Ever since this whole Corona-thing started – and I am saying it this way, simply because I cannot yet fully understand the impact, the consequences, or sometimes even how we are supposed to react to what is happening–, I have seen so many articles glorifying remote work. But when you can't grow into a new way (and mindset) organically and are thrown right into the world of remote work, 'best practices' can be a useful reference.
I just posted a list about the do's and don'ts of remote work and with 21 items and no more characters left to spare, I thought writing an article might help. Here is the list, but check out the comments, for additional ideas and thoughts!
1. be yourself, but
2. know your tech
3. get the highest WiFi package
4. have a Plan B if electricity or WiFi goes out
5. don‘t go to a coffee shop if you have calls scheduled
6. be organized in as many areas of your life at home as possible
7. have your food and snacks prepped
8. have a designated workspace
9. take a shower every morning and get dressed properly
10. take regular breaks
11. limit distractions, instead schedule laundry or chores in!
12. do Yoga, Walk, run, exercise for at least an hour (you likely gained that hour by not having to commute)
13. if you have a child, accommodate, teach them playtime/quite time
14. if you have pets, make sure you can close them out for calls
15. drink plenty of water
16. organize virtual social meetings
17. stick to your off-time
18. be flexible during your on time
19. communicate often
20. be kind and understanding
21. Limit social media.
This is by no means a complete list, and every situation is different. Yet, it is true, that it most likely requires us to be proactive and that we have to actively engage in our own mindset shift and assist others in theirs. There are certainly several aspects to consider. To help you assess what it is that you need, have a look at the following questions and reflect:
1) Do you currently or have you in the past enjoyed going to an office, engage face to face with customers and/or colleagues? How do you feel about cutting (or having to cut) this out of your daily experience?
2) Are you self-employed or do you lead teams? Do you report to someone? How will work-from-home affect these relationships? What is your organization's plan? How will it impact you and how you work?
3) How are your time management and self-motivation skills? What can you do to get the best out of you and your work in a work-from-home scenario?
4) what might distract you at home? Pets? Noises (e.g., living in an apartment complex or with others)?
5) do you have an area designated for your work?
6) What challenges do you expect? What are you afraid of? And what are you excited about?
In my experience, it is a "give and take" but working from home requires discipline. You need to be willing and able to create habits that support a work-from-home lifestyle. I have been working from home for 10 years. I still have to get up early and get dressed “properly” to be presentable on video calls etc. Also, I think I work more than if I was at an office. The only negative I am currently dealing with is that we moved into a home with an open design. It is not functional and we are planning to put in French doors to create a better working space. I would also say that one of the main mindset shifts that we will still be facing is that working from home can be seen as less demanding. I have experienced that in the way that chores will predominantly fall on me because I am home. What I am trying to say with this is that it needs to be clear within your family or domestic arrangements that chores are fairly divided.
What do you have to add? What has your experience been?
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