New to working from home? We’re not! Our team is virtual and geographically dispersed across three time zones! And we have spouses, kids and fur babies in the mix too! Earlier this week, we shared our top tips on Working from Home on our Facebook page . We got a lot of positive feedback on them, so we have combined them here into a brief bulleted list. Questions? Ask away and we’ll do our best to help.
Fran Stephenson, Texas
10 years in a Home Office
- Use the time chunking method
- Minimize distractions like answering the door, picking up mail, etc.
- Be aware of how much you are sitting and change position/location frequently
- Don’t forget to eat lunch.
Jennifer Hatton, Colorado
9 Years in a Home Office
- Prep family lunches and snacks the night before
- Use an app like boomerang for reminders
- Be realistic about “to do” lists
- Use a planner for “All the Things”
- Set time blocks for working and schedule things for my kids.
- Be flexible to change up kids activities as needed
- Your pets will tell you when it’s time to take breaks!
- Set up a place to work, even if it’s small. Make it pretty!
Brittany Perry, Texas
5 Years in a Home Office
- Shower and get dressed every morning, even if you’re not going anywhere
- Make your work station personal – candles and an awesome playlist are my faves.
- Take breaks and spend intentional time with your family.
- Family communication is important too. Check in with everyone.
Claire Larson, Maine
6 Years in a Home Office
- Doors are your friends. Everyone needs some space.
- If you can, get your kids outside in the yard or driveway, in a space where you can still see them. Set rules for when yard time is up.
- Be creative with phone meeting locations – I’ve used the shower and a closet in a pinch.
- Use an online calendar to help structure your day and schedule your tasks into time blocks.
- Give yourself a start and end time to your work – you now live in your office and have to create boundaries for yourself (and others)
Most Valuable Takeaways
- A space with a door, but improvising works too
- Routines but with flexibility
- Organize, organize, organize
Final Thoughts
Our virtual team is amazingly productive and so flexible. We cover for each other when someone has a sick child, a family emergency or just needs down time. When your team is this fabulous, it’s easy to take them for granted. I try to find unique ways to connect with these three valuable women. We’ve sent care packages with themes like “it’s time for Fiesta” and “Summer Survival Kits” and check in via text and call. Memes keep us laughing too.
Are these coworkers amazing or what?
