Are you flourishing with remote work?
Do you have a love-hate relationship with remote work? Do you love working from home BUT hate the challenges that come from working at home? COVID has made what used to be a perk, into a necessity.
Intermedia conducted a survey of 250 business owners employing a minimum of 5 team members. They published an article in July of 2020, which stated,
“Of those businesses surveyed, nearly 85% of their employees worked in a centralized office pre-pandemic. That number has, not surprisingly, decreased dramatically – to 26% – once social distancing and shelter in place orders went into effect.”
Technology enables face-to-face collaborations that used to only occur at in-person meetings. That is wonderful, but do you find it challenging to find a quiet space to conduct these meetings?
My husband is an elementary technology teacher. One of our challenges, when he had to pivot and start teaching from home, was competing calls. He would be at the kitchen table, and I would be in my office. Listening to him teach, while I spoke to clients was exhausting. I am the type of person who cannot have the television or radio on while I talk to someone. Just can’t do it!
Today, let’s look at how we can make our spaces work when multiple people are working from home.
Here are three thoughts to provoke you, two ideas to inspire you, and one item to act on!
Three Thoughts to Provoke
Number One. Stimulate Your Mind.
One problem many individuals face when they are suddenly stuck at home 24/7 is mental stimulation. I have worked from home for YEARS, and I still struggle with feeling cooped up. That often results in me being short-tempered and grumpy with those around me. Find ways to stimulate your mind and engage positively with others.
How?
- Did you know that exercise can stimulate your mind?
- Another great way is getting enough sleep.
- Read a good book.
- Put your phone down!
Eleanor Brown shares,
“Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.”
Number Two. Find Solutions.
Too many problems and unanswered questions can promote a disconnected feeling and keep us spinning in circles with remote work. Finding solutions to problems can help us gain focus and clarity.
In my blog post, “Intentional Planning” I give away a free PDF copy of a weekly planner. Print out a copy and list some goals for finding solutions. Then prioritize how you want to manage them. I will put a link in the description.
Every day knock one of them off your ToDo list.
Number Three. Look at Tech.
Sometimes we are just not using the correct tool for the job. Look at what you need to accomplish. Can this be done on your smartphone and/or tablet? When I travel, I can work well with my smartphone. When I am in the office though and need to get things done, I have to work from my desktop computer with my three monitors. That is where I am most productive.
Find the tech that works for you and keeps your key stakeholders happy. Does your keyboard clack LOUDLY when you are typing notes in a Zoom call? Invest in a quieter keyboard. Do you find yourself constantly switching between programs to complete a task? You might want to invest in an external monitor.
Are your email communications frustrating? In my blog post, 3 Common Email Communication Errors, I talk about ways to really communicate. I have blogged a lot about email and how to manage the chaos. For great tips and solid advice about managing your email chaos, visit my website at olindaservices.com.
Two Things to Inspire
Number One. Have a Dedicated Space.
Your space may be the kitchen table but have an area that is yours.
For many years, my office workspace was in my bedroom. The workspace was a countertop set up to accommodate my desktop, three monitors, and a file cabinet. Nothing glamourous, but all mine!
Businessman Neil Blumenthal says,
“Giving employees agency over their workspace encourages them to think carefully about the conditions in which they work best, and it gives them the tools to forge that environment.”
Number Two. Stay Connected.
Reach out to others. I am an introvert with occasional extrovert outbursts. It is easy for me to just exist in my cozy office. I have to make a concerted effort to reach out to others.
One of my favorite COVID activities is a fortnightly call I have with a former client outside of London. It is fun to hear what is going on in her world and encourage each other.
Ralph Waldo Emerson says,
“The only way to have a friend is to be one.”
Your Action Item
This week look at your workspace. Set up a remote work environment that works well for you. Keep ergonomics, practicality, and beauty in mind.
You’ve made it this far. KEEP moving and progressing.
If you need help, Olinda Services is here to help you. We provide Executive Business Partner support for small businesses and non-profit executives. Lisa Olinda is the Chief Chaos Whisperer at Olinda Services. Email her assistant, Michael, at assistant@olindaservices.com to schedule a time to talk. You can also ask a question or comment here.
Additional Resources
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