Taking Your Current Job Home

Over a decade ago, I was featured in Tory Johnson and Robyn Freedman Spizman's book "Will Work From Home." Many of the tips are still relevant today and in particular, chapter 3 - Taking Your Current Job Home - may be helpful to those of you who are new to remote work. 

Thanks to technology, virtual work is much easier today than it was when I started, but many of the same principles apply to make it effective, efficient, and enjoyable:

1) Dedicate Space - at first, working from the kitchen island will seem novel. However, especially with the kids and everyone else home, it isn't scalable. Find a space, preferably with a door, that you can make your own and have a decently low noise level for conference calls and meetings. (Once, when I moved homes, I found myself sitting on a hamper at a makeshift desk - but I had a door!)

2) Close The Door - one of the biggest challenges of working from home is to not only work. You have to "close the door" (even if that's just closing the laptop) at the end of the night and give yourself some sacred personal time. Otherwise, burnout will come fast and furious.

3) Set Office Hours - especially important for not having managers or clients overrun your entire life - and for letting kids, parents, spouses, and friends know that you're off limits during these times, sans emergency. Setting boundaries is vital as a remote employee.

4) Get Outside - even today, during this pandemic, we can get outside. Get up, go for a walk (especially since we can't / shouldn't go to the gym) even if it's just to the mailbox or around the block. (Just keep that six feet apart social distance). While it may seem counterproductive, especially if you're a Type A like me, it is actually going to keep you healthy, sane, and effective at your job. Managers, you may even consider instituting specific break times that allow employees to feel okay walking away for a half hour or so.

5) Consider A Stand Up Desk - I recommend this for any office environment in general, but you're in charge of your space now, so consider splurging on a desk that you can stand and work from - it helps both physically and mentally. (It's better than the island, I promise). I suggest one that is adjustable and there are plenty on Amazon and Staples.

6) No, You Don't Have To Dress Like You're At The Office - so many of the tips I've seen say "make sure you shower" (agree) and "dress like you're at the office" (disagree for every day). Yes, I recommend you get out of your PJs but there's nothing wrong with wearing your athleisure wear since you're going to do a lunchtime or post-workday workout, or you aren't video conferencing that day. Whatever makes you feel motivated yet comfortable. When I go to the office (usually a client's), I dress appropriately - working from home isn't going to change that. Today I had a video meeting with a half dozen colleagues and we were all in sweatshirts and workout gear - and we were super productive! But if you have a video call with the CEO or a client, sure, throw on a nice top and not a hooded sweatshirt. Working from home doesn't mean that you should lose common sense.

7) Don't Start Cocktail Hour Early - no, seriously. It's easy to think of grabbing a glass of wine and continuing to work but you don't want to risk any of those drunken tweets we've seen over the years, or make mistakes in your work. Keep the cocktails for your after hours relaxation reward.

As a remote worker for over 20 years, I've seen it all. From managing a client call while holding back barking dogs because the Fedex guy rang the doorbell, to kids being stuck at home for a week due to snow days and trying to keep them entertained while still working, to inspiring, motivating, and managing a virtual workforce while creating a positive remote culture. If I can help you with other ideas: tech, equipment, fengshui space, HR policies, etc. - reach out. I'm happy to share ideas.

Happy Home Working!