Though more people are returning to the office these days, many professionals in the workforce enjoy the benefits of working remotely, whether in a permanent or hybrid capacity. Around 59% of US workers whose jobs can be done without going to the office say they prefer this setup. Rather than by necessity, they are now choosing to work from home most or all of the time.
If you’re thinking about signing up for a work-from-home (WFH) job or starting a business remotely, it’s critical to understand that it’s not all fun and games. Here are some essential things to consider before making a WFH transition:
Things to consider before working from home
1. Your personality and work ethic
You may prefer a remote setup if you work better independently and don’t need others to give you real-time feedback and input. It can also be beneficial if you’re confident in your ability to stay on top of deadlines, work efficiently, and remain productive even while away from the office.
Being self-directed in your work is incredibly important, so you don’t fall behind. If you prefer to work and coordinate with others or don’t do too well being on your own for too long, a work-from-home job might be a challenge; the lack of a social aspect can affect how you work if that is important to you.
2. Mental health
It’s important to note that though remote working has a lot of benefits, it isn’t stress-free. Working from home can impact your mental health now that the lines between home and work are blurred.
It can be isolating without coworkers and colleagues to interact with, making you feel lonely. This can affect your productivity, engagement in the business, and overall mental well-being. Inconsistency due to an insufficient workspace or insufficient division between work and personal time can be a big cause of stress. You may also get burnout easily, contributing to physical and mental health decline.
3. Finances
Financial stability is another critical aspect of working from home. You might need new equipment to help you run any software or programs smoothly, and they can be pretty costly, depending on your needs. Whether it’ll be for communicating with coworkers, constant video conferencing, or working on important tasks, it’s good to invest in the right gear that will help you, but if that’s not something you can afford to shell out on, you might want to think about it further.
Remote work tips
If you’ve carefully considered all the factors and have decided that working from home is a good direction for you, here are some tips to make the experience even better:
Find a workspace
Boundaries – physical and mental – are essential for work-from-home balance. The work-from-home experiment is largely one that organizations and individuals are still finding their footing with. Finding space at home where you can define your work activities and place firm rules about potential intrusions is critical. A designated area for your work can set a clear boundary by telling other people in the home that you’re doing something important and need your focus when you’re in there.
Set a routine
Working from home can give you a lot of freedom to choose when and how you work, but without a routine to follow, you can quickly become inconsistent or not manage your time wisely. Come up with a schedule and create blocks for work, breaks, and when you clock off for the day.
Knowing your habits and work style can help you decide when you work best or how much time you need for tasks so you can avoid working overtime. Like having your own workspace, setting a time frame for work can also let family members know when you shouldn’t be interrupted.
Communicate well
Interacting with colleagues or staff is much different in a remote setting than in-person. Collaboration in remote work environments is heavily reliant on communication, and the reality is that all kinds of workplaces are now spread out across different office locations and timezones.
Workflow technology can help unify employees by providing a base for sharing documents and contacting teammates, fostering easier collaboration regardless of the work environment. Make sure the remote job you’re considering has such technology, or if you’re a business owner, invest in it to promote better communication and productivity.
