Set up an appropriate workspace that is separate and distinct from your “home space” and conducive to working effectively without interruptions.
- Design your workspace for efficiency, with all the documents and materials you need.
- Create a healthy workspace – good light, comfortable temperature, ergonomic adjustable chair, computer keyboard and mouse suited to your needs, telephone headset, etc.
- Set boundaries with your family members.
- Ensure your family members understand that although you are home, you are working.
- Establish ground rules for work hours, interruptions, noise, etc.
- Do not use working from home as a substitute for child-care.
Focus On Performance And Results
- Be clear on your priorities, focusing on the expectations, tasks and responsibilities you and your manager agreed upon as measures of success.
- Be proactive in communicating regularly with your manager, co-workers and customers to stay connected and resolve issues as they arise.
- Ensure that your accomplishments, project status, outcomes and deliverables are visible to your manager and co-workers as appropriate – avoid being out of sight, out of mind.
- Invite and encourage feedback from co-workers, manager and customers about how your virtual work arrangement is affecting them.
Be Accessible, Responsive, And Reliable
- Utilise appropriate communication methods to stay connected with your manager, co-workers and customers.
- Update your email, voicemail greeting, staff calendar, etc. on a regular basis with your schedule, availability (or not) and contact information.
- Check your email and voicemail frequently.
- Demonstrate trustworthiness by being predictable, reliable, taking promises seriously, and following through on commitments.
Manage Your Work And Preserve Time For Your Life
- Find ways to ‘disengage’ from work and have quality personal time when traditional boundaries between work and home life are no longer clear.
- Set reasonable limits to your work hours and determine how to meet work requirements and still preserve personal time.
- Build in short breaks and work during periods of peak energy.
Source: Diane Burrus, WFD Consulting
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