With the recent Global corona virus pandemic, many companies in regions where it has hit most have resorted to working from home. I have personally been a remote worker for the past seven years and I can definitely testify to the wonders it has done in my personal life. Thanks to technology advancement especially when it comes to the penetration of internet connectivity in Uganda, I can now skip the frustrating, traffic jam commute and staying in your pajamas until noon.
The tricky part is how you can become 100% productive when you are working remotely while still enjoying the perks of not having to travel to an office. Honestly, I have realized that what works best for work-from-home employees will vary from person to person.
In my case, after over 7 years of remote work, have found a routine that works for me. The most important thing that you must not forget is to find what helps you stay focused, with high intensity and productive while keeping your work separate from your home life.
Secure a Remote Job
First you can’t work remotely unless you have a remote job or self-employed. There are few companies in Uganda that offer this opportunity mainly in the ICT sector. Don’t loose hope, you have Google on your side. Just as you apply for jobs in Uganda, you can do the same on several online Job boards say LinkedIn, Glassdoor, etc. This is actually the hardest part once you are past this the rest is a smooth sail. Well, May be!
Get the right tools to use
You’ll get a lot of advice about investing in various work tools, such as a standing desk or a separate work computer. If you have the resources to do this and think it will help you (and better still, if your company will reimburse you for these expenses), go for it. If your company is requiring you to work from home, find out what tools they’ll provide and what they’ll pay for.
In addition to the noise-canceling headphones, the only must-haves for my own work-from-home setup are a decent Wi-Fi connection, a computer that meets my needs (this will vary greatly depending on your job), and a reliable cellphone. But if you end up working from home long term, you’ll figure out what you need and what you can afford.
Get an isolated work place
Having an isolated workspace doesn’t have to be a dedicated office with a door that closes (which is often not an option in smaller living spaces). It should be an area that mentally prepares you for work mode, whether it’s a separate room, a small desk set up in a corner of the living room, or a laptop at the end of the kitchen table. Ideally, it would be a place you don’t go to relax, like your bedroom or your sofa, and a place that other members of your household know is designated for work.
If you find you’re most productive with a laptop on the sofa, then by all means, set up shop there. It may take a bit of trial and error to figure out what area of your home is most conducive to getting work done.
Get into a work routine
This was one of my hardest challenges to adapt to when I started working from home: with devices that allow bosses and clients to reach us constantly– if you are not careful you can end up working 24/7. It is good to start work around the same time every day if you can, and schedule breaks (including meals) around the same time if possible. I would also advise not eating in your work area, but I can’t put myself up as a good example as i always breach this rule.
Ideally, you should try to get some outdoor time once a day, to get coffee or walk the dog, so you don’t go too stir crazy.
Working remotely can feel isolating at times, so as part of your routine, try to interact with your co-workers regularly (yes, introverts, even you). Chatting over messaging apps like Slack (even just saying “Hello!” when you sign on in the morning) and holding meetings over Zoom or another video app are two quick and easy ways to stay in the loop. However you connect, don’t let email be the only way you interact with colleagues.
Dress comfortably
Look, one of the biggest selling points of working from home is that you can wear what you want. This is true, and some days, especially if it’s miserable weather or you’re not feeling 100 percent, indulge a little and wear sweats and comfy socks. Be aware not to dress shabby when you expect to have a video call.
Kids are a no go zone
It paramount to set boundaries. Make sure everyone in your family (kids, parents, spouses, and anyone else with a key to the premises) knows that when you’re working you’re not available to help settle minor issues. Shared living spaces can get noisy, especially when kids are yelling or someone is watching TV in a different room, so if your workspace isn’t isolated from common areas, I strongly recommend getting some noise-canceling headphones to signal to others that you’re not to be disturbed and to avoid getting drawn into conversations that are going to distract you.
