WFH 101: Five Essential Tips For Successful Remote Working

Working from home is a dream for some people, with no tiresome commute, no packed lunches, and the company of your cat or dog all day.  But it can also present some challenges, with plenty of distractions to stop you from hitting those deadlines, and the blurring of boundaries between work and home life.

To make remote working work for you, here are some top suggestions.

Plan out your work schedule

It can be easy to fall into the trap of working in an unstructured way, where you are not keeping an eye on how long you are spending on each task, and working longer hours as a result. Plan out your working week so that you are spending an allotted amount of time on a task, and giving equal attention to everything that you need to do.

If need be, set your own deadlines and make to-do lists so that you can see at a glance where you are up to. Some people like to use online time management tools, and others prefer to simply keep track of their work with pen and paper; whatever works best for you.

Have a dedicated work space

Working from home can be difficult when you might have distractions to tempt you away from the computer screen. If you are not able to have a room to yourself for an office, zone off an area of the living room or kitchen that you use just for working and let other family members know that you are not to be disturbed.

Dress as you would for an office

Our outfit can also be a psychological signal that puts your brain into work mode. Some people find that dressing in smart office clothes rather than working in their PJs helps to put them in the right frame of mind, and is also handy if you are sprung with an unexpected Zoom meeting. 

Schedule in regular breaks 

If you have workaholic tendencies and no co-workers to keep you in check, you might be tempted to plough on through lunchtime and well into the evening. However, it’s important to take breaks to get some fresh air, exercise, or a bite to eat. This will allow you to refresh your mind and will help you to work at your best and most productive.

Have a change of scene

No matter how much you enjoy working from home, a change of scene where you can have some friendly interaction with other people is important now and then. Coffee shops that offer free Wi-Fi access are a favourite for remote workers, especially when they have decent specialty coffee and tasty lunch menus on offer!

You may even get to know a gang of regular remote workers which can be a morale booster on days when you are feeling a little bit cut off from it all. If you are an extrovert who thrives on social interaction, this is especially important. 

If you prefer a quieter environment but still want a change, look for a table in the corner where you will be undisturbed, and maybe invest in some noise cancelling headphones for those times when you need to really focus.