The power of #WorkingFromHome. Top Tips, Tricks & Strategies (and more…)

Posted August 18, 2022

Working from home has become increasingly popular in recent years. We at Your FLOCK the team engagement platform are lucky to have been “remote first rather than remote forced”. During the pandemic. But many other companies are only just getting themselves settled. With the idea of hybrid work.

Whether you are remote working or working from home. This new way of work offers flexibility, privacy, and freedom. Whilst also allowing for greater productivity.

Why Do People Work From Home?

Many people choose to work from their homes because they enjoy being able to spend more time with their families. Others find that working from home allows them to save money. Still others prefer to work from home because they feel that they can better balance their personal and professional lives when they do so.

The Pros And Cons Of Working From Home

While there are many benefits to working from home, there are also some drawbacks. One of the biggest disadvantages is that you will likely miss out on social interaction with other co-workers. You might also struggle to maintain a healthy work/life balance.

There are many pros and cons to working from home. Some people love the idea of being able to work at their own pace without having to answer to anyone. Some people can feel isolated because they don’t interact with other employees outside of the office. While others find it difficult to get motivated when there isn’t a boss breathing down their neck. For those who want to work from home, here are some things to consider before making the leap.

There are pros and cons to working from home. For example, if you work from home, you might be tempted to neglect household chores. You could end up spending too much time at your computer instead of doing other things around the house. Whilst some people find it difficult to get away from distractions. Such as television and social media.

For those who enjoy working from home. There are many benefits to working from home, but there are also some drawbacks. For example, if you work at home, you might find yourself spending too much time alone. You could also be tempted to procrastinate because you don’t feel accountable to anyone. However, if you choose to work from home. You can save money on commuting costs and enjoy the convenience of being able to work wherever you want.

Yet, on the other hand, some people find it difficult to leave the house at times because they feel too isolated. Others struggle to get work done because they are constantly interrupted by family members. Still others find it challenging to maintain a professional appearance. When they are surrounded by children.

However, working from home can help you save money. If you commute to work every day, you could end up wasting petrol and paying for parking. And making your own food at home is a lot less expensive and can even be healthier for you.

But how can you be at your best when working from home?

YOUR MORNING ROUTINE:

Morning routines are the secret sauce to getting the most out of your remote days. Paula Davis, author of “Beating Burnout At Work,” says

“The foundation of morning routines are. Starting off your day with small wins that create a sense of accomplishment. That carries over into the rest of the day.”

Even making your bed can be a small win.

“When we see a sense of progress in really small ways, in goals that really matter to us, it’s enormously motivational and seeing that sense of progress refuels us to keep doing more of the same.”

And it doesn’t need to be that complex, Davis says. Remembering that a morning routine will look different for everyone can help you find one that sticks.

“This provides much needed structure and boundaries to our day, and it’s something that we’re in control of. Which is also really important especially during these times. When there’s so much going on in the world that feels outside of our control. It’s something that we have some influence over and that becomes enormously empowering.”

Other tips when working from home:

Create a schedule. …

Which can include the above ideas on your mornings.

Designate a workspace. …

This is key to maintaining boundaries for your work and mental health.

Pretend you’re going to the office. …

Do a virtual commute – take a walk and come back. Even dress like you are going into the office (as to be honest – you really are…)

Minimise distractions. …

This can be done with the help of technology.

Create a daily and weekly to-do list. …

A really simple one which can be enhanced by using things like Trello.

Keep technologies to a minimum. …

Unless they are helping you stay focused.

Set goals. …

And these goals should be both personal and work focused.

Create a list of priorities.

Especially key if you are not being overly managed by someone. And also worth remembering to key these priorities back into your values. Which is what team engagement platform Your FLOCK helps you do.

Another important thing to remember is to be clear and transparent with your manager. If you have one. And if not – then with yourself. As the typical workday may not be the most realistic. If you have family obligations competing for your time. You might also notice you’re more productive during nontraditional hours. Such as before others in your house wake up or after dinnertime.

The key thing is to talk about it. And give your manager or team leader the feedback and information they need for you to be your best. As Indeed note:

“Whether you’re trying to stick to a set schedule or taking the aforementioned “windowed work” approach. Communicate openly with your manager so you’re on the same page about availability and work hour expectations.”

As more and more people want to work asynchronously. As well as choose where they work. This new hybrid work approach is going to become a lot more complex. Especially for those humans helping each other become more successful.

Which links into the final point. That now that your commute home after work might just mean a walk from your kitchen table to the couch. It can be difficult to end your workday definitively. So you can not burnout and be your best for longer.

Life work balance.

To maintain a healthy work-life balance, set an alarm to remind yourself when to end your workday. Remember having mobile access to work email and apps can also make shutting down a challenge. So… Turn your computer off and store it somewhere away from where you are so you’re not tempted to keep checking in. And disable notifications for work-related apps on your mobile phone at the end of the day.

Robert Half give a final tip:

“Include your work hours in your email signature or as a status/away message, if possible. That might help cut down on colleagues reaching out to you outside your work hours.”

Definitely worth thinking about. And taking action on. As is Your FLOCK our team engagement platform.

Want to learn more – talk to our team. Book in a demo.