02 July . 2018
Tips For Working From Home
Tips For Working From Home
Working remotely is rapidly becoming the new norm. According to The New York Times, 43% of employed Americans work from home at least some of the time. Waterset even has a Work From Home social group with over 100 members. Here are our top tips for working from home.
Designate a Space
Whether it’s a full home office or a little desk tucked into a bedroom, it’s important to have a specific place to work each day. Design your space with your work style in mind and choose an aesthetic that will help keep you motivated, whether it be bright open windows or kids’ finger paintings. Waterset offers a variety of home plans with flex spaces, spacious bedroom retreats, and extra bedrooms that can be used as a home office.
Set Hours
Just like working in an office, it’s important to have set hours, even if they aren’t your typical 9 to 5. This is helpful for you, your clients, and other family members that live in your home. Not only does it minimize distractions, it helps break up your day and ensure that you don’t make it a habit to work into the wee hours of the morning.
Take Breaks
Taking breaks actually helps your overall productivity, and it has emotional and psychological benefits as well. Taking a short walk is a great way to break up the work day, boost your mood, and reset your focus. Waterset has twelve miles of trails for you to explore, so you can see something new every day.
Have a Back-Up
Sometimes working from home just doesn’t, well, work. Maybe the kids are home from school, or there are renovations going on, or you just want to get out of the house! Have an alternative location where you can take your laptop and a project. With free WiFi, delicious snacks and beverages, and a variety of workspaces, The Landing is a perfect choice. Starbucks and Panera are also within ten minutes.
Dress Up
Okay, we’re not saying you need to put on a suit, but changing out of your pajamas can help mentally prepare you for a day of work - even if you’re just putting on yoga pants. Brush your teeth, brush your hair, and put on a little make-up.
Minimize Distractions
Distractions at work plague everyone, but they can be more difficult to manage when working at home without someone to hold you accountable. Resist the urge to tweet, shop for shoes, or check the sports score until you’re on a break. Minimizing distractions can also mean trying noise-cancelling headphones, silencing your text notifications, or shutting the office door.
Find Your Tribe
It’s easy to get lonely without the hustle and bustle of a busy office, but working remotely doesn’t mean you have to be alone. Get together with a friend and work at The Landing, or take a break for a long lunch with an associate. Waterset has a great social network of remote workers who meet semi-regularly to chat, brainstorm, and simply socialize. Learn more about the Work From Home group and other social clubs from our community specialists.
References:
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/15/us/remote-workers-work-from-home.html