Working from home might sound like a fun and relaxing way to do your job, but many people who switch to working from home find it surprisingly difficult. In addition to finding the right tools, you also have to make sure you have the motivation and focus needed to get work done without a professional environment. According to experienced at-home workers, here are some of the things you should do to make the experience as effective and enjoyable as possible.

Set Up a Home Workspace

You don't necessarily need an entire, traditional home office, but it is important to have a space where you can get into work mode that's fully equipped with everything you need for your job. For most modern spaces, your home office needs to be a computer and a place you can comfortably sit without back or shoulder strain. If possible, spring for a second monitor, so you can display reference materials, data, and employee conversations in an easy to access location. Depending on your job, you may want to make sure you can remotely access your work computer, so you can get the software you need to complete your tasks.

work from home

Work From Home by Ghani Pradita

Set Defined Goals

When you do not have strict boundaries, it can be hard to actually get work done. The best way to make sure you are still being efficient is to give yourself goals to meet each day. The right type of goal will depend on both your job and your personality. Some people do better with task oriented goals, such as getting a certain number of accounts serviced or finishing a specific amount of support tickets each day. Others find it easiest to go with time based goals, like working for two hours then taking a 30 minute lunch break.

Find a Secure Way to Access Data

Since most modern remote workers will still be accessing a lot of sensitive data, you need to make sure your data is secure. Often, the best way of handling security will be remote desktop software. This lets you securely access your work computer, so you can get all the information you need without having to send details over a public network. You should also make sure you are connected to a trusted Wifi network and use a strong password and wireless encryption whenever possible.

Follow a Routine

It's easy to fall into a trap of days spent aimlessly binging television, munching on snacks, and doing a bit of work here and there. However, you will find that it is hard to get things done, and you just end up feeling aimless all the time. Having a set routine to follow can make you feel better and work more efficiently. Make an effort to get a full night's sleep and eat meals at set times each day. Designate times for work, times for breaks, and times to close all your work devices for the day. This makes it easier to differentiate between work and home life.

Discover Communication Methods That Work

An important part of working from home is making sure you can still connect with coworkers and clients. Email is an old mainstay, but it is not always the most effective way. For quick chats with coworkers, consider a messaging system like Discord, Whatsapp, or Slack. You may also want to set up a video chat, which adds a more personal touch to meetings and helps you more clearly convey what you are trying to say.

With these tips, you can make sure you stay on task and get the job done.

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