Some Tips for Working from Home
< These are strictly my opinions >
Most on-line conferencing tools work just fine There are many video conferencing tools - Zoom, Bluejeans, WebEx, Hangouts and more – and they all more or less work the same. They do however, each have a different effect on your desktop and currently running apps especially if you are constantly “handing over the ball.” The free tools work as well as the paid tools and it is safe to use 3-4 different ones all in one day.
Make meeting agendas Set video conferencing meeting agendas (just like in the office). It is not a face-time call <grin>, it is a time to get work done. Be warned that it is so much easier to spark small talk on this medium and more difficult to be formal. Set expectations in the meeting notice or via some other communication. “I’d like to cover these topics on our 10AM call.”
Invest in a headset with a microphone Consider one with a physical connection. The latest wireless “pods” are not so good for Internet-based conference calls. I survey participants and these wireless pods seem to have the worst reception and stability. Only use your laptops mic in dire situations.
Make team assignments On-line collaborative tools are a *great* way to get things done. If co-authoring a document or presentation, then assign sections to each other (just like in the office).
Set daily on-line surfing limits Limit your on-line surfing time even if it all feels like it is related to your field or work topics - like reading newsletters, Medium, news, shopping, videos, etc.. Set a total limit for the workday as 4-6 hours can disappear like a blink and you have clearly defined work to do.
Take breaks and stay fresh You will have extra time that was used elsewhere in the office. Take a 27-minute nap, walk the dog, work-out, learn a language, draw, read (in a different location), paint. And take some time to enjoy the view.
Get (2) significant things done each day Your task list is no doubt much longer, but set some realistic expectations (again, just like in the office). My experience is that you are both more focused and more distracted at home.
Define a work-from-home wardrobe For me, I wear sweats and/or jeans, but not pajamas. You can have a spontaneous work-out in sweats but you are going to want to sleep in those pajamas again tonight. It’s OK if not just plain fun to dress nicer from the waste up. Some folks feel more official if they are wearing shoes when they work.
Put some distance between you and other home places & stuff Situate your work-at-home workplace far away from the kitchen and snack cupboard. Create a real or metaphorical commute to the home office.
Remember that we are all humans It takes some people longer to adopt to this way of working than others. Be flexible, patient and persistent. After 20 hours of conference calls with one individual, you’ll feel like you *really* know the person on the other end. Then you will meet them in-person and it will be different and the next call will be even better.
And a few links to some lists of resources as well as friends (and their firms) that are actual experts at facilitation. They can help you get the most out of your remote or virtual interactions …
A Comprehensive Guide to Remote Working: COVID-19
What I have learned from facilitating over 100 remote workshops
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Product, Service & Emotional System - Design Consulting & Collaboration