Hybrid model? Fully remote? 6 tips for working from home
Is your company following a hybrid model? Are you working from home for the long term?
As a fully remote, virtual agency, we at Shattles Communications know a thing or two about working from home. Here are the best tips we’ve learned over our eight years in business for staying organized, focused and connected while working from home.
1) Make your “to-do” list and share projects with the team
In our era of emails and Zoom meetings, it’s helpful to stay organized and accountable. Senior Writer Amy Leibrock recommends good, old-fashioned to-do lists on paper. Having a tangible list will help you stay on track, let you cross items off when finished and help you avoid missing important tasks in your full inbox.
We also recommend Trello or another online organizational program where you can list your projects, loop in other team members and review everyone’s projects—all in one place. This has helped us see what everyone is working on, view the status of each project and determine where there might be opportunities to support each other.
2) Minimize distractions—easier said than done, right?!
Treat where you work at home like a traditional office as much as you can. Amy avoids multi-tasking with house chores or working in different rooms throughout the day. She almost always works in her office. She also keeps her phone out of sight as much as possible to avoid distractions and doesn’t check email when she’s trying to complete a task.
Need to block out noise? Graphic Designer Tess Wojahn recommends compiling a playlist of quiet instrumental music that is perfect for background noise.
Do you share office space with someone else who is also working remotely? Proofreader and Editor Perry Washburn recommends getting a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Some even allow you to handle phone calls while wearing them.
3) Stretch and keep moving
Experts recommend employees get up and move every 30 minutes for their long-term health and well-being. Art Director Hillary Wood has incorporated seven-minute workouts into her routine, and not only does she feel physically stronger but also more energized and focused.
Amy has an adjustable standing/sitting desk. When she gets tired of sitting in one position, she changes it up. If you aren’t able to purchase a new desk, set reminders and find a way to stand up or take a quick walk or stretch break to avoid sitting in one position for too long.
4) Add a little color to your office and maybe some plants
Tess recently gave her home office a refresh with her favorite artwork, as well as lots of plants. Hanging up pictures of your family or favorite vacation spots, or adding fun favorite items (bobbleheads, snow globes, etc.) can make your home office cozier and more inviting.
5) The kids are alright…in your home office
We all know raising kids takes a village, but the village may not always be available or your kids may need to be home while you work sometimes.
If needed, Senior Writer Barbara Grimsley recommends finding ways to occupy kids with their own hands-on activities while you work. Set up a little station near you and find activities that are age-appropriate and engaging. Maybe it’s coloring books, Play-Doh, Legos or puzzles.
Barbara also recommends reviewing your work schedule and your children’s schedules before the work week begins. This helps align everyone’s schedules and hopefully minimizes surprises (if possible!).
6) Always remember the human connection
Emails are easy and efficient, but when solving a challenging problem or figuring out a new solution, there is nothing better than a phone call, Zoom meeting or, if possible, an in-person meeting.
Throughout the years, our agency has also made it a priority to get together periodically as a team, for trainings, get-to-know-you events and celebrations of holidays and key milestones. The pandemic, of course, made this a little trickier, but these team meetings—whether in-person or virtual—have allowed us to build stronger bonds.
