Ever since the pandemic hit in 2020, the move towards remote work has been truly groundbreaking. Suddenly, large parts of the population worked from home with no preparation and it's almost surprising how quickly we adapted and made it work! (no pun intended). And we have learned so much since! Successful remote work is an art that goes beyond having a laptop and a reliable internet connection. It's about finding a balance between your work responsibilities and personal wellbeing. In this article, I will share seven tips for managing your work from home, whether it's every day or as part of a hybrid arrangement.
1. Cultivate a Dedicated Workspace
One important key lies in creating an environment for productivity. This is important both in terms of practicality, but also in psychological terms. This space should serve as a haven for concentration and efficiency and as you use it every day, you will condition yourself to feel productive in that space. If you don't have room for a dedicated work area, make little adjustments at the beginning and end of your work day.
For example, grab your laptop, set out a glass of water, get your headphones, move any lights around that you will need for conference calls, etc. At the end of the workday, do the reverse: Remove your work items, set out a candle or vase on the table, and change the lighting. This could even extend to yourself. Just like when you commute to work, change into a set of work clothes and then change again at the end of the workday. If the dresscode at your job is very casual, pick a few dedicated work clothes. I know of people who put on high heels or other 'good' shoes for conference calls from home because it makes them feel so much more professional.
2. Stick to a Routine
Working from home can be such a blessing because we have more flexibility to do things like interact with family members, run the washing machine, accept a delivery, etc. Things that wouldn't normally be possible while at work. On the other hand, this shouldn't get out-of-hand, since humans thrive on routines, and having a well-structured work routine acts as a reliable anchor. It's essential to establish working hours and to stick to them. This routine should also extend to your breaks, meals, and maybe exercise. Consider replacing your commute with a walk or bike ride before or after work, to help you transition. Ultimately, it's about finding a rhythm that allows your mind and body to strike a balance, between work and personal life.

3. Embrace Technology, But Don't Be a Slave to It
When it comes to work technology, it can be your ally, but if not handled properly, it can easily turn into a burden. Make the most of technology to boost your productivity by suing task management apps, collaborative platforms, and digital communication tools. However, it is essential to set boundaries.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia conducted a study to examine how frequent email checking affects wellbeing. The study lasted two weeks. During one week, participants were allowed to check their email only three times per day. During the other week, there were no constraints. All participants took part in both conditions. They reported lower stress levels and higher satisfaction in the week when they got to check their email only three times a day. So, it's crucial to develop discipline in how and when you use technology.
4. Over-Communicate
Not being physically present can create communication challenges. It's important to prioritize communication to avoid any gaps. Have you noticed how, when in a physical office, people chitchat before a meeting starts, but online, most just use the time to check their emails? So much information that is important for team cohesion gets lost in remote work because we do not make room for informal communication. This is also very challenging for managers who find it much harder to assess how their team is doing.
Experiment with ways to get together and interact. Take opportunities for informal conversation. Get together with colleagues for online coffee breaks.
5. Take Meaningful Breaks
Taking breaks is not just helpful, it's essential! Seriously. Pauses refresh the body and the mind and you'll get more work done afterwards. The trick is to not do the exact kind of thing during your break as you do during your work. So if work entails looking at a screen, try to limit that during your break. Make some tea, look out the window (or step into the garden briefly, if you have one). My experience is that when working remotely, people need more frequent but shorter breaks. This is especially true for online meetings, so try if your team can develop a culture of taking a 5-minute break every 45-60 minutes. You'd be amazed how much less draining online meetings are that way.
6. Continuous Learning and Upgrading Skills
The remote work environment is constantly changing and getting good at remote work is a skill that can be learned and improved. Make sure you keep yourself informed about the trends, tools, and practices, and regularly try out new ones to see if they work for you. Talk to others about what they've experienced. Embracing learning and adaptability is not only about staying competitive; it's about thriving in an ever-changing professional world.
Conclusion
Becoming proficient in remote work requires finding a balance between discipline, technology, communication, and self-care. By implementing these strategies you can confidently improve your wellbeing as well as your productivity.
Sylvia Broetje, PhD Industrial / Organizational Psychologist and Career Counselor
Reference
University of British Columbia: Study on Email Checking: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0747563214005810
Credit: The image was created with DALL·E
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