Years after the COVID-19 lockdowns, working from home remains popular. Whether you’ve been doing it for weeks, months, or years, there’s always room for improvement. Could your home office setup or daily work-from-home routine use an upgrade?
Here are a few tips if you’re looking to refresh your work-from-home setup or get started for the first time.
Establish a Dedicated Workspace
The sustainability of remote or hybrid working relies on how well you separate your personal and professional lives. It’s difficult to do this mentally when your workspaces are the same as your living spaces. If you have the room, create a dedicated zone for work. This space can improve productivity and help you keep more healthy boundaries.
A separate room is ideal, but a quiet corner can work. Spending your working day on the sofa or hunched over the dining table is rarely conducive to concentration and quality work. Invest in ergonomic furniture and equipment if you haven’t already, too. Screens should be at eye level to avoid shoulder and neck pain, while a chair with lumbar support helps protect your back.
Keep Regular Working Hours
As the lines between work and personal life blur, your sense of time tends to do the same. Outline and stick to consistent work hours and routines to maximise productivity. You’ll also find it easier to maintain that all-important work-life balance and avoid burnout.
Communicate your work schedule to colleagues and family members to minimise disruptions. Be intentional with your time at work—focus on doing what you need to do so you can fully switch off when you finish. Wasting your work time eats into your personal time.
Prioritise Cybersecurity at Home
Never neglect cybersecurity at home. Hackers value your information, as well as that of your customers, clients, and companies. Only use a secure, encrypted Wi-Fi network—most private home broadband networks fit the bill. The danger usually comes from unsecured public networks like those in cafes and shops.
Your passwords should consist of numbers, letters, and random symbols. Setting up two-factor authentication adds another layer of security if anyone tries to gain access to your accounts. If you need to use public networks, or want to boost your overall cybersecurity, consider using a VPN. Leading providers offer advanced technology and robust security features. Be sure to read VPN reviews, like those for NordVPN, before making your choice.
Maintain Clear and Regular Communication
Working from home shouldn’t detract from your ability to work with others. It’s even more important to make the effort to communicate when you can’t meet your team face-to-face. Stay in touch with direct messaging between regular calls, where everyone gets some virtual face time.
Different communication platforms, like Microsoft Teams, have features to aid remote teams. Take advantage of statuses, integrated calendars, and group chats to stay connected and keep track of everyone’s activities. Speak up if you’re having issues or struggling with working from home—employers should have processes in place to help.
Remote and hybrid working should make your life easier, not harder. Set things up the right way and enjoy the freedom that comes with skipping the daily commute.
