5 Tips for Working from Home

All the Best Tips. None of the Judgment.

Whether you’re new to the remote life or a seasoned vet, here are a few best practices I’ve found to really work during my WFH journey over the last 20+ years.

Please note, there's absolutely no judgment here in how you work from home … especially right now as we are dealing with the global pandemic. If you’re not super motivated right now, that’s okay! However, if you find yourself continually lacking motivation, try out some of these tips and see if they help with your productivity.

1) Use Mindset Tricks to Get Ahead

• Create a Daily Routine — Just like you'd have at a regular job, this will help you get into a groove. Set a schedule to help stay on track and find some sense of normalcy.

• Make your Bed as Soon as You Wake Up — Not only will you gain a sense of accomplishment, but the bed will now seem less alluring, and you’ll be less likely to crawl back in and take a nap later.

• Shower and Get Dressed for the Day — You’ll find that you’re more productive if you’re out of your pajamas. Plus, if someone asks to do a video call or meeting (once this all blows over), you’ll be ready!

• Be Mindful of your Energy Levels and Plan Accordingly — If you’re not a morning person, shift your more challenging tasks and responsibilities to the afternoon. Vice versa if you’re an early bird. Know your body and work with it.

• Get Out at Least Once a Day—Think coffee, lunch, errands, etc. While that may be tough right now with stay-at-home orders, you could take a walk around the block or set up virtual meetings!

2) Train Yourself

• Treat your Job Like a Job Not a Hobby — While it may be comfier at home, try to keep the same mindset you had at work instead of thinking you’re on staycation.

• Set Office Hours and Stick to Them — Now that you’re working from home, you need to become your own boss. Work the same hours you did before to help with productivity.

• Establish Policies and Procedures — Determine how you’ll handle different situations, like if someone calls you after working hours or wants to schedule a meeting on the weekend.

• Put Systems into Place — Establish a process for each task and project. Note contacts, budgets and deadlines. Make sure everything runs like a well-oiled machine.

• Use Virtual Tools to Make Things Easier — Consider options for conference calls, project management, time tracking, scheduling, transferring files, and signing documents.

3) Train Your Family & Friends

• Train Loved Ones on How You Want to be Treated — Not to compare people to animals, but it’s kind of like training a pet! You teach them what is and isn’t acceptable. Share expectations before it becomes a problem.

• Ask Them Not to Bother You During Working Hours — Consider hanging a Do Not Disturb sign on your office door and ask loved ones not to bother you unless it’s an emergency.

• Schedule Personal Calls, Socializing, Etc., for Lunchtime or After Hours — As much as we’re all trying to keep in touch right now, even remotely, these instances are best done during non-work hours if you want to focus.

• Put Off Responding to Non-Urgent Messages, Too — Do this with texts, calls, even social media to stay focused and on task. If you do this regularly, chances are, loved ones will get the memo.

• Establish Boundaries to Get Work Done — Your friends and family members might not understand at first, but if you stick with the boundaries, they’ll soon learn what is and isn’t acceptable.

4) Maintain Professionalism

• Get Dressed in Work Clothes — While comfy, lounging in pj's or sweats might not give off the most professional image. Put yourself in the right mindset, be ready for any video conference that may pop up and (bonus!) sound more attentive on the phone.

• Put Yourself Together — Shower, do your hair and make-up (if applicable), put on jewelry (even simple studs or hoops can make a huge difference), just like if you were going to work or meeting clients.

• Work at a Desk or Table — Ensure good posture and maintain a working mindset. This will prevent your voice from sounding like you’re lounging on phone calls AND help with motivation.

• Find a Quiet Space to Work — This will help you stay focused AND keep any noise from kids, partner, roommate, TV or pets from being heard … for productivity and for phone calls and video conferences. 

• Consider your Environment when Doing Video Calls — Try to find a spot that’s not cluttered, has a plain wall, or that’s nicely decorated and not distracting. Find good lighting next to a window or direct lamps to light up your face.

5) Take Care of Yourself

• Keep your Physical and Mental Health Top Priorities — Make sure to get enough rest and exercise. Meditate, eat healthily, do yoga, get outside and soak up some Vitamin D … whatever it is that gives you energy and helps you recharge.

• Don’t Forget to Take Breaks — Carve out time to step away from the computer, eat lunch, grab coffee, or make a phone call. Your body needs nutrients and rest to function well.

• Take Advantage of Any Downtime — Use this opportunity to get caught up on things such as organizing, cleaning, writing articles, listening to podcasts, and finally getting to those projects you keep putting off.

• Look for Ways to Diversify your Income — Consider other offerings in addition to your mainstay. Productize your service, if applicable. Create packages. Teach an online class or host a webinar. Write a book. 

• Instill Work/Life Balance — Set office hours and stick to them. Reserve non-working hours for “me time” to relax, spend however you like, or with family and friends.

  Got any other tips to add? Sound off below! Or DM privately.

  Stay healthy and safe out there, friends.