In a surprising turn of events, the majority of people in Ireland found themselves working from home in 2020, and even now, with Covid-19 restrictions easing, remote work remains prevalent. Discover our 15 essential tips for successfully adapting to the remote work lifestyle, from maintaining regular hours to optimizing productivity and creating a conducive home office environment.
At the start of 2020, who would have thought the vast majority of people in Ireland would be working from home, and even after a relaxing of the Covid-19 restrictions, a huge section of the Irish workforce is still remote working?
But it did work. Businesses managed to function. Each employee and company managed to make it through the crisis so far. Twenty years ago, remote working would never have worked, but now in 2020, due to massive technological advances, remote working is effective.
Here are 15 Tips to Successfully Work From Home
1. Maintain Regular Hours
Keeping regular hours is very important to maintain a good work-life balance.
2. Create a Morning Routine
Keep a routine in the morning, like you do going to the office. Start at the same hour. Make a cup of coffee, and if you have meetings at 10 am each morning, you can still do this online.
3. Exercise Regularly
Whether it is before you start work in the morning or at lunchtime, or in the evening, make sure you get at least 1 hour of exercise. Exercise keeps you healthy and sharp.
4. Dedicate Office Space
Obviously, depending on the size of your residence, seek out a room or a corner of a room to make your office.
5. Invest in Online Security
If you work for yourself, make sure you maintain excellent security software, or if you work for a company, your managers should support decent security for any device you use for work.
6. Play Music
I know this is an unusual one, but personally, I feel the music in the background increases productivity and your work rate.
7. Don’t Settle for an Uncomfortable Chair
Make sure you have a super comfortable chair and protect your back and posture.
8. Set Boundaries
Set boundaries for everyone in the house, whether it is your partner or children. Just be sure they are clear boundaries, so you aren’t disturbed every 15 minutes 😊
9. Avoid Social Media
Keep away from your personal social media accounts. It is not good for productivity. If possible, remove them from your browser.
10. Use Technology to stay connected
Stay connected with your bosses and work colleagues, and clients via online technology such as Zoom, etc.
11. Avoid the Fridge
Keep away from the fridge every hour😊, especially if your office is in or near the kitchen. Take your regular coffee and lunch break, but don’t be snacking every hour or two.
12. Increase Your Internet Speed If Needed
If you are working from home a lot, make sure you check out all your internet providers and maybe change or upgrade your service.
13. Find the Best Spot for Productivity
Work wherever you find you are most productive. If it is on the couch with your feet up on a footstool and laptop on top of a cushion – go for it.
14. Keep Your Kids on a Schedule
If you have children, make sure you have set a routine for them. On occasion use streaming services to keep them entertained.
15. Take Regular Breaks
Especially if you work from a computer, take regular 5-minute breaks every 1 to 1 and a half hours.
Mastering the Art of Successfully Working from Home
As you master the art of working from home, remember every setup has its unique challenges. And if you find that your home environment doesn’t fit the bill, Dublin Mail Drop offers an ideal solution – our tailor-made virtual offices. With our services, you can maintain your professional edge while enjoying the flexibility of remote work. So, reach out today, and let us help you transform the way you work!
FAQs About Working From Home
Is it worth it to work from home?
Working from home can be worth it for some due to flexibility, time savings, increased productivity, better work-life balance, reduced stress, autonomy, and independence. However, it may also present challenges such as isolation and difficulty in maintaining boundaries. Ultimately, personal preferences and circumstances play a significant role in determining its worth.
What is the difference between a home office and a virtual office?
A home office refers to a designated workspace within one’s home where they can work remotely. It typically consists of a physical area or room equipped with necessary office supplies and equipment. On the other hand, a virtual office is a service that provides businesses with a professional business address, phone number, and other administrative support without the need for a physical office space. It allows businesses to establish a presence and receive mail and calls without the costs and commitments of a traditional office.
What are the cons of working from home?
The cons of working from home include potential feelings of isolation, difficulty in separating work and personal life, distractions in the home environment, decreased social interaction, blurred work boundaries, and the challenge of staying motivated without the structure and accountability of an office setting.