For several years now, the popularity of working from home has been on the rise. Technology has helped streamline this process and make remote communication and interconnectedness easier than ever. With businesses already trending in this direction, it seemed all that was missing was the incentive to take the leap and fully commit to a work-from-home model.
That push came in the form of a tragic global pandemic. With social distancing guidelines in place, many were left with no choice but to embrace the work from the home method of conducting business. For the safety of customers and employees, this model quickly became the standard. Now, with so much uncertainty still surrounding public health and the wellbeing of the Earth, it seems that working from home is here to stay.
Whether you are a business owner or an employee, adjusting to this new style of work can be challenging. To help, we’ve put together the ultimate checklist for when you’re preparing to work from home. Read on to unlock your full work from home potential!
Big Employers in the United States May Create Permanent Work-from-Home Positions
Big and small businesses across the globe have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, leading to many—including large U.S. employers such as Barclays, Mondelez, and Nationwide—to consider permanent work-from-home policies. The reality of this situation makes it extremely important to have a proper work-from-home checklist in place to maximize your productivity and facilitate the potential transition.
Use This Checklist When You Start Working from Home
Working from home doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right checklist in place, you can make the transition without so much as a hiccup. You may just find that the new normal is actually preferred! To get started, check out the list below.
- Safe and Speedy Connection – Having an internet connection that is safe, reliable, and fast is an absolute must when working from home. The internet facilitates communications, connects you to valuable work resources, and is key to nearly all business operations!
- The Right Tools–Working from home often requires a few vital gadgets, such as headphones, a suitable computer monitor, and even a camera. All of these tools allow you to stay connected with your team and stay focused on the task at hand despite being home and possibly surrounded by distractions!
- Communication Protocols – Striking a balance between work and home life can be exceedingly difficult when the two share a space. One way you can create a healthy balance is to establish clear protocols for communication. How do you want to communicate? When is it okay to contact you? Do you prefer real-time communication? Having a clear picture of how you want to handle these and other challenges will help keep you on track.
- Boundaries are a Must – Having your workspace in your home presents challenges. For example, roommates, children, and loved ones may struggle to properly respect your workspace. Let them know when you’re available for non-work activities and when you’re not, then adhere to those boundaries.
- Stay Productive – It’s vital to limit distractions and stay focused on work to keep productivity high. Establish boundaries, turn off social media, implement time-management strategies, and so forth!
- Invest in Proper Furniture – While sitting on the couch and working in your pajamas may sound like a dream come true, you will never be comfortable and productive enough without proper “office” furniture. Invest in a desk, a nice chair, and other such pieces of furniture that can keep you comfortable and focused on the task at hand!
- Create a Workspace – Many of the difficulties associated with working from home can be circumnavigated by creating a separate workspace. Metal buildings are a cost-effective solution to this problem, providing a reliable, customizable, and versatile space that you can adapt to be your office. Investing in such a building is sure to increase your productivity by leaps and bounds!
Unlock Your Productivity with American Metal Buildings
If you are working from home and want to unlock your full potential, a steel building from American Metal Buildings is a fantastic way to do just that. American Metal Buildings provide high-quality buildings and unbeatable customer service, so call today on +1 (877) 277-3060 to talk to an experienced building specialist who can guide you to the right work-from-home solution for your unique needs!