Introduction
The terms “work from home,” “remote working,” and all those Zoom meetings only became part of our everyday vocabulary when COVID-19 decided to crash the party. Some saw it as a curse, with jobs and businesses disappearing left and right, but for others, it was like finding a safe haven in the form of working from home. Although most of us got acquainted with this concept after 2019, this whole remote working gig isn’t exactly new. Way before 2019, polymaths like Leonardo Da Vinci were doing their thing from home, churning out masterpieces like the Mona Lisa right from their studios. And let’s not forget about all those creative types—sculptors, architects, writers—who’ve been setting up shop at home forever. Then the internet came along, and suddenly freelancers were doing their thing from every corner of the globe. But for most of us, punching in at the office was just part of the deal, rain or shine. We’d drag ourselves out of bed, wrestle into uncomfortable work clothes, and brave the crowds just to make it on time. And don’t even get me started on those days when you missed your kid’s first words or got splashed with mud on the way to work. But when the pandemic hit in 2020, everything changed. Working from home became the norm practically overnight. Sure, we weren’t sure if our jobs were safe, but suddenly, our living rooms became our offices. Fast forward to today, and remote work is here to stay. Many companies have even nailed down how to make it work seamlessly, keeping everyone happy and saving some serious cash in the process. It is just good business! So whether you’re itching to ditch the office attire, your company’s given you the green light for remote work, or you’re just looking to do your own thing from home, there are a few things you’ll want to consider before you start turning your living room into a makeshift office.
Is work from home for you?
Work from home may be very enticing as we get to work from the comfort of our homes, but let’s not kid ourselves, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. It has its own challenges that can easily be avoided if there is an option of working from an office. The first and foremost question you need to ask yourself before starting to work from your home is if work from home is ideal for you or not. The following situations are the usual ones if you have decided to work from home:
- Work is far from home with a strenuous commute.
Work remotely can be very ideal for someone whose job is a trek away and the daily commute feels like a marathon.
- Office does not have well facilities and is not very developed.
A home is a home to all, rich and poor. So if your office is about as well-equipped as a lemonade stand on a rainy day, you might want to consider making your home your office as you might save up on the commute and can manage your own food and snacks easily.
- If you are a student, housewife, new parent, or elderly caregiver.
If you are a student who is in search of a part time job, working from home is an ideal situation as you can easily bounce back between essential schoolwork and the job very easily. Moreover, saving time and money on the commute is a bonus in any situation. A home office for a housewife, new parent, or elderly caregiver is a match made in heaven as you can take care of your loved ones while working for your financial needs all under one roof!
- If you have worked from an office for many decades.
If you’ve spent decades working in an office and find yourself feeling disheartened or lacking motivation, it might be time to consider transitioning to remote work from home. This change can inject a fresh sense of enthusiasm and revitalization into your work routine, offering a new environment and flexibility that could reignite your passion and drive.
- If your family’s complaining about your constant work and your balance is off
If you’re always glued to work and your family’s giving you grief about it, maybe it’s time to start working from home. This shift can provide the flexibility needed to better juggle professional responsibilities with family time, ultimately fostering a healthier balance and improving relationships.
Get into Your Groove: Set Up a Routine and Lay Down Some Ground Rules
If you have worked from an office or with a team for some time, you know how essential clocking in at the right time and avoiding a tardy is important. Punctuality is key! But hey, maybe you’re ready to dial it back a bit and opt for home office life. Still, finding your groove is crucial. After you have decided to work remotely, you’ve got to carve out a routine that fits with your household rhythm, balancing work with family responsibilities, and chores. Sure, you’re working from home, but that doesn’t mean you’re on call for every little task. Unless it’s an emergency, your family and roommates need to understand that you’re here to work from home. If your workplace has not assigned you a set routine, it’s time to take matters into your own hands.
