Once you’ve gotten your boss to let you work from home, there are still problems to deal with. There are a lot of things that could go wrong and get in your way.
Here are some of the best ways to work from home that will help you stay calm and productive while you learn the ropes.
1. Set up a separate area to work
One of the most prevalent problems with working from home is that it’s hard to tell the difference between home and work. If you don’t keep the two separate, the lines may start to blur. One easy way to avoid this is to set up a separate workspace for when you’re freelancing. This might be as simple as putting a little desk in your living room or as complicated as setting up a home office in a different part of your house.
2. Get the right tools for the job
Depending on what you do for a living, you’ll need different tools at home. Think about what you need to have at work right now. Write down everything you’ll need. Think about what technology you need to complete the job every day. In addition to a reliable Wi-Fi connection and your work laptop, there are a number of tools that can help you work from home and may even make you more productive. Look into these options to see how you might be able to get more done when you’re not at work.
Things you could need for your home office
It’s important to have the right tools for the job in addition to the right technologies. You should always have enough non-tech things on hand in case something goes wrong.
3. Plan your time
A hidden benefit of working in an office is the habit you establish. People do best when they have a schedule and things are in order. Don’t let your new job as a remote worker get you off track. You can get the most out of your day by making a schedule. You should still get up, get ready, and eat breakfast at the same time every day. This method can assist you mentally get ready to start your workday and get rid of your weariness.
4. Set your limits.
Setting limits is one of the hardest parts of working from home. It’s hard not to want to meet a friend for lunch or take your dog for a walk when you’re at work. Let everyone in your life know what hours you work and that you won’t be available during those hours. This is also true when it comes to setting limits with your boss and employment. Working from home doesn’t mean you have to work outside of your typical hours. Set a specific time each day to stop working and stick to it. When the clock strikes, turn off your computer and go home for the day.
5. Work when you’re at your best.
One hidden perk of working from home is that you don’t have to stick to regular office hours. This lets you pick your own hours based on when you do your best work.
Don’t go crazy and work from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., but do schedule your hours properly. Plan out your day ahead of time to help you stay on track. If you know you’re a morning person, start your work early in the morning when you’re most productive. Just tell your colleagues when you’re working and add those times to your communication tools like Google Calendars or Slack.
6. Use time-blocking methods
Time blocking is a way to manage your time by setting up big blocks of time on your calendar for specified tasks each day. All you have to do is open your calendar app and add a new event. This is helpful for remaining on track and letting your coworkers know what you’re working on. Set aside some time on your calendar when you don’t have anything planned. You can take a break to think, eat, or walk around. You don’t want to overbook yourself, but you do want to set some limits where you can. Finding the right balance is key.
