{"id":8187,"date":"2020-03-23T09:09:28","date_gmt":"2020-03-23T13:09:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/?p=8187"},"modified":"2020-03-23T09:09:40","modified_gmt":"2020-03-23T13:09:40","slug":"how-to-successfully-work-from-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/?p=8187","title":{"rendered":"How to Successfully Work From Home"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\"\"<\/a>Welcome to the world of the remote worker. Sorry I have to write this column today. But I have been happily working remotely for years and have some advice to help you with your current transition.<\/p>\n

My forthcoming book is \u201cGreat Pajama Jobs: How to Land a Job Without the Commute<\/a>.\u201d It\u2019s my guide to finding remote work and making it, well, work. While you probably aren\u2019t looking for a remote job, it has been thrust upon you, I\u2019d like to lend a hand to help you adjust to what you\u2019re dealing with as you hunker down at home.<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\n

Resize iconWelcome to the world of the remote worker. Sorry I have to write this column today. But I have been happily working remotely for years and have some advice to help you with your current transition.My forthcoming book is \u201c<\/span>Great Pajama Jobs: How to Land a Job Without the Commute<\/a>.\u201d It\u2019s my guide to finding remote work and making it, well, work. While you probably aren\u2019t looking for a remote job, it has been thrust upon you, I\u2019d like to lend a hand to help you adjust to what you\u2019re dealing with as you hunker down at home.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\n

Read our COVID-19 coverage<\/a><\/p>\n

Read on MarketWatch<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Of course, we all have different work styles, previous experience with working from home and setups, but here\u2019s a roundup of my guidance adapted from the book.<\/p>\n

Ramp up your tech savvy.<\/strong> Develop your digital collaboration ability by familiarizing yourself with common tools and software used to link remote employees together, including:<\/p>\n

\u2022 Common applications for sharing work files: Google Drive, Dropbox and Box (box.com).<\/p>\n

\u2022 Videoconferencing apps:\u00a0Zoom<\/a>,\u00a0BlueJeans<\/a>,\u00a0Skype<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0WebEx<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u2022 E-mail and texting apps:\u00a0Slac<\/a>k messaging, or\u00a0Microsoft Teams<\/a>\u00a0are now the preferred way of instant messaging for many employers for you to \u201cwork remotely without feeling remote\u201d as Microsoft says on its website.<\/p>\n

\u2022Collaboration apps for team projects include\u00a0Basecamp<\/a>,\u00a0Asana<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Trello<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u2022Common communication apps: Skype, Zoom, Slack,\u00a0Chatter<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2022Google\u2019s office apps suite, including Google Docs for writing and Google Sheets for spreadsheets.<\/p>\n

Polish your skills.<\/strong>\u00a0Remote-work digital training is available on online-learning sites such as\u00a0LinkedIn Learning<\/a>,\u00a0Courseara<\/a>,\u00a0Udemy<\/a>,\u00a0YouTube<\/a>. Search \u201cremote work\u201d on LinkedIn Learning and you\u2019ll find 16 free online courses for both workers and managers.<\/p>\n

There are free online tutorials provided by the app developers themselves: Microsoft\u2019s on-demand end-user training videos for Teams,\u00a0Slack tutorial<\/a>, Zoom\u2019s instructor-led\u00a0weekly online training classes<\/a>, and\u00a0free video lessons for adult learners<\/a>\u00a0that Google offers for its office apps suite, including Docs, Sheets and Slides.<\/p>\n

Time management.<\/strong>\u00a0When you work from home, a huge key to making it a success is managing your time with a disciplined approach\u2013planning prowess. Your success comes down to how well you can prioritize your work demands. There\u2019s no wiggle room for being late with a project deadline or jumping on a conference call. That demands some mental prep.<\/p>\n

There are numerous tools and strategies you can use to manage your time more efficiently.<\/p>\n

\u2022 You can tap a tool like\u00a0Toggl<\/a>, a productivity time-tracker tool.<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0Evernote<\/a>\u00a0is a free note taking app helps you capture and organize ideas, projects and to-do lists. You can record your meetings and track how much time you spend on certain task.<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0Trello<\/a> is another popular app that lets you create columns for \u201cto do\u201d, \u201cin progress\u201d, \u201ccompleted\u201d, and much more. Restyaboard<\/a> is an alternative that has been suggested to me, but I haven’t tried yet.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Microsoft To Do is a task management app that helps manage project and much more. It includes a personalized daily planner. You can set one-time or recurring due dates and reminders from bills to meetings.<\/p>\n

