The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has made remote work a necessity for much of the workforce; however, even before the pandemic started, working from home grew in popularity. Thanks to recent technological advancements, many people realized that they didn’t have to spend all day in an office to complete tasks. Many employers are also starting to recognize the benefits of allowing employees to work from home for the foreseeable future. Working from home can help lower costs while improving employee productivity. Research also shows that having a distributed workforce leads to more efficient operations.
Here are a few things that you need to keep in mind while transitioning to working from home.
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Important Tips
Follow the Rules
Make sure that you stay productive while you work from home. You should have a designated workspace with all of your equipment nearby. Try to follow a schedule that simulates the traditional workplace as much as possible. Look to eliminate every distraction that could lower your productivity. Follow all of the basic rules that your employer outlines. Try to avoid performing work on public networks, as you could become a possible threat to cyber hackers.
Set Up A Good Workspace
Make sure that you have a nice quiet space so that you can do your work. Consider purchasing some headphones to ensure that you stay focused.
Use the Technology to Your Advantage
If you have to make a lot of long-distance calls, consider using different phone apps to perform those services at a cheaper rate.
Don’t Neglect Your Social Life
It’s important to maintain some type of social connection with your friends and family. During work breaks make a call, send a text or video chat with a loved one. Don’t forget to go outside and get some fresh air every now and then.
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Common Work from Home Industries
As you make out your guide to remote work, look at some of the different industries where you can establish a successful career working remotely.
Health Industry
If you choose to work remotely in the health industry, you will be asked to fill such roles as an account manager, consultant, medical writer, and sales representative.
IT Industry
If you’d like to pursue a career in the IT industry, you can fill positions such as project manager, web designer, technical writer, and software designer.
Education
If you choose to work in the educational industry, you can help facilitate online learning as a curriculum writer, tutor, or online instructor. Many of these positions include flexible work schedules.
Independent Contractor
You can also choose to work from home as a freelancer. As an independent contractor, you can eventually turn your skills into your own small business.
Virtual Assistant
Serving in the role of a virtual assistant, you can communicate with the company leader through multiple social media channels. You’ll respond to emails, manage documents, schedule appointments, and secure data.
Call Center Representative
As a call center representative, you’ll assist people with their questions and answer inbound calls. It’s important that you have good communication skills.
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Other Things to Consider While Working From Home
Once you set your working hours, stick to them and do your best. Be aware that it is easy to let your mind wander as you work on different projects. On the other hand, avoid letting your flexible work schedule turn you into a workaholic. Try to find time to relax during the week, whether it’s on the weekends or at night. Also, be aware that saving money may be difficult because you will have to commit resources to potentially buying a laptop, printer, and business cards. You can use some of the new purchases as a tax write off.
Working from home successfully takes a lot of discipline and determination; however, if you can map out a plan for working from home and stick to it, you can reach your goals. You must be able to balance the freedom that you have with your responsibilities. When looking for the right coverage, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Donald Weiss Insurance Services. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you with all your insurance needs.