Over the last few months, many have been forced to rethink the way we work and our office environments. For many, working from home (WFH) and remote work are now the everyday norm as opposed to the ability to do it occasionally or as needed. This transition into a remote working environment can be challenging for some. To assist, we’ve compiled a few tips to help anyone become a pro at working from home.
- Ban buffering – A good internet connection is crucial! Ensure you have the best internet provider to support your new remote workspace. Incase of internet downtime, have a portable back-up source ready. Many cell phones can act as a mobile hotspot; just be sure to have adequate data to support your workload.
- Dedicate your space – Distractions can be everywhere when changing work environments. Where possible, create an atmosphere that allows for privacy and has surroundings that may encourage you to focus on the task at hand.
- Stick to a schedule – Plan out a routine for your daily activities to help with the transition to your new environment. Start your day with water and a cup of coffee or orange juice to wake up. Focus yourself and your mind to write a list of your daily tasks and goals for the day, and continue to check our progress throughout the day. Not meeting your tasks or goals? Adjust accordingly to allow yourself accomplishments throughout the day.
- Video is your friend – Although it may be a daunting task for some, video conferencing doesn’t have to be a challenge and is a great way to collaborate with others. Testing out the platform before your meeting can help make you comfortable and allow you time to workout any kinks with your internet connection or platform.
- Safety first – To set-up your new remote office, you should review the security features provided by your conferencing platform. Many platforms allow you to lock meetings so that only those with a pin or password may join. Additionally, be sure to investigate your cloud-based solution and become familiar with their standards and policies for data security. Where possible, opt for a two-factor or multi-factor authentication process to further protect yourself and your data.
By following these tips, you can become a pro and start working efficiently and effectively in your new work environment.