Managing your business from your home comes with a lot of benefits. For one, you don’t have to deal with rush hour traffic. You also get to spend more time with your family. However, as with most things, it’s not without its challenges.
It could be in the form of a potential client failing to push through, a team member that failed to report to work, or a customer ranting about poor service. Such unfavorable circumstances will test your patience and professionalism. The question then would be, what will you do if no one is watching?
Staying professional and mature can be tough when you’re working on your own. It’s not like anyone will notice if your hair has grown too long or if your tie is crooked. Heck, some remote workers don’t even bother dressing up at all.
Despite the flexibility and convenience that WFH brings, you shouldn’t let professionalism fly out the window. After all, we’re STILL working….even if you’re just on the kitchen counter.
Let’s go over some useful reminders really quickly then.
Professional Spaces
I can’t stress this enough: Don’t work in bed. Sure, it’s relaxing, but it’s also easier to doze off on the job.
Hence, it’s important to carve out a designated workspace. It doesn’t matter whether it’s just a quiet, well-lit spot in your living area or a spare room/home office. So long as you can work there relatively undisturbed, you’re golden.
Oh, and having a clean, presentable background helps too. You know, for all those Zoom calls so your colleagues don’t accidentally see anything they shouldn’t.
Fixed Working Hours
Remote work is often considered a better alternative to the regular office setup. In most cases, that’s probably true. However, WFH also has the tendency to blur the line between our professional and personal lives.
For example, let’s say your team members send you emails while you’re still having breakfast. Should you put your spoon down and attend to them ASAP? Honestly, you shouldn’t….unless it’s really, really, really important and urgent.
The point is, you should set a working schedule – and stick to it. This way, you don’t have to jump whenever your email alert goes off or when your phone rings at dinner. Setting firm boundaries when it comes to your working hours will help you stay rested, productive, and sane.
WFH Dress Code
I know it’s tempting to roll out of bed and go straight to your work desk without skipping a beat. But trust me, it’s not good in the long run.
Although you’re no longer required to wear suits and slacks at home, getting out of your pj’s can put you in the proper mindset for work. You don’t necessarily have to dress up either. Even a plain t-shirt and jeans or even a skirt will do.
Besides, do you really want to scramble for a clean shirt when a video call prompt suddenly pops up on your screen? Yeah, I didn’t think so.
Keeping the Distractions to a Minimum
No one likes attending virtual meetings while dogs bark or children cry in the background. Fortunately, this is where the mute button comes in. But having numerous, constant distractions can drive you up the wall.
If you live with your family, particularly small children, make them understand that you need peace and quiet while working. If telling them off doesn’t work, there are a few tricks you can use.
For example, art supplies or educational toys can keep your toddlers busy. Netflix shows can also keep them still and quiet as you work on meeting deadlines.
Working from home used to be little more than a dream for most professionals not too long ago. Today, it’s quickly becoming the norm, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t require certain adjustments.
Remote Staff has been partnering with Aussie SMEs and entrepreneurs like you for the last 14 years and counting. We provide skilled remote workers from the Philippines to help businesses like yours scale sustainably and take advantage of the digital future.
Intrigued? Call us today or schedule a call back and help us help you.
Serena has been working remotely and writing content for the better part of the last decade. To date, she's written for Pepper.ph and Mabuhay Magazine, among others, and has churned out more than a thousand articles on everything from The Basics of Stock Market Investing to How to Make Milk Tea-Flavored Taho at home. Hermits, aspiring hermits, and non-hermits with interesting project propositions may email her at serena.estrella10@gmail.com.
