After WHO (the World Health Organization) elevated the outbreak of coronavirus from being an epidemic to a pandemic, millions of businesses were forced to deal with the prospect of having to manage a completely remote workforce. Some of the biggest companies from around the globe such as Google, Amazon, Twitter, Microsoft, and Facebook have now implemented remote work policies for many of their workers.
While the pandemic has resulted in a surge of people working from home, it is also important to understand that working at home was a growing trend before COVID-19. As such, many people already did this or were looking into what options they had. However, let’s face it, working at home is still work and if you think a few easy work from home tips will get you through, you may be shocked to learn this isn’t always the case. Even though there are some issues and bugs you will have to work through as you make this transition, there is also an array of benefits you can enjoy.
Choose Any Location as Your Office
If you work remotely, there is a good chance you will be working from home. While this is true, it does not mean you have to fill a corner of your bedroom or living room with a huge desk, computer monitor, and a typical office chair. You can put your office in a location that works with your home and lifestyle.
For example, there are some remote workers who use their kitchen bar as a standing desk (get work done and health benefits – win-win) and others have converted an unused closet into an office. The options are endless and with a bit of creativity, you will likely be able to find the perfect location for your office. This is also going to make you happier because you have control over where the office is and the setting.
You Will Save Money
While the financial benefits won’t be immediate when you begin working remotely, they will appear over time. For example, if you no longer have to commute to or from work, you won’t spend as much on gas and you won’t have to take your vehicle in for repairs as often as you used to.
However, that isn’t all. You will find savings in other areas, too. For example, you don’t have to worry about wearing “business-appropriate clothing” or choosing shoes and attire that isn’t your “style.” This means you don’t have to worry about finding separate wardrobes for your work and all the other parts of your life. You will also be able to save money on the cost of food since you will be at home and able to make lunch or order coffee from home.
Create Your Own Schedule
In most cases, the work that is available to you as a remote worker can also be done on a more flexible schedule. For example, if you are a content creator or web developer, you will be able to do your writing or coding whenever it suits you, as long as you are meeting your deadlines. This means that even night owls can get work done. Regardless of when you work, you will be able to get your full time in, even if you don’t start at 8 AM.
If you do have to work specific hours, you will still likely have some break time – this is time you can use however you want. Even if you only have 10 minutes, you can do something that would not be possible in a more traditional office setting.
Learn More and Become More Independent
Since you don’t have any co-workers just a few feet away from you or a tech team in the same building, you are going to develop the skills needed to handle problems and becoming more proactive. However, you will still have access to your remote team, where you can ask questions and get answers when they are needed. However, in most situations, you can conduct a quick Google search, access a free guide, or check out the information provided by the company to find the answers you need.
Working from home offers an array of benefits that are not offered by traditional office jobs. However, you also have to make sure you remain on task and get the work done that you have. Being informed and knowing what to expect from this new work environment is the best way to ensure you can make the most of your new work environment. Remember, you still have your team, you are just working remotely now.