You might also opt, like I do, to go the old-fashion route and use a wall calendar, or paper day planner binder to list your upcoming assignments and personal to-dos as well, and check them off as you finish. Nothing makes me happier than this simple, physical act.<\/p>\n

I do, however, set up visual reminders for virtual meetings to pop up on my MacBook Air\u00a0AAPL,\u00a0-6.34%<\/a>\u00a0screen each morning, and make sure all incoming electronic invitations are uploaded there. I also set an alarm on my iPhone to alert me shortly before I have a virtual meeting or call scheduled.<\/p>\n

Declutter your office.<\/strong>\u00a0When people feel low on energy, often it\u2019s because they\u2019re not clearing out as they go. Their inbox is overflowing. Their desk is a disaster. Their file drawers are jammed.<\/p>\n

Decluttering is liberating and empowering. Home office clutter can take a toll on your productivity.<\/p>\n

Set up an organized filing system.<\/strong>\u00a0Arrange furniture so you\u2019re not at risk for falling over wires or cords. I make a point of straightening my desk up at the end of every day. Simple habits.<\/p>\n

Find a positive image to inspire you.<\/strong>\u00a0I call mine \u201cgoing to my happy place.\u201d I close my eyes and visualize a green field in the Virginia countryside with a sweeping view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. I go there in my head and sit. It calms me down, I feel peaceful and my attitude shifts.<\/p>\n

If you want a more concrete focal point, tape a picture of a special image on your office wall, away from your computer and phone. That way, you\u2019ll have to turn to look directly at it, which can be transporting. The very action of directing your attention away from your work opens up the door in your day for a respite, a restart, and a new view. It\u2019s reviving and centering at the same time.<\/p>\n

Pay attention to your eyes.<\/strong>\u00a0Avoid eyestrain by placing your desktop or laptop monitor just above eye level and an arm\u2019s length away. And supplement any natural light in your home office without reducing the contrast on your computer screen.<\/p>\n

Set up your computer and desk to prevent repetitive-motion injuries.<\/strong>\u00a0Keep your keyboard and mouse level with where your elbows are when you\u2019re seated. Sometimes I sit on a coach and stretch- out, but I always place a pillow beneath my laptop to bring it to the right level. I also place a rolled towel or pillow in the small of my back to keep me from hunching over.<\/p>\n

Keep a regular work schedule.<\/strong>\u00a0Take control of your time, so you are not working more hours than ever. Trust me, you will do your best work if you follow your own rhythm and know when to step away for your mental and physical well-being.<\/p>\n

Put firm boundaries in place.<\/strong>\u00a0This is a big one. Red light warning, this one is easy to disregard, and it will come back to haunt you. You have to be careful that co-workers, managers, friends and family don\u2019t take advantage of your personal and work-time. It can be an intrusion on one or the other, depending on who it is.<\/p>\n

Seriously, get out of your pajamas.<\/strong>\u00a0I know this book is called \u201cGreat Pajama Jobs,\u201d and you might linger in your pajamas longer than you would if you had to grab the Metro to work. But I find I am more in a work mind-set when I at least pull on a clean pair of jeans or pants I would happily wear in an office setting and a turtleneck, or tidy top, and I suspect you will, too. Of course, if you have a videoconference scheduled, spruce it up, pronto.<\/p>\n

Be comfortable with tech tools.<\/strong>\u00a0Whether it is Slack messaging or Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime video meetings, it has to be a seamless communication for you. Use organization or time management tools if they help. These include Evernote, Microsoft Teams, Trello, Google Docs, Workplace from Facebook, and Asana.<\/p>\n

Have a smart office set-up.<\/strong>\u00a0This is important. Make sure you have an ergonomic chair and desk set-up so that your computer monitor and keypad don\u2019t cause any unnecessary strain on your back, eyes, wrists and so on. You don\u2019t need to add on any physical stress.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t forget to eat with an eye to nutrition.<\/strong>\u00a0I start each morning at 5:30 a.m. with a mug of black coffee, but 8 a.m. is breakfast time without fail. I make sure I have yogurt or oatmeal and a banana. And I take a lunch break, too.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s important not to skip meals to keep your brain and body energy humming. It\u2019s super easy to forget to stop to eat properly, or to simply snack all day when you don\u2019t have a co-worker suggesting you run out to grab a bite or go down to the cafeteria. I keep a bag of mandarin oranges in the fridge for snacking and always have bananas on hand.<\/p>\n

