Tips on Working Remote!

Summary

The speaker shares valuable tips for effective remote work, emphasizing the importance of establishing a routine, self-care, and a dedicated workspace. They highlight the need for ergonomic equipment, intentional breaks, and clear boundaries. Additionally, they stress the significance of time management, efficient communication, and seeking support when needed, to maintain productivity and a healthy work-life balance while working from home.

Takeaways

• 😀 Establish a routine to differentiate between personal and work life when working from home.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Start your day with self-care activities to set a positive tone for the workday.
• 🛋️ Designate a specific workspace at home to maintain a clear boundary between work and personal spaces.
• 💺 Invest in ergonomic furniture and equipment, like a good chair, wireless mouse, and keyboard, to support long-term comfort and productivity.
• 🎧 Use noise-cancelling headphones to enhance focus during deep work and for clarity in work calls.
• ⏰ Be intentional with break times, stepping away from your work area to mentally disconnect and recharge.
• 🕒 Maintain consistent work hours and establish clear boundaries for when work starts and ends each day.
• 📅 Time block your calendar to allocate specific times for focused work, emails, and less demanding tasks.
• 🔕 Silence non-urgent notifications to avoid constant distractions and maintain focus on important tasks.
• 📝 Keep a daily to-do list to prioritize tasks and maintain a clear overview of daily objectives.
• 📝 Write everything down, including meeting notes and action items, to ensure clarity and accountability.
• 👥 Set boundaries with co-workers and housemates to minimize interruptions and maintain productivity.
• 🕒 Use timers for focused work sessions and to remind you of upcoming meetings or tasks.
• 🤝 Be intentional about communication with co-workers, scheduling regular catch-up calls to foster team cohesion.
• 👚 Even when working from home, occasionally getting dressed with intention can boost mood and energy levels.
• 🆘 Don't hesitate to ask for support when needed; remember that you're part of a team and communication is key.

Q & A

What is the most important aspect of working from home according to the speaker?

The most important aspect of working from home, as mentioned by the speaker, is establishing a routine. This helps to differentiate between personal life and work life when working remotely.

Why is it recommended to start the workday doing something for oneself before starting work?

Starting the workday doing something for oneself is recommended because it helps to create a sense of self-care and sets a positive tone for the day, making it easier to transition into work mode.

What is the significance of having a designated workspace when working from home?

A designated workspace is significant because it helps to maintain a clear boundary between work and personal life, enhancing productivity and reducing distractions.

How can understanding the company's work-from-home budget benefit an employee?

Understanding the company's work-from-home budget can benefit an employee by allowing them to invest in essential equipment like ergonomic chairs, wireless devices, and noise-cancelling headphones, which can improve their work experience and productivity.

What are some of the top items the speaker suggests investing in from a work-from-home budget?

The speaker suggests investing in an ergonomic chair, a wireless mouse, a wireless keyboard, an ergonomic sit-stand desk, and a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones.

Why is it important to be intentional with break times when working from home?

Being intentional with break times is important because it helps to prevent burnout and maintain mental health by ensuring that employees take time away from their work environment to rest and recharge.

What is the speaker's advice regarding maintaining work hours when working from home?

The speaker advises sticking to a consistent work schedule as much as possible, closing the laptop at the end of the workday, and avoiding the temptation to work during personal time.

Why is time blocking an effective strategy for managing work tasks and meetings?

Time blocking is effective because it allows individuals to allocate specific time slots for focused work, meetings, and breaks, which can improve productivity and prevent task-switching fatigue.

What is the purpose of silencing notifications while working from home?

Silencing notifications helps to reduce distractions and the feeling that everything is urgent, allowing for better focus and concentration on the task at hand.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of writing things down, even if they seem easy to remember?

Writing things down is emphasized because it helps to ensure that important details, action items, and discussions are documented and can be referred back to, which is especially important when working remotely without immediate access to colleagues.

What is the significance of setting boundaries with co-workers and those you share a home with when working from home?

Setting boundaries is significant because it communicates when an individual is available for work and when they are not, preventing interruptions and ensuring a focused work environment.

How can setting timers help with focus and meeting attendance when working from home?

Setting timers can help with focus by designating specific time blocks for tasks and taking breaks, and it can also ensure that important meetings are not missed by providing a reminder before they start.

Why is it beneficial to schedule regular catch-up calls with co-workers when working from home?

Scheduling regular catch-up calls helps to maintain relationships, foster communication, and address questions or concerns in a timely manner, which can contribute to a cohesive team dynamic and prevent misunderstandings.

What impact does the speaker find in getting ready with intention at least once a week when working from home?

The speaker finds that getting ready with intention at least once a week can improve mood and energy levels throughout the workweek, making it easier to stay motivated and productive.

Why is it important to ask for support when working from home?

Asking for support is important because it helps to overcome challenges, gain new perspectives, and ensure that work is completed effectively and efficiently, leveraging the collective strength of the team.