Working remotely has many perks, which is why many workers are looking for job opportunities that allow them to work from home. But when making the switch from working in a traditional setting, remote work comes with some unique challenges. Those who are jumping into working remotely can benefit from being aware of these challenges and how to avoid making these common mistakes.
Don’t lose your productivity
When you work from home, you likely have many distractions. It’s important to avoid allowing these distractions to decrease your work efforts. By implementing clear boundaries between your work time and non-work time, you can help yourself stay on task while working and avoid the pressure of feeling like you should be working during non-work hours.
What about your kids or pets?
Unless you have a very flexible schedule that allows you to step away from work without notice, you will probably still need childcare if you have very young kids at home. Even with older children you may need to have someone help during school holidays and summer breaks. As for pets, occupy them with treats and toys in a space away from your work area or consider utilizing pet daycare during some of your work hours.
You need a routine and a workspace
Not implementing a work routine can decrease your productivity and prevent you from getting in the right mindset to begin working. A routine helps you stay on task and designate when you should start and end your workday. Another important part of working remotely is having a workspace that’s conducive to getting your work done. Even if you don’t have an entire home office, you can benefit from designating a quiet area where you keep your work essentials and have the space you need to complete your work.
Many of the most common mistakes made by those new to remote work can be avoided with a little planning. Be prepared to make some changes to your routine and method of working to adapt to working in a non-traditional setting. Having boundaries in place, maintaining a routing, and avoiding distractions can help you work efficiently from home.
