One of the perks of running a business from home is that I have a lot of experience already working remotely. While I’ve been able to meet with my staff in person until the COVID-19 pandemic, most of my work is done in my house. I know a lot of people are facing the prospect of doing all their work at home, when it used to be office for work, home for not work. This is a huge challenge. I can’t say I have all the answers but I can tell you what works best for me.
First, try to work out a routine. For me, it doesn’t have to be perfect and strict it’s more of a guide. It may need to be more strict for you though. I generally start my morning with NOT work. I check my phone to make sure there isn’t anything super pressing (you may not have to do this, I check to be sure no one called out, no clients had emergencies overnight. If your job is a more traditional 9-5, please please skip this step). After my 5 min check in, I try to do something productive and not work related. Morning is when I’m most likely to clean, so I try to do that a couple of times a week. I might do some exercise or take my dogs for a walk. Something start my day on a productive track without forcing me to work right away. During Stay Home orders I’ve been starting every day with yoga (even if it’s only 5 min) and if the weather is nice enough, I walk the dogs. This gives me a later start time than usual, but it’s been working for me.
Second, figure out when you’re most productive. I am most productive before about 2pm for general work tasks. If I have something that absolutely, positively must get done before the end of the day, it’s the first work thing I do. Sometimes i skip the first step I mentioned because I know it’ll get done if I do it first thing. Plan your heavier or most time sensitive tasks for this time. You probably have a more productive time in the office too. It’ll likely be similar but it might be a little different at home. Mostly because there are different influences. In the office, maybe your cubicle mate always takes a break at 10 and you find you can get a ton of stuff done while they’re on a coffee run. At home, your kiddos really want a hug by 10am and you’re more productive at 11 when they’re onto the next thing. You’ll have a good idea though.
Third, determine how and where you work best. I generally work from my couch, but I have a little TV table for my computer. When the table is out of the way, i'm not working. I also like a change of scenery. When it’s nice, I work on my patio. I’ll sometimes move the TV table to the chair. If I had other people living in the house, I’d probably have a desk in a room made for work. If I’m in that room, I’m working. Other people can come in to work or be quiet, but it’s not a social place. If you need a space to trigger you to work (like a desk or a room etc) do your best to make that happen in your home.
Finally, allow for flexibility. Yes your routine may be super helpful but if you get the urge to accomplish that big task and your routine is telling you to go for a walk. Finish the task! The walk after will feel amazing. Similarly, if you are supposed to be doing a task and can’t focus, step away for a minute. Recalibrate and go at it from another angle.
A couple of extra notes. These suggestions work best for accomplishing tasks. If you’re building your schedule around video conferences all day, there’s only so much control you have. If you have children at home, or even roommates, this is more challenging as well. Most of all, do the best you can with what you have. You may have wildly productive days and days where nothing gets done. That’s OK. We’re all adjusting and you have to be kind to yourself.
What’s your favorite work from home trick?