4 Tips To Telecommuting
For many workers, the commute to and from work is the worst part of the day. Let’s face it; it’s not the actual commute that most people dislike, it’s the hassle of dealing with traffic, long lines, and rude people that make the trip so despised. It doesn’t matter how an employee gets to work — whether it’s by car, train, plane, boat, or just walking, there’s always one or more aspects of the commute that adds to the stress of the day.
Depending on where you live, this may add an extra hour or two to the workday. Imagine how much could be accomplished – in work or personal time – with two extra hours a day! But working outside of the office requires focus and strategy. If you are unsure how to telecommute, here are a few tips to make it work for you and your employer:
Have a Daily Agenda
Working away from the office provides greater independence, however it can also lead to wasting time when there is absolutely no structure. Stay organized! Write down your tasks that need to be completed, in order of urgency. If there are projects that need to be completed, start there. You’re your own boss away from the office.
Designate a Workspace
When you’re in your designated workspace, you need to behave just as you would in a brick-and-mortar office with your boss just around the corner. That could mean dedicating a certain space in the living room for your work, or it could be as simple as a specific chair at your kitchen table. Know what will be most effective for you and your space. For people who cannot mastermind their powers of concentration, a separate home office may be necessary.
Stay in Touch
This seems somewhat obvious, however it is surprising how being away from an office can make work a challenge. Being aware of what your boss or supervisor’s expectations are can go a long way – especially when they are not easily accessible during the day. Have a conversation about what is expected of you the day before, so that you know exactly what your responsibilities are for the following day.
Take a Break
It may sound counterintuitive, but taking a break from work is important, even when you are working remotely. Use some of the time you’ve saved commuting to take some of the stress off. Walking away from your desk has proven to make you more productive in the long run. With lots of new research and articles from The New York Times and Forbes about productivity, the one easy conclusion to draw is that work environments should make room to de-stress.
Sounds easy, right? There are some real benefits to working remotely! With a little self-control and discipline, telecommuting while staying productive, can be a win-win for both employee and employer.
