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Discussion on: What are your best tips for working from home?

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Liana Felt (she/her) • Edited

I LOVE working from home but it can be a challenge. I find I usually end up being more productive because there are less distractions but it is hard to find the right balance. I've had some experience over the years working for different companies that have a work from home policy and while everywhere is slightly different, here are some of the things I try to do when I'm working form home:

Morning Routine - Before I jump into work, I like to take some time for myself, stretch, shower, get dressed, cup of coffee or tea, breakfast, or maybe a walk. Whatever sort of routine you do to start your day is important to keep up even on work from home days. I sometimes find when I jump right into working my whole day feels a little strange and more chaotic.

Pick up the Phone - Slack is great slack for being able to stay in touch when working remote. But I also find sometimes its easier to jump on a call and sort something out in 1-2 minutes instead of taking longer going back and forth messaging. I think some people feel hesitant to do this, but if you ask the person if they can hop on a call, it might be easier.

Change of Scenery - When I'm feeling stuck or feel like I'm not being as productive I like to go to a coffee shop and do work there. Usually I lay out the tasks I want to accomplish while I'm there and don't leave until I feel I've done that or made pretty good progress on it. I don't always need to leave your house, sometimes moving from the desk to the couch can also do the trick!

Set an End Time - I usually plan to go to yoga, the gym, or go for a walk at the end of my work day. If know I'm planning to go to a 6:30PM yoga class, I'll be more mindful of the time at the end of the day and not end up working way later than I meant to. It also allows me to fully sign off and transition into non work mode. For awhile I found that really hard, I would say I was done working, but then my computer would still be open so I'd keep going. These days I find it best to shut the computer when I feel I'm done for the day.