Begin by determining your most productive hours and aligning them with your family’s schedule. Whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, structuring your day around your peak energy levels can help optimize your productivity. Aim to rise and shine sometime between 8 and 10 a.m., and aim to wrap things up by 5pm. This way, you’re synced up with the rest of the world, and having a set routine helps keep you on track and focused, steering clear of any workday slumps. When setting your work hours, aim for consistency to establish a sense of routine and discipline.
Starting your day on the right foot by establishing a morning routine that sets the tone for productivity is absolutely essential. Whether it’s enjoying a cup of coffee, going for a morning jog, or spending a few minutes meditating or doing yoga, incorporating activities that energize and motivate you can help jumpstart your day. Throughout the workday, it’s essential to take regular breaks to rest and recharge. Incorporate short breaks into your schedule to stretch, hydrate, or engage in activities that help clear your mind. Stepping away from your workstation periodically can boost productivity and prevent burnout.
Using Google Calendar or similar systems makes managing your schedule a breeze. It puts everything—appointments, meetings, and tasks—all in one place. Plus, it syncs seamlessly across your devices, so you’re always in the loop. You can customize it to fit your style, color-code stuff, and set reminders for those can’t-miss events. And the best part? You can share it with your crew for easy coordination. It’s like having your own personal assistant, keeping you on track and organized, whether you’re at work or kicking back at home.
Building Your Home Office: Must-Have Essentials
One of the most important things, if not the most important thing to consider and setup before starting to work from home is the setup. Creating an ideal workspace will contribute to optimum efficiency and a huge satisfaction in working resulting in increased motivation and melancholy. From snagging the right gears and furniture to adding a touch of greenery with cute house plants, every little detail counts. If your company isn’t hooking you up with a sweet setup that rivals the office, hold off on making the leap to remote work. Seriously, it’s that important.
First things first, make sure you’ve got all the essentials on lock: computers, laptops, a dedicated work phone, printer, notepads white board, canvas and anything else you may need to carry out your work as asked. And don’t skimp on the ergonomics—investing in a comfy chair and a desk that can double as a standing desk is a game-changer for keeping those work-from-home aches and pains at bay.
You will need a solid computer or laptop that fits your needs, along with a comfy keyboard and mouse. If you’re into it, consider adding a big monitor or even two for extra screen space. Don’t forget a decent webcam for video calls and a good headset or headphones to keep things clear. Another must have essential to go with your gears and maintain your work overall is a rock-solid internet speed. No one’s got time for laggy connections when you’re trying to crush your work.
Don’t sleep on the power of a good pair of headphones. Whether you’re tuning out background noise or getting in the zone with your favorite tunes, they’re a game-changer for boosting productivity and getting stuff done. Trust me, it’s all about setting yourself up for success in your home office.
When it comes to your electronic gear, specs definitely matter. You don’t need a fancy $5000 laptop with all the bells and whistles if you’re just gonna be typing and hopping on video calls, right? But at the same time, you don’t wanna be stuck with some ancient Windows XP dinosaur either. It’s all about finding that sweet spot that meets your needs without breaking the bank. If you’re not sure what you need, don’t sweat it. Reach out to your IT crew if you’ve got one, or hit up the tech guru at the store. They’ll assist you in selecting the appropriate equipment and internet speeds to ensure smooth sailing throughout your workday.
Don’t forget the little things that can make a big difference. Think motivational artwork, a few green buddies like bonsai plants to liven up your space, and a stash of your favorite coffee mugs to keep you fueled throughout the day. Trust me, it’s all about creating a space that gets you pumped to tackle your to-do list, whether you’re crushing it on a Zoom call or knocking out emails like a boss.
Once you’ve got all your essentials squared away, it’s time to designate a suitable and ideal corner, room, or space for your work. Now, this isn’t just any old corner of your house, this space should be distinct from your living quarters, offering a dedicated environment conducive to productivity and getting stuff done. Ideally, you want a separate area from the hustle and bustle of your living room, but hey, if you’re working with limited space or crashing in a studio apartment, no worries. Just make sure your workspace isn’t right next to your bed—that’s a recipe for temptation and midday naps.
