TRANSITIONING TO A VIRTUAL WORKPLACE

Due to the pandemics, most offices are forced to transition from physical settings to virtual settings. Yet, for most people, we know this transition cannot be easy. You are not alone in this.

However, learning how to work from home is a skill that will evolve to be one of the most sought-after skills of our time. Why? It is simple. The workplace may never get back to the way it was. Apart from the service department/industry, companies are realizing just how important it is to have employees who can finish assigned tasks and deliver right from the comfort of their homes.

It is safe to say that this pandemic has started off a series of revolutionary changes, especially in the workplace. Predictions are that the workplace may never transition back to being fully physical even after the pandemic is over. That is to say that geographical locations will continue to be a thing of the mind and not necessarily a factor to consider for most companies.

So, how do you successfully transition to working remotely from home? How do you carry out most of your job specifications during this period? These few ways can help you remain at the top of your game as a career person right from your home.

TIP #1 –

CONVERT A ROOM/AREA TO AN OFFICE: What better way to transition than to start by creating a workspace for yourself? Doing this mentally prepares you for the task ahead – and believe me, it is quite a task working from home. Your workplace does not have to be anything too elaborate especially if you do not have the finances or living space to accommodate your tastes. A table and a chair in a corner or a desk in a separate room holding a laptop and other basic necessities may be all you need to do start working remotely. Whatever you do, simply do not set up shop on your comfy bed. You do not want to sleep away all your time.

TIP #2 –

MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE WORK CULTURES AND RULES: Working from home comes with its perks. One such perk is being out of the sharp and strict eyes of your supervisor or other colleagues. This is fun until you realize that you are acutely neglecting time and giving in to procrastination and laziness. There will be days when you will be tempted to wear your pajamas and roll half the day away in bed. There will be days when you will neglect your work in favor of preparing elaborate meals that will settle heavily in your stomach and banish any idea of working for the rest of the day. It is your duty to overcome the temptations by maintaining a work routine.

Fix your official work hours, clearly specifying your start, break, and closing hours. Endeavor to dress up like you would if you were going to your physical workplace. By dressing up, you would be putting yourself in the right frame of mind to work.

TIP #3 –

MAINTAIN A LIGHTER WORK SCHEDULE: With all the distractions that the homefront presents, working virtually can be a bit a herculean task. Your best bet is to maintain a lighter work schedule, but yet entertain no distractions during the few hours. A good way to start this is by clearly communicating to your partner, kids or any other person at home on the importance of leaving those few hours distraction-free for you except in cases of emergency. If the kids are at home with you, occupy them with puzzles, video games, educative television channels etcetera. But by all means, avoid filling up your light schedule with house chores that you can do after work hours.

TIP #4 –

PRIORITIZE YOUR WORK RESPONSIBILITIES: Too many work responsibilities, too many distractions and yet too few hours in a day can be a little overwhelming for a newbie. Communicate with your supervisor, figure out the most important tasks and set deadlines for each task. Remember you are at home and the kids probably are too. If you are being realistic to yourself, you know you can’t possibly get much done. So, focus on the most important tasks and then proceed to lesser ones. Keeping an updated calendar/planner would definitely aid you at this point.

TIP #5 –

KEEP THE COMMUNICATION FLOWING: It is so easy to go dark on your team members and manager when working remotely. However, this is a critical point when communication ought to be stronger. Schedule and attend remote meetings using apps like Zoom, Webex Meet, Skype, Microsoft Teams etcetera. Regular check-ins through emails and phone calls can be pretty healthy for your career growth. As a remote worker, you can never overcommunicate, so stay in touch.

TIP #6 –

KEEP THE FIRE BURNING, THE SPIRIT UP, AND THE STRESS LEVELS LOW: The physical workplace has a way of motivating us. We see our colleagues typing away at their keyboards and we are pushed to commence work. With no colleague or supervisor breathing down our neck, it is so easy to experience burnouts and high stress levels. It is hard to feel motivated if you keep focusing on the negative sides of working remotely.

Take a walk thinking about all the positive sides to it (for instance, not commuting daily to work, having more time with your family). Put on slow music, if it will help your concentration. Make yourself as comfortable as possible to lower your stress levels. It can be pretty difficult to keep your spirits up if you are battling with back pain, a crick in the neck or stiff legs, so a comfortable chair and a footrest can be good necessities to splurge on.

Working from home can be fun and fulfilling if you are determined to make it work. There are no set rules on how to make it work, so feel free to experiment and figure out what works for you. However, one thing is certain: You have to be absolutely committed with a laser-like focus to successfully and effectively transition.

Read Also: 5 Easy Ways to Cope with Boredom