Going from working in an office to working at home is a massive change, especially if you’re not sure where to start. Here are five ways to make working from home more efficient.
Act like you’re going to the office.
When working in an office, you get up every morning and get ready for the day. Whatever your routine is, it’s undeniable that a morning routine gets you in a work mindset and prepares you to be productive. If you’re making the switch to work from home, keeping up with the same routine will help you to get ready for your workday.
Rather than lounge around in pajamas all day and working in bed, try to shower, eat a healthy breakfast, and dress in a clean outfit. Preparing for your workday is essential no matter where you’re working, and treating remote work as seriously as an in-office job will help you to get more done throughout the day.
Set up a designated workspace.
Having a specific space to do your work will also help with productivity. Whether you work better in your home office, at a coffee shop, or in your backyard, if you stick to the same workspace and prepare yourself properly for each day, you’ll be a successful remote employee. As long as you have the little things like wi-fi and you stick to a steady schedule, you can work anywhere that’s the best choice for you.
Equip your house with smart technology.
Aside from smart assistants like Alexa or the Google Assistant, there are several other ways smart technology can help make working at home more comfortable. One useful tool is smart home lights, which you can control from an app on your smart device, or even hook to your smart assistant through voice control. With smart lights, you can change the color temperature or light bulb colors to help you stay focused. If brighter lights help you stay on task, adjust your smart light bulbs from your phone. The app can also be a dimmer switch for your smart bulbs to turn down the lights at the end of the day.
Other tools that are useful for working at home are smart plugs, security cameras, and smart speakers. Noise-canceling headphones are also helpful to help you keep on task and block out any noise your family members make. There are many types of smart technology you can use to help make your workspace at home more comfortable.
Stay connected.
If you miss the sense of community that comes with working in an office that’s not a part of your home, you can connect with your coworkers virtually. Zoom conferences, Slack messaging, or even old-fashioned phone calls are all ways you can stay in touch with your peers. It’s also good to keep in contact with your coworkers in case you have any questions about your work or if you need help with a project. Technology is so widely accessible these days that it’s easier than ever to stay connected to the people you work with and maintain your relationships.
Find online resources.
If you need more specific advice for adapting to working from home, consider using additional online resources. Many free websites offer advice on how to work remote, or you can pay for unlimited access to more comprehensive guides with input from experts. Wherever you go to get extra information, there are helpful tips for everyone.
If you find yourself thinking more about working from home rather than going to the office every day, make sure you have all the technology and tools you need to help you succeed. As long as you stick to a routine and stay connected with your coworkers, you can successfully work anywhere.
