Working from home or remotely from anywhere presents a whole set of unique opportunities and challenges. Here are some of our tried and tested tips on how to get more done when you aren’t in your office.

Set Yourself Up For Success

Investing in a proper home office setup will help you work more efficiently and function better. This could include everything from a simple desk and chair to technology and high-speed internet. If you regularly conference call, also consider lighting, microphones, and headphones to conduct your meeting more professionally. Additionally, software tools like Microsoft teams were built with remote working in mind and can be useful to have on your side.

Be Safe

Whether it means you need to be more aware of your physical surroundings and who unlocks your computer or taking precautions, so you’re not at the receiving end of a cyberattack, security is crucial. Password protect and lock your computer when it’s not in use. Avoid sharing passwords or discussing sensitive details in public or over unsecured networks. Getting yourself a VPN and secure cloud storage and email is not only crucial but necessary.

Learn To Communicate Better

One of the biggest challenges of working anywhere is learning how to communicate more efficiently. This is doubly so when you’re working from home, and you’re not part of the hallway conversations and general office chatter. Talking in a clear, unambiguous manner is as crucial as is asking questions to clarify doubts. Sometimes this can mean being able to handle all your personal tasks without oversharing but keeping your team informed. Coworkers rely on knowing the status of your work to move forward with projects and tasks.

Build Connections With Coworkers

Simple things such as asking how things are going and being genuinely interested in creating deeper relationships with people goes a long way. Find other opportunities to appropriately engage and ‘goof off’ every once in a while. It allows your coworkers and you to bond and see each other as whole personalities rather than just company assets.

Finally, tempting as it might always be to be available and work all the time, creating a work-life balance is essential. Remember to set boundaries and expectations at the outset, taking scheduled breaks, and making time for loved ones.