11 Tips for Effective Remote Work
1. Make Sure You're Secure
Ensure your connection to your organization's technology resources and data are secure. Use your company's VPN or an approved VPN service to ensure safe transmission of your data. Also, install your organization's security tools on any personal devices you're using to ensure they're not infected (i.e., anti-virus, anti-malware, and security monitoring agents, etc.).
2. Internet Service
Do you have a reliable internet connection for accessing the internet, reading the email and participating in video chat sessions? Datapath recommends a connection speed of at least 25 mb download and 10 mb upload to successfully handle most job functions.
3. Office Space
Do you have a comfortable space free from distraction and interruption? Preferably a place that you can participate in video meetings and handle business calls without background noise would work best.
4. Phone Service
Has your company provided you with a company mobile phone? Do you get good clear cell phone service where you plan to work? If you have a cloud-based phone system from your company, you may be able to take your desk phone home with you and connect it to your home network. Check with your IT services provider or IT team to find out what your options are.
5. Clothes That Aren't Pajamas
Many of us consider home to be our comfort zone, but it is also our “get away from work zone”. When you suddenly need to work from home, psychologically it is important to prepare for your workday and dress the part. When your day ends, you can then change into your comfy clothes and create separation between work and home without physically changing locations.
6. A Good Desktop Setup
Depending on the type of work you do; you will need to setup one or multiple computer monitors. Be sure to pick a spot that is close to power, internet and a comfortable working location. Ideally an unused room with a desk is ideal, but the dining room table or a kitchen countertop will suffice. Whichever you choose, plan to be able to work for 6-8 hours per day comfortably.
7. Reach Out to the Rest of the World
Just because you work from home doesn’t mean you should confine yourself to your room. Networking sites for professionals are quickly becoming must-haves in the business world. Sites like LinkedIn can help you reach out to others in the industry and people you have worked with in the past.
8. An Organized Space
Suddenly working from home can mix up personal affairs with your business affairs, so be sure to take some time to organize your new workspace. Designate an area for your personal bills and documents that is separate from your client and company work.
9. A Time for Working
Make a specific time for work every day and stick to it. It can get confusing to differentiate between work and home when the two are the same. However, making sure you create a workday for yourself can help your productivity. Be sure to communicate work hours and expectations with your supervisor or manager.
10. A Follow-Up
Remember, out of sight, out of mind really does apply to the work world. Make sure you make yourself known via email or phone. If you need to communicate with someone, make sure you aren’t forgotten. Check in early and often!
11. Realistic Expectations
Realize that working from home can be lonely, tough to focus and feel like isolation. It takes time to learn to work from home. Playing music very lightly in the background, having the tv on or just opening the window can help improve rhythm and focus.
If you have any questions or need any special assistance, please connect with us:
Direct 209-300-7345 or via email at: BePrepared@mydatapath.com