(Draft - Will update soon!)
Working from home affords many benefits to higher performance levels, increased work-life balance and cost-savings. Many people are working from home for the first time because of COVID-19. Others may be more seasoned remote workers. Whatever the circumstances, it is likely that working from home is playing a larger part in your life than ever before. This post offers good practices to adopt in the new mainstay of many small businesses and large companies.


1. Structure your workday
Structure and routine can be imperative towards preserving mental wellbeing when working from a remote basis. This means, where possible, make suitable adjustments to construct a home working environment. Creating a designated area for work can be conducive to effective working.There are a plethora of apps supporting this lifestyle with time-tracking, organisational and even motivational features. Ensure you plan out your emails and meals ahead of time and choose healthier food options over-processed and refined food.
2. Set and stick to a routine
In the absence of steady schedules, it can feel that the boundaries between work and personal time feel almost merged. Try to aim to maintain your regular sleep schedule and work patterns by getting up at the same time, making sure to eat breakfast and shower if necessary. You can spend this time reading, listening, writing or even exercising before the start of the day. When the workday draws to a close, you should aim to stop working. You could have a ritual such as leaving the room you were working in or sending a sign off message to your colleagues.
3. Establishing ground rules with others
Constructing and enforcing boundaries between other members from your household can be critical towards preserving your wellbeing at home. Make sure to set clear rules between your household to alert them of your expectations at work to avoid stress and moments of frustration. If it is difficult for you to manage domestic labour, make sure to communicate this concern to others. For example, tending towards service people, cooking for household members, doing grocery shopping and so forth.
4. Take breaks in their entirety
Do not short weight yourself when you have the chance to go on a break, especially during lunch hour. You can notify a colleague in a recent conversation, change your active status on a digital platform, use a time out app to lock yourself (although more on the extreme-end, you get the point). Your body needs to move so try to go outside at least twice during the week. Fresh air and natural light can definitely benefit your mood and wellbeing.
"Hackers will be exploiting the security vulnerabilities that come with remote work. When people are scared and isolated, it's much easier to target them because they are not using good cyber hygiene--it's the last thing they're often worried about in a panic." – Aleksandr Y.
— Trueblogposts (@trueblogposts) January 2, 2021
5. Be sure to ask for what you need
Your company or organization might offer the option to provide you with additional company resources such as a headset, mouse, keyboard and so on. Companies that are accustomed to remote workers typically have a budget for home office equipment. This might be on a rental basis so try to understand the implications for this. We should realise that working from home might be the new normal therefore it can be worthwhile to figure out ways to improve the way you work while from home.
6. Keep a dedicated workspace
Creating an effective work space is essential if you want to stay on track and get things done. If possible, try to find a quiet space away from people and distractions. Try to improve your organisation by getting everything you need together in one place, before you start work – chargers, pens, notebooks and anything else. Even in a small or shared space, try to designate an area to work. Invest in creating a good ergonomic set-up since you will be spending a large amount of time there. Be sure to get up and stretch and take eye breaks.
7. Stay connected with your colleagues
Many companies offer ‘digital coffee meetings’ or something of equivalence through Teams, Zoom and Skype. Try to push yourself to take the time to join in with these sessions. In remote team working, trust and transparency are vital so maintaining face-to-face human interaction will help. Make the time as well to maintain and cultivate relationships with your co-workers through transparency and clear communication. This can help to combat any sense of isolation, and promotes strong team bonds.
8. Attend meetings and be heard
Be sure to speak up during the meeting so that your coworkers are aware of your presence. Simply signing off the call with “Thank you, Speak to you soon.” at the end of the meeting can help your coworkers acknowledge you respectfully. It pays to contribute confidently in meetings. Instead of being silent, try to be bold in offering ideas and suggestions in virtual meetings or in discussions with your manager about working from home.
"If you work from home, especially in cold-climates, you can go days without going outside. Getting a snake plant, money tree or areca palm can make a big difference for your work space." – Michael Alexis
— Trueblogposts (@trueblogposts) January 2, 2021
9. Take time off to recharge
Nowadays, more employers are realising the benefits of their employees taking time off, especially as it can improve productivity over the long term. Taking annual leave does not have to be exclusive for going just on holidays, it can be taking the time off to prioritise your personal life and mental wellbeing. Research has shown that spending time with loved ones is important and can help prevent work-related stress and burnout. Taking some time away from being in ‘work-mode’ enables employees to return to work refreshed with mental clarity.
10. Keep an eye out for training opportunities
Being away from the office could mean that you are missing out on useful training and skill sessions that could help improve your productivity on tasks. Be sure to speak up and ask your coworkers to find out more about top-down training. You could also seek online training courses. Websites like Skillshare and Udemy offer a plethora of video tutorials which can help supplement your pre-existing knowledge.
11. Be reasonable and kind with yourself and others.
Make sure to keep a positive tone when messaging between co-workers. Due to less face time between people, it can be hard to interpret tone through writing short, succinct messages. On the flip-side, make sure to be kind to yourself. Try to be realistic with yourself and try to be realistic on what you can and cannot achieve. Do not reprimand yourself if you do not manage to accomplish and complete your tasks. We are all human and so we will make mistakes. Always remember to ask for help when you need it, too. Your manager will be less able to see if you're struggling, so let them know earlier rather than later.
12. Take advantage of the perks of remote work
Perhaps when we look into the future of remote work companies may not revert back to “business as usual” measures. The pandemic might be the tipping point which convinces people that flexible work is the correct path for the long haul. Taking these points into account, this is the harsh new reality at least for the short-term. From money savings, having more significant time with loved ones, working in cosy clothes, avoiding crowds and traffic - the perks are endless.
In conclusion
While working from home inevitably comes with challenges, there are many benefits too. Working from home can be a special and rewarding opportunity if you are able to come to terms with the pros and cons. Whether you are on a full-time contract or work only part-time, it can be great to avoid the daily grind at the office. That being said, there are many additional responsibilities which come at the price of working from home. If you ever feel overwhelmed or distressed, please ensure you speak to someone about it who may help. We are all trying to fight through this pandemic together.
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