Remote work has made its mark. Many people who used to work completely in-office may now perform their tasks fully from home or on a hybrid schedule. There’s no denying that the work model brings great flexibility to employees – when approached with the right tools and mindset, it can make life much easier.
Even project managers and estimators in the door, frame, and hardware industry, like some of Software for Hardware’s customers, may find themselves working remotely at times because they have the tools to do so conveniently; door project management software now possesses cloud capabilities to let them work in the software from anywhere.
As you enjoy this convenience, know that remote work comes with its own challenges. It’s very easy for your professional life to trickle into your personal life when the work is always accessible. The potential to catch up on tasks is always there, so you may find it difficult to put the work down. And overwork will lead to burnout.
You can combat these challenges by setting physical boundaries for yourself. Consider making your work office separate from your bedroom and other living spaces so you won’t associate relaxing with working. When you close your computer and leave your office, you’ll have an easier time leaving the work with it – out of sight, out of mind.
Indeed Career Guide also advises to eliminate distractions as best you can by shutting the door or using noise-cancelling headphones if your environment gets loud. If other people in the house are the source of the noise, talk about setting quiet hours. Phones can be another big distraction; consider keeping yours out of arms reach so you’re not tempted to pick it up too often.
If you don’t have a separate room to use as an office, Asana recommends carving out a section of any room as your workspace to create those physical boundaries. Indeed Career Guide adds that using a desk and chair dedicated solely for work will help you focus and spread out your materials, keeping you physically and mentally organized.
Speaking of furniture: consider investing in a comfortable chair and table, especially if you’re a full-time remote worker. Spending long hours in a painful position will hurt more than your productivity – it can harm your body. You should feel alert and supported while you work. Depending on your workplace’s policy, you could even be reimbursed for these expenses.
How you set up your work office is important. If you have the freedom to customize your office to your liking, you should take advantage of it. You’ll be spending a lot of time in this space, so it’s vital to make it optimized for you.
Surrounding yourself with things you like is a good idea. Having pictures of loved ones or a favorite item on your desk can give you a mood boost throughout the day. Bringing in the natural world through potted plants or letting in some sunshine can also improve your mood. Make your office a space you want to be in.
Be careful not to clutter your space with too much, though. A disorganized office can make you overwhelmed, distracted, and more likely to lose track of important items. You can find more tips for staying organized in this blog post.
As much as you should feel comfortable in your office, you should also feel comfortable stepping out of it. Sitting down and staring at a screen all day will put strain on your body.
Taking small breaks to stand up, stretch, drink water, get a snack, and walk around will help you stay healthy and alert, and you’ll feel more prepared to get back to work after you do.
Remote work is a relatively new work model that has brought much flexibility to people’s lives. But one must take steps to ensure that it is a help and not a hindrance. By setting physical boundaries, eliminating distractions, personalizing your space, and taking breaks, you can set yourself up for personal and professional success from the comfort of your own home.
Anna Litofsky, Marketing Coordinator, Software For Hardware.
