Many COVID-19 stay-at-home orders have been lifted or reduced. However, a number of businesses are keeping their operations remote for the time being, if not forever. This dramatic shift was years in the making and can have several positive impacts on operating costs, employee commute time and the environment. However, there are also drawbacks.
Whether you are an employee or a business owner, thinking about continuing these strange new rituals may seem impossible on a productivity and social level. This is true even if you’ve been thriving up to this point. A temporary change is one thing, but forever is a long time.
As a veteran telecommuter, I’m here to tell you that there are ways to continue enjoy your remote environment and excel at your work. Here are a few tips so you have a chance to succeed in a home environment for months or years to come.
Tackle a New Skill
One of the fastest ways to get bored with your work is to fall into a trap of stagnancy. This is true in traditional environments, but especially so when you are stuck in your home office. If you are an employee, consider asking your supervisor or manager about new tasks you can tackle. If you are an entrepreneur or own a business, consider adding a new product or service to complement your current offerings. If needed, consider finding a free online course or webinar to help you expand your skillset.
Expanding your horizons gives you more than that excited feeling that comes with a new job. You also learn something new, become more marketable and have the chance to positively impact your organization. You will also be more likely to do a better job when you step outside your comfort zone and get off autopilot mode.
Get Organized
If your current home office situation isn’t working for you, it may be time to change your surroundings. Whether that involves a whole systemic overhaul or just some light housekeeping, creating a shift in your workspace can make a world of difference for your productivity and your opinion of your job. Sitting in a sea of papers or old coffee cups isn’t going to help anyone do their best work or meet deadlines.
Some interior decorating may be in order, as well. If you have your own home office or designated workspace, make sure it looks as appealing to you as your in-office space would. I’ve recently learned that going paper-free and minimalist is the best thing for my freelance business and my professional satisfaction.
You could be sitting in your home office for a long time to come, possibly even years. Make sure it’s one that you are happy with and that you can be successful in.
Make New Connections
If working from home makes you feel isolated, you aren’t alone. Sometimes even those working in traditional office settings feel lonely and out of place. It makes sense that being at home can make these feelings even worse. The good news is that there are ways to combat loneliness as a remote worker. Some examples include the following:
- Find a new instant messaging platform that you can use to stay in touch with coworkers and friends throughout the workday.
- Take advantage of video conferencing software that allows you to have face-to-face communication with others.
- Make new virtual connections outside of work. I’ve had luck meeting new people through social media groups and online book clubs, to name a few digital spaces.
- Ensure that you are spending as much quality time as possible with the loved ones you live with, such as your spouse, your children or sociable roommates.
This list is by no means exhaustive. The internet is amazing in that it allows everyone the opportunity to meet new people across the world and from all walks of life. Take advantage of that fact while you’re working at home.
Are you still unsure as to how to pursue your next stage of remote work? I recommend looking up resources online designed for telecommuters who are looking to find new connections and increase their productivity. Many remote workers over the past several decades have paved the way for the telecommuting world of 2020. Take advantage of their advice to excel at home.
Opinions expressed by AsianBlurb contributors are their own.
Freelance digital content specialist in the Greater Chicago Area.
