Does the idea of working remotely, whether from home or some other location, appeal to you? If so, you are not alone. In a recent report from McKinsey & Company, 87% of employed workers surveyed say they would take the opportunity to work in a hybrid work scenario. While working from home can be a good option for many people, there should be some planning done before you take the plunge. To help you, we have put together The Ultimate Guide to Working From Home!
In this guide, we cover everything you need to successfully work from home. We have tips on necessities like cloud-based phone service, fast internet connections, and setting up a routine! We include information on planning a workspace in your home. If you are ready to make the switch or are still in the planning stage, this guide will help!
Make Yourself Comfortable
When setting up your home office, it’s important to make sure it’s comfortable and conducive to productivity. That means having enough space to spread out, good lighting, and comfortable furniture. One of the best pieces of furniture for a home office is an ergonomic chair. Ergonomic chairs are designed to support your back and help reduce fatigue. If you don’t have an ergonomic chair, make sure your regular chair is comfortable and at the right height for your desk. You should also make sure your desk is at the correct height for your chair – not too high or too low.
Fast Internet Connection
One of the most important things to consider when working from home is your internet connection. A reliable and fast internet connection is essential for any telecommuter. After all, you need to be able to connect with your boss, colleagues, and clients easily and without any issues. There are a few things you can do to ensure you have a good internet connection. First, make sure you have a good router. A good router will help to boost your signal and give you a better connection. Second, consider using a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi. Wired connections are generally more reliable and faster than Wi-Fi. Finally, if you live in an area with spotty internet service, consider using a satellite internet provider.
Start With Phone Service and Noise-Canceling Headsets
Another important thing to consider when working from home is your phone service. A cloud-based phone system is a great option for telecommuters. Cloud-based phone systems are scalable and can be easily customized to fit your needs. They’re also relatively affordable and easy to set up. Additionally, many cloud-based phone systems offer features like call forwarding, voicemail, and caller ID – all of which can be very useful when you’re working from home. When looking for a phone provider, be sure they provide live and local technical support. You don’t want to spend all of your time at home troubleshooting technical issues.
Working from home will bring on a new set of challenges you never had to deal with before. One of them is sound pollution AKA loud noises. This consists of animals, traffic, lawnmowers, and anything that may go on while you are normally not home. It’s important to have the proper headset that will block out all these noises, thus, improving your call quality. There are lots of good-quality noise-canceling headsets out there.
Follow A Routine
Just because you are working from home, doesn’t mean you have to be working all the time! Sure, you’ve taken the time to set up your home office with the necessities you need to get through the day. And, you’ve set aside a dedicated workspace and made sure everyone around knows not to bother you while you are working. But, just like being at the office, you need to set up a routine so you are productive.
Don’t forget to take breaks! Working from home can be isolating, so make sure to take breaks throughout the day to stretch, grab a snack, or just take a walk around the block. Instead of hanging out at the water cooler, take your pet for a walk or sit down in a comfy chair with a cup of tea. Just remember not to overdo it! Don’t let that 15-minute leg stretch turn into an afternoon of binge-watching your favorite show!
Make Room for a Workspace
Finally, when working from home it’s important to have a dedicated workspace – somewhere you can go to focus on work without being distracted by household chores or other activities. Dedicating a specific room in your house as your office space is ideal, but if that’s not possible try to create a dedicated space in another room (like a corner of the living room or bedroom). Make sure this space is well-lit and has enough room for all of your work materials. Having a dedicated workspace will help improve your productivity and focus when working from home.
Working From Home Benefits
Working from home has a lot of benefits that can save you money and increase your flexibility. One of the main benefits is that you don’t have to pay for office rent or commuting costs. You can also tailor your work schedule to better suit your needs, and if you have young children, working from home gives you more time to spend with them.
In addition to the monetary savings, working from home also offers a number of other benefits. For example, you can eliminate distractions by working in a quiet environment, and you can take breaks whenever you want without having to ask permission from a boss. You also have the freedom to dress however you want, and you can listen to music or watch TV while you work if it helps you focus.
Time to get Started!
That’s it! You now have the basics for working at home and being productive. With the right equipment and a dedicated space, you can work from home without distractions and get more work done in less time. While this list is by no means complete, it will serve as a great starting point. Just like any new job and new workspace, it will take some time to get into the swing of things. Over time, you will find your rhythm and workflow.
Don’t be afraid to change things around until you get them just the way you want them. The nice part is – you won’t have to worry about the person in the next cubicle over and dealing with their annoying habits. Of course, you will have challenges of your own. Don’t let distractions like kids and pets get you off task. But, remember to take those breaks! So go ahead – turn off that work notification, close your office door, and start working! Good luck!
Ready to get set up to work from home? For reliable phone service that lets you work from anywhere, here are some of our favorite options.
