Working From Home: How To Keep The Momentum Going
In the four years since 2020, remote work has seen a dramatic increase. This shift was years in the making and will likely have numerous positive impacts on operating costs, employee commute time and the environment. However, there are also drawbacks.
Thinking about continuing your work-from-home rituals may seem impossible on a productivity and social level. This is especially true if you have only recently started working from home by company orders rather than by choice.
As a veteran telecommuter, I’m here to tell you that you can 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 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 many 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. Slack or Discord might be your group’s new best friends!
- Take advantage of video conferencing software, such as Zoom or Skype, 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 Facebook groups and online clubs, to name a few digital spaces.
- Ensure that you are spending as much quality time as possible with 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.
Takeaways
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 2024. Take advantage of their advice to excel at home.
This piece was originally published as Still Working From Home? Here’s How to Keep The Momentum Going. It has been updated for this site.
