Making Working From Home Work
With the Coronavirus spreading like it is, there’s a chance many will want to (or be forced to) work from home. As someone who has worked from home for over 30 years, I have some suggestions to make the most of your time away from the office.
• Dress Up and Keep Your Head Down
I know you won’t want to hear this because working at home would seem like the time to dress down and work when we feel like it. Not so much. Without a dress code and time clock, the day can get away from us when we relax our rules and lose our focus. Show up on time, and put in the time even when nobody is looking. When we look good, we feel good--and our work reflects that. Dress comfortably, sure, but don’t let yourself go completely (ditch the sweats and robe).
• Avoid Multitasking Personal and Professional Objectives
Speaking of focus, eliminate distractions by working in a space away from as many as possible. You will find that things you normal hate to do--cook, clean, and take care of projects around the house will suddenly seem more appealing. It’s still a “work day” and we need to save personal projects for later. Hide the television remotes, stash your car keys so you’re not tempted to run errands, and keep the coffee maker within reach.
• Create a True Workspace
Working remotely opens up all kinds of possibilities (Hello, Starbucks) and that’s fine, but sometimes the reality is nothing like the fantasy. Trying to work poolside is hard when the sun doesn’t allow us to see our computer screen. Coffee shops can be loud and annoying. Or sitting at the kitchen table while the kids watch Sesame Street isn’t always ideal. Create a clean, quiet, and dedicated office space in your home.
