How to make working from home work for you

At this point in time, I’m not able to grab coffee with co-workers or join clients and partners for an in-person meeting. But I can host a virtual coffee with my team members and add an extra touch point meeting to the calendar to sync on an upcoming project. As our nation handles the COVID-19 health crisis, we are all figuring out new work (and life) norms.

Thankfully, DCG is set up to handle this mandated work from home better than most companies. A majority of our employees work virtually in some capacity during a normal week, but we are all having to adapt, in some way or another.

After reaching out to several members of our DCG family, I compiled key tips and tricks on how to make working from home work for you. We are all learning that it’s even more important to be extra clear in setting expectations for yourself and others, so where should you start? I’ve broken it down into two categories starting with tips for setting a routine followed by tips for communicating.

Switching up the scenery to get a little bit of fresh air while working on my back porch.

Tips for Setting a Routine:

• Create a morning routine — Try to maintain the same sleep schedule and morning routine. Wake up, open your blinds, make your bed and start the day with a cup of coffee (or tea or water!).

• Plan “eating” times — Designate specific “snacking” times, which helps minimize trips to the kitchen, allows you to stay focused and avoid those, “Are you hungry or are you just bored/procrastinating?” moments. It also gives you something to look forward to after your next meeting!

• Stay hydrated — Whether working from home or an office, drinking water is an easy way to increase productivity.

• Take a walk — Take a break and walk around the block or play with your dog. A step away from your workspace helps to keep a clear mind.

• Create work boundaries — Put your work materials AWAY when you shut down for the day. This helps to distinguish between the “work day” and your evening.

• Set evening “plans” — Even if you are not going out, plan a virtual happy hour with a friend, or a quarantine buddy (previously known as roommates/spouse/family) around 5 or 6pm so you’re able to finish your work and log off at an appropriate time.

Taking a midday break to walk down to the Rappahannock River.

Tips for Communicating:

• Find creative ways to build strong relationships — When you’re in the office, it’s easy to socialize with coworkers to build relationships. If you’re working remotely building relationships with your coworkers requires a proactive mindset. Get involved in a committee, join a weekly ‘Cup of Joe’ Coffee virtual chat or attend a knowledge sharing session, such as a Lunch n’ Learn.
• Communicate deadlines — Proactively and clearly communicate deadlines so that everyone is on the same page. For example, “Please provide feedback by 4pm, I am planning to send to the client by COB.”
• Be specific about when you are available — Working from home can sometimes cause us to answer our phones, emails and instant messages around the clock. In order to maximize your time, set clear boundaries around your availability. For example, “If you have any questions, I’m available from 3–5:30pm today.”
• Schedule regular check ins with your team — These are a great way to help plan and prioritize your weekly schedule, an opportunity for you and the team to have regular face-time, and a catch-all for any items that would be more of an informal “stop by your desk to chat/brainstorm” meeting in a traditional setting.

One final tip to pass forward is that I encourage you to count your blessings. Although this is a trying time for everyone, there’s a lot to feel grateful for when you’re working remotely, whether it’s appreciating your lack of commute or having extra time to spend with loved ones after the workday ends.