Best Practices for Working from Home

Stacey’s Top 10 Best Practices for Working from Home

Over the last 10 weeks, we’ve seen much of Corporate America adjust to working from home. For many businesses, a work-from-home model may become the new standard - a thought that seemed foreign just months ago.

I’ve been working from home for my entire career at Asset Living. While it does take some adjustments, working from home can actually raise individual productivity. After my own period of trial-and-error, I’ve set a personal routine that helps me get the most out of a home-based work setting. Here are my top ten greatest tips for working remotely:

1.     Establish a morning routine by getting up and getting ready as you would if you were going to the office. It sets the stage: work mode.

2.     Treat Zoom calls like an in-person meeting: limit disruptions; look professional; prevent multi-tasking; focus on the topic; and make a meaningful contribution to the meeting.

3.     Create a dedicated workspace; have functioning equipment and reliable internet.

4.     Be responsive; it shows you are involved and engaged. Speak up.

5.     Leverage video as frequently as possible. Video allows everyone to react to body language, which enhances overall communication.

6.     Communicate regular progress updates with your leader. Remember - out of sight, out of mind. You have to make a bit of extra effort to update others on your progress since you’re outside their visual field.

7.     Show reliability and consistency through execution by established deadlines. Meeting deadlines confirms you’re being productive with your time.

8.     Champion quality interaction with colleagues: talk about common, non-work-related interests as you would in the office. Interpersonal relationships still matter - even on Zoom.

9.     Maintain regular hours. Give your 100% every day.

10. Signal wind down by ending the day with a routine - and pivot to your family or other interests as you would if you were in the office. This ensures a healthy balance in your life.

That’s it - my “Top 10” list. If you have others, I’d love to hear from you. If this is going to be the “new normal” - let’s make it the best it can possibly be.