Stop and take a breather.<\/strong>\u00a0Step outside. Pick up a magazine article to read that you\u2019ve set aside, or a book\u2013something not on your computer screen to rest your eyes. Call your mom. Sip a cup of tea on your porch. Walk your dog. Whatever it is that helps you pause and recharge, do it. I like to take a break every few hours and stretch, but you will figure out what works for you. These breaks are essential to your wellness.<\/p>\n

Talk to your boss and co-workers.<\/strong>\u00a0Try to set daily meetings with your manager so you\u2019re on the same page and check in with co-workers, so you don\u2019t miss out on office happenings.<\/p>\n

Before you shut down for the day, write your to-do action plan for the next one. The best way to hit the ground running each morning is to prepare ahead of time.<\/p>\n

Ace your virtual meetings.<\/strong>\u00a0These involve talking live with co-workers, managers and clients via Skype, Zoom, or other videoconferencing technology.<\/p>\n

These tips can help you become relaxed with these arrangements:<\/p>\n

Check your equipment.<\/strong>\u00a0You\u2019ll need a reliable internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone. Most computers and laptops have these built-in. But if you are doing a lot of virtual conferences, it might be worth investing in an external USB microphone like high-quality Blue\u2019s Snowball (around $50) that you can easily plug into your computer. If possible, use an Ethernet cable to connect to the internet and turn off Wi-Fi, so your connection is faster and more reliable. With today\u2019s superfast Wi-Fi connections this isn\u2019t always necessary, but depending on your set-up it might be a good move.<\/p>\n

Do a backdrop check.<\/strong>\u00a0Look at what will show behind you. If it\u2019s a jumble of books, file folders and paper piles, or even personal items such as pictures from your vacation, do a sweep. Having a painting, bookcase, or attractive plant in the background is best, but make sure the painting and books are tasteful. You don\u2019t want anything to distract from you and your message.<\/p>\n

Fine-tune the lighting.<\/strong>\u00a0You want soft light brightening your face. If your room has a window, face it, or put a lamp on the desk in front of you. Avoid backlit scenarios that put you in a shadow and too much front-lighting that makes you squint.<\/p>\n

Test with the platform.<\/strong>\u00a0You may need to download the application software and set up an account.<\/p>\n

Reboot your computer.<\/strong>\u00a0Rebooting guarantees that you\u2019re not running applications in the background that may disrupt the meeting. Exit any applications set up to automatically run whenever you start your computer.<\/p>\n

Adjust your webcam and chair.<\/strong>\u00a0Position your computer screen so you\u2019re in the middle (horizontally) and the top of your head is near the top of the computer screen. You should be looking up slightly at the camera, a position that helps define your chin and subtly conveys a message of strength and confidence.<\/p>\n

Dress for an in-person meeting.<\/strong>\u00a0Solid colors are best. Avoid white. Don\u2019t forget some makeup, even if you\u2019re a guy. It takes the shine off your skin.<\/p>\n

Have a cheat sheet.<\/strong>\u00a0Sticky notes on your computer screen can prompt you of talking points you want to be sure to emphasize.<\/p>\n

Try your best to look into the camera when talking.<\/strong>\u00a0This one takes discipline. You\u2019ll be tempted to look down at yourself on the screen, or at others on the screen. Gaze into that tiny camera lens at the top of your computer screen and don\u2019t waiver.<\/p>\n

Smile when applicable.<\/strong>\u00a0Smiling delivers a big lift for your video charisma and energizes the conversation. Try warming up ahead of time by thinking of something funny to make you laugh, or laughing at yourself in a mirror to relax up your facial muscles. Smile especially during the meet and greet. Refrain from a clenched teeth smile.<\/p>\n

Pay attention to your body language.<\/strong>\u00a0Breathe deeply and slowly and relax. Keep your shoulders back and your hands quiet. No hair spinning around your pinkie, lip chewing, squinting your eyes, or overblinking.<\/p>\n

Raise technical issues, if necessary.<\/strong>\u00a0If something goes south\u2014say, your internet connection blips, or you\u2019re having trouble with your computer\u2019s camera or microphone\u2014speak up.<\/p>\n

By<\/strong><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n

Kerry Hannon<\/a><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n

More from MarketWatch<\/strong><\/p>\n