Working from Home? Here's Where to Start
By Ellie Hearne
Working from home is a privilege - though the ongoing public-health emergency can understandably make it feel like anything but.
And even when it’s done on our own terms, working from home can hinder productivity. Put another way, it’s easy to be folding laundry and catching up on podcasts by 11am.
With thousands of businesses opting to send their workforces home, how can each of us make the most of a less-than-ideal situation? How can we get stuff done - at home? And without going stir crazy?
Image: Getty Images.
First, the basics. Find a quiet spot and set up your workspace. Now, it’s well-documented that I’m a realist when it comes to these things, so consider a nearby cafe or co-working space if getting work done at home is a pipe dream. (Pro tip: be sure to actually order coffee or food if you go to a cafe - small businesses are being hit especially hard by coronavirus… And nobody likes seeing laptops and long-empty cups when arriving for a latte.)
The key to productive home-working? Boundaries and structure - precisely the two things most work-from-home setups lack. So, ask yourself:
What are your priorities for the day? Take a minute to consider this and make a (short) list. What do you want to have achieved by the end of the day?
When will you be working? “All day” - of course. But you’re at home, so plan to spend pockets time of time on other things. Maybe it’s a coffee or tea break and walk around the block, maybe it’s getting that laundry done and listening to a podcast. But your work time will be more productive if you plan for breaks, vs taking them impromptu.
Communicate. This is important all day and every day. But particularly if you and your team are new to remote working, consider having a team touch-base early in the day. Beyond getting on the same page about work, you’ll benefit from connection with other humans - especially given the stresses of the ongoing public-health emergency.
There are a raft of video and chat tools available - but they’re only as good as the meetings you have on them. Here’s our list of musts for meetings. Do yours pass muster?
It’s necessary - it adds something that can’t be achieved by email or Slack. (Human connection is important, too, and can’t really be achieved via instant message.)
It has a clear goal or agenda that’s stated at the start of the meeting.
It starts on time. It (ideally) ends early.
It includes only people whose presence is necessary. Anyone else on the guestlist knows their presence is optional.
It’s never dominated by one or two voices - and everyone present contributes something of value.
It ends with clear action items, each with an “owner” assigned.
For more on our approach to making remote work, work, go here - or shoot us an email. We provide coaching, workshops, and consulting - in person and remotely.