Teleworking, when utilized correctly, can be an effective tool for high productivity and positive results, no matter your title or position in your court! For many of us, teleworking has been a brand new experience, and is something that may not be easy or intuitive—especially since many of us have gotten used to completing our work and going about our work day in a similar way and in a familiar environment for 10, 20, or 30 or more years! Many of us have recently begun teleworking. As we get into the swing of things with regards to telework, we will share some simple tips and tricks to make the transition into your new virtual office just a little bit easier.
Get “Ready” for Work
Separate Work Life from Home Life
Keep the Lines of Communication Open
Take Regular Breaks
Make Your Home Setup as Ergonomic as Possible
Get “Ready” for Work
- Incorporate as much of your normal daily routine as you can into your telework day. Get up at a reasonable time (but allow yourself a few extra minutes of sleep since your morning commute doesn’t require you to travel to the workplace), and get dressed for success. While it may be tempting to work in your pajamas all day, putting on some work clothes and getting yourself ready for work helps get you mentally ready for the day ahead, and subtly signals to others who might be at home that you mean business. Have a little breakfast, a hot cup of coffee, and follow any other morning routines that you usually follow to get yourself ready to tackle your telework to-do list.
Separate Work Life from Home Life
- Because you may be working in a space usually reserved for resting, relaxing, spending time with loved ones, or performing those dreaded household chores, it might be difficult to find separation between your work life and your home life. While teleworking, establish “do not disturb” guidelines, set work hours, and times for regular breaks in addition to your lunch break. Avoid the temptation to wash dishes, do laundry, or turn on the TV during your work hours. These and other factors in your home can be distracting and may negatively affect your productivity or the quality of your work. Treating your home office as if it were a “real” office will help keep you mentally engaged and productive during your telework day.
Keep the Lines of Communication Open
- It can be easy to develop feelings of loneliness and isolation when you go from working in an office full of your colleagues to working from home. Check your email regularly and sign on to Skype for Business so that you are able to regularly communicate with your supervisor or manager and your team. It is especially important to keep up with the latest updates from the Chief Judge and the Clerk of Court, which may be delivered through email, through your Court Intranet, or through your supervisor or manager.
Take Regular Breaks
- Set reminders for yourself to take short breaks to help keep your energy level and ability to focus at an optimum level. For every hour of work that you complete, take a short break away from your computer screen and allow your eyes to rest. Make a quick cup of coffee or go outside for some fresh air. Stretch for a minute or two, or do a quick exercise to get your blood flowing. Even doing this for five to ten minutes every hour or so will help keep you going throughout your work day.
Make Your Home Setup as Ergonomic as Possible
- As much as modern technology like laptops and mobile phones allow us to work from almost anywhere, resist the temptation to work from your bed or sofa, as poor posture may be damaging for your long-term back health. Additionally, make sure that your computer and monitor are at an optimal height for work. As a general rule of thumb, your monitor should be in line with your eyes while you are working. You can use books or boxes to lift the height of your monitor or laptop and utilize a keyboard and mouse so that you can work with tools that feel similar to the ones you use at the office.