When selecting your workspace, it’s essential to find a location that fosters focus and productivity. Look for a spot away from high-traffic areas to minimize distractions, and consider setting up near a window to take advantage of natural light. While it’s tempting to work from your cozy spots like the living room, strive to establish a separate area dedicated solely to work. This separation helps create a boundary between work and leisure, promoting a more conducive environment for concentration and task completion. Remember, the goal is to create a workspace that supports your productivity while maintaining a sense of balance with your home life.
If you do not have a separate space or room like that, but have a basement, it’s not all gloom and doom. Sure, it might feel a bit cut off, but hey, less distractions mean you can really buckle down. Just remember, being tucked away from the action might have its downsides too.
Now, let’s talk about meals and drinks—they’re essential for keeping your energy levels up and staying focused. If you’re not in a position to dine out or hire a chef, planning your meals ahead of time is key. Consider setting aside some time each week to prep and cook your meals. Trying to juggle cooking and other responsibilities during work hours can be stressful and seriously impact your productivity. By taking care of meal planning and prep in advance, you can minimize distractions and ensure you’re able to fully focus on your work when it counts.
If you’re a fidgeter like me, having some fidget toys or gadgets on hand can really help keep those wandering fingers busy so you can stay focused.
Before you fully commit to the work-from-home lifestyle, it’s wise to think about stocking up on some fitness essentials to keep your body happy and healthy. Think of it like setting up your own mini gym at home! Start with the basics, like snagging a yoga mat for those morning stretches or quick bodyweight workouts. Resistance bands are great for toning up those muscles, and having a set of dumbbells or kettlebells can really take your strength training to the next level. Plus, if you’re looking to mix things up, a stability ball can do double duty as a desk chair and a tool for core workouts. Oh, and don’t forget to deck yourself out in some comfy workout gear and supportive shoes. Trust me, when you’re feeling good and looking good, you’ll be ready to tackle anything that comes your way during your workday at home.
Cutting Out Distractions for a Kick-Start to Working from Home
Once you’ve got all your gear sorted out, it’s time to tackle the clutter at home. This step is actually pretty important, maybe even more so than getting all your gadgets together. To really maximize efficiency and productivity, we need to declutter and remove distractions from our living space. While working from home can be comfortable, it’s essential to recreate a professional environment to stay focused. If you’re thinking you can just chill in bed all day and still crush it, it’s time to reconsider this whole remote work thing.
It’s ideal not having furniture intended for relaxation, such as beds or recliner couches, in your workspace. The reasoning behind this is to maintain a professional mindset and avoid distractions that may hinder productivity. However, if you find yourself working in a single-room setup, it’s beneficial to create some physical separation between your workspace and your bed. This helps establish clear boundaries between work and relaxation areas, promoting a more focused and conducive environment for productivity.
When setting up your home workspace, it’s crucial to choose a location that minimizes distractions and interruptions. Ideally, you want to keep it separate from noisy areas, high-traffic zones, game rooms, and the kitchen. These areas tend to be hubs of activity and can easily pull your focus away from work tasks.
For example, placing your workspace in a quiet corner of the house away from the hustle and bustle can help you concentrate better. Avoid setting up your desk near the kitchen, where the aroma of cooking and the comings and goings of family members might disrupt your workflow.
Similarly, steer clear of areas where family members or housemates frequently gather to socialize or play games. These spaces can be noisy and make it challenging to concentrate on your work.
By creating a dedicated workspace in a quiet, low-traffic area of your home, you can minimize distractions and optimize your productivity while working remotely.
Conclusion
If you’ve taken care of all these details, it’s likely you’re pretty keen on the idea of working from home.
However, if you’re dealing with other workplace woes—like clashing with coworkers, putting up with less-than-stellar office etiquette, or dealing with some sketchy behavior in the workplace—it might be time to consider whether a change of job is in order, rather than just retreating to your home turf.