How To Work From Home In One Week

Many organizations have migrated to remote or distributed workforces and thankfully, as the experts, it’s a topic with which we are intimately familiar.

It’s a migration that now doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon so here, we’ve compiled a tactical checklist on how you can launch a lean, mean, productive workforce machine – all from the comfort of home.

Accessibility

You need to know you’ll have access to everything you’ll need to get the job done.

Do you need a VPN or other security measure before logging in at home?

Do you have access to tools you usually have and need at the office?

Get login information as needed for company firewalls.

Get access to information and files on cloud-based applications.

Add a digital calendar app to your phone.

Make sure you have reliable high-speed internet.

Forward your office phone and set up a remote answering service if necessary.

Know your point of contact for any technical troubleshooting.

Equipment

You need to make sure you have all the necessary equipment to do your job.

Office-issued or home computer

Additional computer equipment, such as keyboards, mouse, printer, etc.

Second monitor as needed

Webcam and accompanying audio accessories as necessary

Tools

Here is a short-and-sweet list of our favorite productivity and communication resources.

Have A Designated Home Office

Designate a home office space that works well for you and for the work you need to do.

Have a designated space for your home office

Be sure the space doesn’t double as a common area for your family

Create a system for paperwork in addition to digital

‘Go’ To Work

Establish a routine just as you would if you had to leave for a brick-and-mortar office.

Make yourself some coffee or tea

Take a shower

Get dressed

Establish – and stick to – daily start and stop times

Communication

Email all team members, clients and vendors to inform them you are now remote and how to reach you. Then, over-communicate.

Leverage email, instant messaging, and video conferencing

Establish a regular meeting cadence, at least initially

Make sure you have a digital calendar that is up-to-date and accessible

Ideal Work Week

Manage your energy, guard your time, prioritize your work for maximum productivity.

Create an ideal workweek template

Determine when you’re at your best and schedule accordingly

Leave buffers – or blank spaces blocked out – on your calendar

Understand Expectations

Be clear from the onset on what expectations are of you and your role.

Availability

When you’re expected to be ‘online’ by phone, text, email, chat, etc.

When you’re available, communicate this in advance

Productivity

Understand your shared objectives

Understand your measurable objectives

Meetings

Know which meetings are mandatory

Know if meetings are weekly, monthly or quarterly

Know how you’ll meet, such as Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts, etc.

Establish – and Maintain – Trust

Trust is a fundamental, foundational building block in any relationship.

Be self-disciplined and self-motivated

Work fastidiously without supervision or micromanagement

Be organized

Be laser-focused

Don’t multitask

Be Stocked

Anticipate your needs the way an administrator or manager might if you were onsite.

Pens / Pencils

Printer ink

Coffee

Paper

Eat Thoughtfully

Trust us: Your body and productivity will thank you.

Don’t expect to cook yourself a six-course lunch every day

Similarly, don’t eat random junk food

Take time on the weekends or evenings to plan healthy meals and snacks

Take Breaks

Research has shown that the most productive workers focus for 52 minutes, and then disengage for 17 minutes.

Digitally Unplug: Shut down your computer and electronic devices

Socialize: Call a friend to catch up or schedule a quick coffee or lunch

Change Your Scene: Get up and move around or go outside