeping laptops on the laps, on the bed etc. is disturbing for you as well as the family. Find a good table where you can sit and work as if you would do from the office.

Follow the process: The need to follow the processes and procedures is essential generally but become critical when you are working remotely. It keeps the flow going and stakeholders informed. There are a lot of businesses who have proper processes in place to succeed. Follow the defined procedures, and you will be a contributor to the success of your team.

Be sensitive to the business and the family as well: You cannot do much without the support of your family. Understand that when you are working, your parents, spouse, kids might not be working. Be sensitive to the needs of the family while picking your desk. This way, you would be able to focus and do justice to work and also feel a sense of achievement. It would save you and your team's time and energy.

Take the needed breaks: Work is important, and so is your health. Do take the needed but informed breaks. It helps.

There are times when we work round the clock based on our business needs. However, no one can do that forever. Being busy is not being productive. The goal is to be productive for the business and taking care of ourselves is equally essential for us to succeed.

During this tough time for the entire world, please be at home, be safe and allow yourself to take care of your business and your personal needs.