How to make working from home, work for you
During the covid times, many of us got to work from home. Some people struggled and some people thrived. To make working from home productive, there are some essential things you should do to prepare for this.
Step One: Internet Speed
Check your internet speed. You can do this online in an email browser. You want to be looking at your upload speeds and making sure you’re getting what your service provider has promised you. A slow connection will not only take up more of your time but also frustrate you. Which is no way you want to start work. I have a very slow internet connection at mine and had to get a direct FTTP line straight to my house. This means only I am on that internet, and it is not being shared with other people in the community, like most broadband servers. It is a bit more expensive. But worth it if you have bad internet speeds.
Step Two: Create a workspace
Make sure you have everything you need and set up a workspace that is just for you. Buy a desk; having somewhere to sit up properly and work is going to be far more productive. Think of it as going to the office. No one gets as much work done on a laptop on the sofa.
Step Three: Equipment
Make sure you have all those extra things that will make your job more comfortable. Having dual monitors works for me. Less printing so you are saving on your carbon footprint and less flicking through screens. This can cause confusion and headaches, and no one wants that when you’re working.
Get a comfortable mouse pad. I like the ones with the gel pads in to rest my wrist. I also like a keyboard with a stand on it, so it suits how I type. You will need to try some out and try what’s best for you.
I also like to have a notepad and pen next to me ready to jot down ideas and phone calls that I need to remember.
Step Four: Routine
Make a checklist or a routine if you like. Especially if you are just starting out. It’s important to put down an order of what’s important for you to do and helps you remember everything! Another reason this is important is to see how you change and grow. Start with a list of what you think you should be doing. Also, write down the order you actually do them. It may surprise you. The great thing about working for yourself at home is that you can be adaptable to your own needs.