Tech work from home recommendations from a grizzled 6 year work from home veteran :)
Considering all that has happened in the matter of a week (covid 19), everyone has started the work from home experience, and it is nice to see what others have to say on the matter. Having been a remote worker since 2014, I have learned what it takes to be effective in a remote role. I slather some remote working wisdom on you like butter on a baked potato below:
Set a routine:
Set a routine and continue your previous routine prior to remote working. The first act of discipline of the day helps you to set the tone for the rest of it. Personally I really enjoy this approach because it's important to remain accountable. In fact it reminds me of Admiral William McRaven, author of "Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life... And Maybe The World," when he explains how making your bed every morning can have a positive impact on your well-being and behavior throughout the rest of the day
Wear pants:
Wear pants, because pajamas are not for work. Its similar to making your bed, or not sleeping in. Because you are able to wear them all day long does not mean that you should. You're a professional, act like one, and dress like one. Even if its not a suit & tie, the act of getting dressed reinforces the notion that you are a professional doing a job as a professional.
Connect with the team (or don't):
Some people prefer to start your day off with colleagues. Myself I typically begin work before everyone else, so I take that as an opportunity to go through 'what's happening' and set goals, laying out expectations for the day ahead.
Minimize the distractions in your day. I get it, you have the option of doing laundry and all the other tasks you don't normally get to do, but that is not what you're being paid for. Be focused on the task at hand, and don't turn your job into a secondary activity.
Set the ground rules:
Rules & boundaries need to be set for those with small children or significant others at home. Workday rules need to be communicated and in place. When I started working remote we had small children in the house. They learned quickly that when the baby gate went up that Dad was at work. My wife could still hop over it, but thankfully they could not.
Be proud of what you do just as much as if you do it in the office. With all of the distractions and pitfalls of office life, its amazing you’re able to be as productive as you are. There are lots of jokes around remote workers. Take pride in the extra that you can accomplish.
Move your butt once in a while:
Take a physical break. This is my own personal problem and biggest area for improvement. An entire day can go by and I only move for bio breaks and the occasional snack. This is the biggest risk to workaholic types who work from home. Go outside for a walk. Lift weights in between calls. Just move because our bodies are meant to move.