I know this may be a tired topic….or maybe not….but I have worked from home for over 18 years so I may have a thing to two to say about it. And one important thing to remember is that it is a continual learning process. You are continually learning what works best for you…so roll with it and make changes along the way to suit your work from home style that makes you the most productive while maintaining a healthy balance between your personal and professional lives.
Working from home is something I LOVE! And honestly, I think it would be incredibly difficult to have to work from an office every day. If that happens for me as I transition into a new gig, I will let you know how it goes.
Working from home has many many pros and, in my opinion, few cons. Now I do live alone so I know that makes things a tad easier for me to manage. Most important for working from home is discipline and structure. Below you will find my tips and some comments as well.
- Have a proper space or home office if possible. This allows you to close the door, walk away and be at home not at work. I was speaking with a friend who has recently transitioned, as so many have, to working from home. She started on her kitchen table! This is not a good set-up at all because it is always right there. And you feel as though you never leave work. With all of the technology we have today, we are able to certainly have a tablet at the kitchen table and work from various areas but having a dedicated space is really key.
- Exception: I do love to work from my couch in front of the fire – coffee in hand – on a cold winter morning. And during milder temperatures, I will work on my back deck or front porch as well.
- Exception: Some find it really helpful to work from a coffee shop to fight off the “lonelies”. I don’t do that often but I know many who feel they are most productive in this type of environment. Due to COVID-19, now may not be the best time to try it out, but keep this in mind.
- Determine your most productive time and work on projects during that time. The beauty of working from home is that you can work anytime. The problem with working from home is that you can work anytime. You have to be disciplined. And if you find the hours between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. are best for you, crank it out during those hours and then hit your workout or meditation at 9 a.m.
- Exception: You have to attend those virtual meetings even if they are in your “productive” time.
- You will be amazed at your productivity. Working from home allows you to really focus with fewer distractions than you naturally have working in an office. You may have to manage your little office mates (children). I have colleagues who put a sign on their office door indicating if it is ok for interruptions or not. Find a system that works for you so you can minimize disruptions at home from littles, significant others, or roomies.
- Exception: Be sure you are not isolating. Collaboration is still imperative and some of that cannot be accomplished without meeting times – virtual or otherwise. And not everything can be communicated with an email. Pick up the phone!
- Walk away! Don’t forget to shut it off. Spend time “after hours” with your family or friends. Avoid burnout by keeping work hours versus working all of the hours.
- Exception: You work with a west coast company and there is an important call after dinner……you take the call. There will likely be times when we have to show up at the odd hours. There will also be times when you have started your day at 6 a.m. and ended it late so don’t feel guilty when you a break for a sweat session or a longer than average lunch.
- Take breaks for meals as you are able. Leave your “office” for lunch even if it is to go downstairs for lunch in your own kitchen. You do not need to work during lunch or breakfast. It is helpful to take a quick break while you eat lunch or have a snack.
- Exception: You may choose to use your lunch hour to watch a webinar or read an article you have wanted to read. However, do not feel an obligation to do so.
- The office snacks and coffee are likely way better when working from home. And you will save money and likely some calories too!
- Exception: You may miss your lunch or happy hour with your favorite buddies from work! Make a plan to meet up on a regular basis. You don’t have to give this up!
- Dress Code: Let’s face it – this work from home dress code is amazing! Lululemon has made a fortune off of the work from home crowd for years…..specializing in fitness apparel that can be easily transitioned from the gym to lunch with friends. I would recommend getting dressed at some point during the day whether it is casual or yoga casual. It is just a good idea. And some colleagues I know get dressed properly versus being super casual. Whatever makes you feel good, do it!
- Exception: Damn the Zoom meetings. I get it, but in all of my days of working from home, this was NOT a thing. So I could pop onto a call post workout and be just fine. I do feel the bar has been set higher with virtual meetings where you have to actually show yourself. But hey, it doesn’t hurt to put on a little mascara and lipgloss and take off that ball cap. Hell, you may even want to wash your hair!
When working from home, most individuals work longer hours and are more productive. Most of us struggle with turning it off rather than finding it tough to be disciplined. The benefits are that you are able to be a little more flexible with other things in your life like work-outs, laundry, taking your littles for their first day of school or joining them for lunch, haircuts, banking….the list goes on. Most individuals working from home work longer hours than the 40-hour work week. My advice is to ultimately get the work done but find balance too. Treat yourself to a longer lunch on Fridays! Take your favorite lunchtime yoga class midweek. The shift many are making today to working from home is likely stressful as evidenced by social media. The shift has also been complicated by accommodating child care as well as virtual learning. While it is not easy at the moment, working from home is a perk. Try to find the positives and work through the challenges as they come. I think you will love it!!
