Working from home (even part-time) comes with many benefits. Your commute is much, much shorter, you get to spend more time with your pets, and you’re always there when packages arrive.
On the flip side, feeling burned out or disconnected from your teammates are also challenges that come with remote work. Follow the tips below from The Dashlane Guide to Hybrid Work to avoid these pitfalls and set yourself up for success.
When working from home, it’s tempting to use your computer while lying in bed or slouched on the couch. But using a designated, ergonomic workspace each day keeps the backaches away. Create a comfortable sitting or standing workspace at a desk or counter. Find a supportive chair (or standing desk) and raise your monitor to eye level. For extra credit, up your audio quality with a headset or upgrade to a larger monitor.
A reliable internet connection is a must for remote work. We know this, but it’s something we often forget until that lag kicks in—right in the middle of a meeting. So don’t just think about having a good internet connection. Think about your readiness to deal with any challenges.
When you work at the office, you usually benefit from a structure or sequence to the day. For example, you may get up, get dressed, commute, get coffee, and arrive at your office desk. This initiation sequence gets your brain ready to focus. You’ll benefit from creating your own initiation sequences at home, too.
Burnout can be a challenge for people working remotely. Many toggle between worrying they aren’t doing enough and overworking. Avoid this seesaw effect by talking to your manager and team about how you’re feeling and focusing on your goals. Here are some ways to optimize your work:
A big risk with working remotely is the sense of disconnection and isolation that you may feel from your team or that they may feel from you. The human brain is wired to monitor in-group/out-group dynamics, and working remotely can trigger the feeling of exclusion on both sides.
The solution? Find your own way to form relationships in a broader network at work. That doesn’t mean you have to go to every social gathering, but you should seek out opportunities for socializing with your team. That might be going to an in-person gathering or scheduling regular virtual chats. And if your preferred way to connect isn’t available, volunteer to make it happen!