The Do's and Don'ts for Employees Working Remotely

Workers from all around the globe are working remotely and trying to adapt to the remote work culture.

Remote working has its perks and benefits, giving you the flexibility to finish tasks. However, to be more productive in this work culture, you must understand the do's and don'ts for remote workers.

And if you are new to this evolving paradigm, all you need is the correct principles and guidelines to keep going.

The Do's of Work from Home

To ensure a smooth remote working experience, it's essential to follow key practices that support both your efficiency and well-being.

Here are some crucial do’s to keep in mind as you navigate the work-from-home landscape:

1. Create a Dedicated Workspace

Your workstation is where you put all your energy when you work remotely. Please make sure you prep for your work from home setup. Arrange all the resources you need to build your workstation. Find a place that is comfortable and distraction-free.

Pay attention to ergonomics. Use a chair that supports your posture. To avoid strain, you must position your screen at eye level and keep your wrists neutral. Creating an ergonomic and organized workspace will significantly enhance your productivity and well-being.

2. Establish a Morning Routine

A routine is what triggers your mind to get you started. Maintain a morning routine. It can be anything from making yourself a cup of coffee to exercising or changing your pajamas to getting dressed for work.

When you start your day early to follow your routine, it eventually becomes a habit that helps you keep going. If you are new to this work culture, a routine is a must. A mindful start in the morning can keep you sane, save you time, and help you not rush later.

3. Effective Communication

Working remotely doesn't mean you have to work in isolation. Communicate with your team regularly and stay updated. Tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom will help you keep in touch with peers and staff.

These tools can help you

• connect with your team

• arrange meetings, and

• share files and information related to your work.

They also ensure that everyone stays on the same page and becomes even more productive.

4. Professionalism

Maintaining professionalism is crucial, even when working remotely. Ensure you adhere to your company's dress code during virtual meetings. Keep your workspace tidy and free of distractions. You must also be punctual in meetings, promptly respond to emails and messages, and consistently meet deadlines.

Professional behavior and maintaining work ethics enhances your credibility. It also sets a positive example for your colleagues.

5. Do Take Breaks

Take breaks in between to rejuvenate yourself. Taking a break or relaxing helps your brain to retain information better and be more productive.

Take conscious breaks, like 10-15 minutes every hour. You can listen to your favorite music, take your dog for a walk, or have family time during the breaks. But make a point not to take extended breaks, or else it will keep you rushing later.

6. Take Care of Your Body and Mind

Keep your body and mind with the proper nourishment it demands. Get enough sleep and eat healthy food. Make a point to wake up early and resist the temptation to oversleep in the morning.

Most importantly, do exercise, even if it is for 15 minutes. Go for a walk or stretch to keep yourself active throughout the day. Meditation is also something you try for better focus and concentration on your work. It is essential to do these practices regularly for better results.

Source: Vantage Fit

7. Leverage AI Tools

Utilize AI-powered applications for task management, such as scheduling tools, virtual assistants, and project management software. AI can automate repetitive tasks, analyze data, and provide insights that help streamline your workflow.

Integrating AI tools into your remote work routine can save time, reduce errors, and focus on more strategic activities that require your expertise.

8. Respect for Colleagues and Managing Shared Spaces

Minimize noise disturbances by choosing a quiet location for calls and meetings, using headphones, and keeping background noise to a minimum. Respect shared spaces by keeping them clean and organized.

You must handle visitors and interruptions professionally by scheduling dedicated work hours and informing those around you of your work schedule to minimize disruptions.

Demonstrating respect for your colleagues' time and space fosters a positive and collaborative remote work environment. It also enhances mutual respect within the team.

The Don'ts of Work Form Home Etiquette

Equally important are the pitfalls you should avoid to maintain a balanced remote work routine.

Here are some common don’ts to steer clear of to ensure you remain focused and professional while working from home:

1. Avoid Overworking

When working remotely, it's easy to blur the lines between work and personal life, leading to overworking. Set clear boundaries for your work hours and stick to them. Make time for breaks throughout the day and ensure you disconnect from work at the end of your scheduled hours.

Overworking can lead to burnout and can negatively impact your productivity. So, maintain a balanced approach to your work schedule to stay refreshed and effective.

2. Don't Handle Household Chores during Work Hours

When you work remotely, you will manage your chores; that's understandable. But it is crucial to keep a balance between the two. Take time out to do the tasks and not let them interfere with your work hours. You cannot just hold a meeting and go grocery shopping. That can be very distracting and can take twice as long to complete your work.

3. Don't Procrastinate

When you work from home, the flexibility can make you procrastinate more if you are not self-aware. People procrastinate now and then, and that's understandable. But if you do it regularly, then that might be a problem.
Procrastination can bring more stress to your work life. It can pile up things and make it very difficult to get them done.

4. Don't Let Your Day Slip Away

Set office hours and give yourself a definite time to work. It can be based on a schedule that works for you. If evening hours work best for you, go for it. But not let the day slip away. Structure your day, plan your goals, and stick to it.

Please don't take it as your day off, because it is not. Stick to your priorities and get the work done.

5. Don't Binge on your Compulsions

Try to control your compulsions. For example, don't snack all day when you are working remotely. This is unhealthy and can keep you unproductive throughout the day.

Also, if you like to play games or follow other hobbies or interests, don't let that distract you. It must not come between you and your work.

6. Don't Work from Anywhere

Don't work from anywhere. A dedicated routine and workspace are essential. For the change of scenery, you might change that for a while. You can also share a coworking space with other professionals if you want.

The other factor you must consider is that you cannot work from your sofa or bed, no matter how tempting it might be. The reason is very logical. The couch and bed make you slouch and are not advisable for your body posture.

7. Don't allow your email and social media to be your distractions

Avoid distractions while working from home as much as you can. Even though checking your emails throughout the day is essential, you do not have to keep them open all the time. Block an ideal time to review your emails.

The same goes for social media, which is more distracting since it is more recreational and fun.

Worth Reading This: 14 Work From Home Tips To Maximize Your Productivity

Final Note

Mastering work-from-home etiquette involves understanding and applying key do's and don'ts to create a productive and balanced remote work environment. By following these work-from-home dos and don'ts, you can

• enhance your efficiency

• maintain professionalism

• ensure your physical and mental well-being.

So, embrace these practices to successfully navigate the remote work landscape and enjoy the benefits of a well-structured home office.

This article is written by Sanjeevani Saikia who is a part of the marketing team at Vantage Circle. Sanjeevani loves to split her leisure time between reading and watching TedX. Her curiosity is easily piqued by the most recent developments in Human Resource Management and Organizational Psychology. For any related queries, contact editor@vantagecircle.com.