While working from home, we learned a lot

While working from home, we learned a lot.

Around March 2020, more individuals than ever before began working from home, and it happened almost overnight. Organizations and individuals didn't have time to plan for remote work or consider how to transfer teams, processes, and culture to an online-only workplace.

Working from home necessitates figuring out when to work, where to work, and how to draw a line between business and personal life. What about office supplies, professional development, training opportunities, and forming bonds with coworkers?

Based on my experience and what I've learned from others, here are some recommendations for enjoying a better and more productive remote-work life.

Stick to a schedule

Make a timetable and stick to it. Many remote workers find that having clear boundaries for when to work and when to call it a day helps them maintain a work-life balance.

Automatic time-tracking tools, allow you to check in on whether you're on track. They can also assist you figure out when you're most productive and when you're most sluggish. You can take advantage of this information by reserving the hours when you're most likely to complete challenging tasks.

Establishing a morning routine

It's one thing to decide to sit down at your desk and begin working at a specific hour. Another is to develop a routine that helps you get into the chair.

When it comes to getting yourself out of bed each day, a routine can be more effective than a clock.

It could be brewing a cup of coffee before getting started on your to-do list. It could be getting dressed or returning home after a workout. Look for an established routine to use as your signal, such as brushing your teeth or returning from a dog walk.

Establish ground rules with the people who will be in your space.

Establish ground rules with other people who live in your house or who share your workspace.

If your children are learning at home or returning home from school while you are still working, they will need clear guidelines about what they can and cannot do during that time. You may have to discuss quiet hours, meeting times, and any shared equipment, such as desks and chairs if you share a place with another adult who works from home.

Get out for a walk

Get out of the house and move your body to the degree that it is permissible and safe during the pandemic. Your body need activity and blood circulation to function properly. Furthermore, the fresh air and natural light will benefit you. Step outside for at least a few minutes before, during, and after your working hours, if possible.

Don't be afraid to request what you want

Request the equipment you need as soon as you start working from home, or within a few days of realizing you need something new, if you're employed by a firm or organization that supports your work-from-home arrangement.

Talk with coworkers

Loneliness, connection, and isolation are all challenges that extroverts face when working remotely. Companies with a remote work culture frequently provide opportunities for socialization. For example, they could use a team messaging system like Microsoft Teams to create channels for discussing mutual interests or scheduling events for folks in the same area.

Establish a routine at the end of the day

Create a habit that signifies the end of the workday, just as you should start your day with a routine. It allows you to disconnect from your work.

In conclusion, determine what works best for you first and foremost.

So, what are your WFH habits?