Brie Weiler Reynolds* says there are some important steps to take to be successful working from home.
Working from home can present challenges if you don’t take the time to set yourself up for success in a remote environment.
That’s why we compiled common work-from-home mistakes with advice on how to fix them.
Mistake No. 1: Not treating it like a real job
Of course, you know it’s a real job because you’re getting a real paycheque.
That’s why it’s important to take your work-from-home job as seriously as you would any other job.
So, while you can enjoy the benefits of remote work, you shouldn’t take advantage of working-from-home.
If you approach a work-at-home job the same way you would if you worked in the office, you’ll be setting yourself up for success right from the start.
Mistake No. 2: All work and no play
Working at home doesn’t mean that work is the only thing you do while you’re home.
Many new work-from-home employees worry that if they aren’t constantly online, answering every single email, text, and chat, the second it comes in, everyone will assume they aren’t working.
Even though you work at home, you’re allowed to take breaks, browse social media, and have a full lunch break away from your desk — just like you could if you were in the office.
In fact, you should take breaks to help boost your productivity and prevent burnout.
Make sure you’re setting aside enough time to step away from the monitor and take meaningful breaks from the job.
You’ll also want to discuss a schedule with your manager so that you don’t feel the need to always be working.
Mistake No. 3: Not setting boundaries
It’s not always easy to set and maintain boundaries when working remotely, and work and home are under the same roof.
But setting boundaries is a crucial element to success as a remote employee.
For example, if you’re a morning lark, you might find that you’re the most productive first thing in the morning.
So, dedicate those early hours to completing the hardest tasks on your to-do list.
Then, later in the day, when you’re feeling less productive, take a longer break, and tackle the dishes or the laundry.
Then, switch back to work tasks until it’s time to clock out.
The key thing is to stick to those boundaries.
When it’s work time, all you do is work.
No thinking about (or doing) household chores.
Then, during the designated “chore” time, do chores and only chores.
Keeping these boundaries will help you stay focused, divide your work-life from your home-life, and help you maintain a sense of balance.
Mistake No. 4: Childcare issues
Our top tips include splitting work and childcare with a partner (if you have one) and working flexibly (say, doing some focused work after the kids are in bed).
Mistake No. 5: Not investing in yourself
One of the advantages of working from home is that you can work from wherever you like.
If you have a home office, take the time to set it up properly.
That could mean investing in a supportive and comfy chair, buying a second (or third!) monitor, or just rearranging the lighting.
Whatever it is, spending a little extra time to invest in a decent home office set-up will help you perform your best.
Even if you don’t have a true home “office”, there are plenty of places you can claim as your own.
Mistake No. 6: Playing it fast and loose
Another common mistake is not setting up a routine.
That said, there’s no one “right” routine for working-at-home, so you may need to experiment to find one that works for you.
Do you like to work out first thing in the morning, enjoy some coffee then ease into your day? Fine.
Maybe you’re the kind of person who likes to dive in first thing then take a longer break in the afternoon.
Whatever it is, once you find a rhythm that works for you, stick with it.
It will help you maintain your boundaries and makes planning your workday easier.
Mistake No. 6: Going radio silent
You’re (hopefully!) working without interruption.
That means you’re able to focus and get a lot done.
And that’s fantastic.
But, don’t forget to let people know what you’re up to.
One of the biggest mistakes when working from home is not communicating enough!
Completing your tasks isn’t necessarily enough.
Being part of a team also means communicating with them.
You don’t have to brag about everything you got done that day.
It does, however, mean you should make regular and meaningful contact with your co-workers and your boss.
Whatever communication tools you choose, use them often.
Work with intention
Working from home isn’t as carefree as it sounds.
Sure, it has its advantages, but if you don’t plan what working from home looks like for you, you may find yourself floundering.
Take some time to think about what will contribute to your success, and you’ll be well on your way to being the best remote employee you can be.
* Brie Weiler Reynolds is the Career Development Manager and a career coach and résumé writer at FlexJobs.
This article first appeared at www.flexjobs.com.
