6 Tips to Work from Home This Spring

As companies are pivoting to remote work to keep employees and customers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, many workers are having to tackle the challenges of working from home. If you are starting to work from home for the first time or looking for a refresher, these tips are designed to help you stay productive and maintain work/life balance without leaving the house.

Establish Your Own Space to Work from Home

If possible, set aside a space for work only. A room with a door is ideal, as it helps to further separate your family space and workspace. Set boundaries with everyone in your home to establish this separate space, and avoid doing work or video conferencing outside of that area. Keep your work area free from clutter and treat it as you would your office. 

Create a Schedule

Keep your days at home as close to your normal workday as you can to help make the transition to work from home smoother. Creating a schedule for you and your children can help your day to be both productive and balanced. Tracking your tasks and productivity can further tailor your day and allow you to spend time with your loved ones and your job without feeling stressed. 

Communicate Clearly

When you work from home, it can be difficult to communicate the same as you would in the office. All team leads and employers should establish team goals and communication methods. Use a dedicated communication platform with regularly scheduled meetings and be clear and concise when discussing workload, deadlines, and individual flexibility. Create a company calendar for all of your employees and set aside time during video conferences and meetings to catch up as you would around the water cooler and talk about pets, family, or more fun topics. 

Keep It Professional

Having to work from home means sometimes feeling too comfortable, as maintaining professionalism is difficult when stepping on LEGOs on your walk to the office! Don’t be afraid to ask your employer for help if you need tools to help you work more efficiently. Keep an open dialogue with your employer and supervisors about any obstacles you’re facing. Teamwork is key for a successful work from home arrangement.

Take a Break

Just like you take a lunch break at your office, make sure you take a break when working from home. Breaks help you to stay mentally and physically refreshed during the day. 

Stay Positive

Finally, don’t get discouraged. The transition to work from home is hard. Don’t be too hard on yourself, and take time to enjoy the perks of working from home.