For all those who are new to working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s much to learn. We’ve been sold this pretty picture of working in pajamas and having complete freedom of schedule, but reality is often far from that. I’ve been working remotely for over 12 years in different roles, and trust me, it’s not always as glamorous as it seems.
Workplace policies like dress codes and fixed working hours aren’t just to annoy us, they play a crucial role in keeping us efficient and the companies profitable. So, if you’re venturing into telecommuting, be prepared to face and overcome some challenges.
One of those challenges is time management. The idea of setting your own schedule sounds amazing, but it’s not that simple. Traditional business hours exist for a reason – they help us maintain a balance. Without a set schedule, it’s easy to procrastinate and lose track of time. So, decide your work hours and stick to them to avoid falling into this trap.
Working from home can also blur the lines between your personal and professional life. Your home is supposed to be a place of relaxation, but when it becomes your office, it’s hard to switch off from work mode. The solution? Create a dedicated workspace at home.
Distractions are another major issue when working from home. It’s hard to focus when your personal belongings and responsibilities are all around you. The best way to combat this is by removing distractions from your workspace and setting boundaries with your family.
Lack of supervision and direction can also be challenging when telecommuting. It’s important to establish clear communication with your supervisor or your clients to stay on track.
Working from home can result in unclear performance metrics. It’s crucial to have at least one key performance indicator (KPI) to measure how well you’re doing your job.
Another downside of remote work is social isolation. Humans are inherently social, and working alone all day can make you feel lonely. Make sure to engage in social activities outside of work to overcome this.
A common pitfall of working from home is not treating it seriously. Dressing up in work clothes and maintaining a professional attitude can greatly improve your productivity.
For freelancers and entrepreneurs, ignoring administrative tasks can be detrimental. It’s important to treat your work as a business, complete with regular administrative tasks like invoicing and tax preparation.
Lastly, keeping your motivation levels up and networking effectively can be challenging when working from home. Regularly revisiting your long-term goals and staying involved in your professional community can help you stay motivated and relevant.
In summary, while remote work comes with its fair share of benefits, it’s not without challenges. If you wish to enjoy the freedom of working from anywhere, be prepared to take on additional responsibilities and overcome these challenges.
