How to Transition into Working from Home

With the events of the past two years, millions of employees are now working from home. Many companies have also implemented permanent remote working for their staff members.

For workers who are now permanently operating from the comfort of their own homes, there are some key steps that will make this transition much easier.

Clear Space for a Home Office

In order to stay organized and get your work done efficiently and to a high standard, you’re going to need to concentrate. You won’t be able to focus on your work if you’re sat in the kitchen surrounded by your flatmates who are making lunch or your kids who are nagging you to go outside and play with them. You need to clear a small area (or a full room if your home is big enough) to set up a home office. This is your space to focus on your tasks without any distractions!

Gather the Essentials

In your home office, you’re going to need several key pieces of equipment to ensure you can complete your deadlines to a similar standard as you would in the office. You will need the general office essentials like a computer, phone, and stationery supplies. However, depending on your role, you may also need more specific items. For example, if you perform online coaching or training sessions, you’ll need to get a high-quality webcam. An employee of a small retail business might require laser printers and envelopes to fulfill customer orders. Make sure you know exactly what equipment you’re going to use before you transition to full-time working from home.

Download a Communication Tool

As a valuable member of a larger team, you’re going to need to stay in touch with your colleagues. Whether it’s liaising with your manager or responding to your team member’s inquiries, having an effective communication tool such as Slack or Asana will make your working from home life much easier.

Use a Calendar

When you’re used to working in a neat and tidy office, it’s easy to get disorganized when you transition into remote working. Getting a calendar to keep on or near to your desk will help you visualize what tasks you have to complete and when your upcoming deadlines are. Some people prefer to use an online calendar with tools like Google or Trello. Find what works best for you!

Schedule Your Breaks

If you’re a hard worker, you might find it a lot more difficult to take regular breaks when you’re working remotely. Unlike in the office where you can head off to lunch with your colleagues, it’s easy to get stuck into your work and let time run away when you’re at home. Make sure to schedule your rest breaks and take time to sit and enjoy your lunch with the laptop closed and the office papers put to the side. This is important to prevent burnout and enhance your overall productivity.