Remote working is the new norm, not only is it the need of the hour, but working from home could very well be the working model many businesses will adopt post-Coronavirus. Many teams and individuals who have had no prior experience of working from home may find it difficult to adapt to this new way of working. The aim of this article is to help these employees transition more easily into working from home.

1. Communication with the team

Ensure that you have all of the necessary tech tools at your disposal to communicate with your remote team effectively. Some of the must-have software you should have are Google Drive and Dropbox for storing documents, team messaging platforms like Microsoft Team, Slack, and videoconferencing and video software such as Zoom and Skype. Also, ensure that there are ways for your remote team members to get in touch with you beyond traditional workplace tools and email while working from home.

2. Create a workspace at home

All experienced remote workers will agree that you cannot, and should never, resort to your bed or a couch in any way while working from home. It is imperative to have a designated space to work from home. This could be a relatively isolated room in your home or just a nice desk with a comfortable chair.

This space you choose to work from has to have the least amount of distractions. If your house falls on a busy street, keep your window sealed to avoid any excessive noise. Put on headphones and listen to white noise to shut off sounds and focus better on the task at hand. Keep your desk organised and tidy, and be mindful of office ergonomics.

3. The right tools

Depending on the kind of work you do, you are likely to need more than just a work laptop. Anti-virus and cyber-security software is important. As are installations of online communication tools. Your employer will help you set up such tools. It is important to liaise with your employer about a reasonable level of online tools.

4. Make a schedule and stick to it

A schedule is the only thing that is going to help you get things done while working from home. Making a to-do list to prioritise and organise your tasks will make you accountable and help motivate you to get things done. Have a set time to communicate with other remote working colleagues throughout the day through Slack or other messaging apps to stay in the loop. It is good to share your schedule with other team members and your family members as well. A schedule will help you get things done on time; it will help you balance out your office tasks and household chores as well.

5. Respect time and time zones

See that your home clock is in sync with your office clock. If you have employees stationed in different parts of the world, make sure you do not ping them outside their office hours. Talk with the team leader or your manager as to how will the records of your working hours while working remotely will be taken.

6. Dress up

If you want to be an efficient remote worker, you need to pay attention to this. Do not wear your pyjamas all day. The goal is to trick your brain. Dress in your typical business casual wear. But ensure that you are comfortable, and for that, you may dial down some elements of your look, for instance, you do not need to wear heels while working from home. Having a professional outfit keeps your spirits high, keeps you focused and also makes it easier for you to be ready and pick up video conference calls.

If you are interested in having the best remote working team, enrol yourself and your team in this 10-minute course now!

Sentrient has created an open-to-the-public library of free courses that aim to make the lives of employees and employers easier during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Take the benefit now: https://www.sentrient.com.au/covid-19-coronavirus-courses

For more information, call us at 1300 040 589 or email us at info@sentrient.com.au.

Stay in. Stay safe.

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