The Future of Work: How to Successfully Work Remotely
As a result of the coronavirus pandemic forcing people to work from home, many businesses have realized the huge potential of telecommuting, with Twitter even announcing that it will allow employees to work from home permanently if that’s where they feel most productive and creative. What started as a necessary measure to stop the spread of COVID-19 turned into an experiment which confirmed that it is possible to work from home for days, weeks or even months without any negative effects on a business, especially for businesses like blogging that can be run entirely remotely as long as you have an internet-enabled computer. But, if you are just getting started, there are a few changes you must make at home to create the perfect environment for maximum productivity.
Set up your workstation
If you’re going to be working from home, you’ll need a comfortable workstation where you can sit for hours and get work done with minimal distractions. Trying to get work done on your couch or bed may not be ideal since it can lead to posture issues or back pain after a while. If you are lucky enough to have a spare room in your home, you can turn it into an office where you can hide away and work when you need to, especially if you have kids. If that’s not possible, find a corner in your home where you can set up a desk and comfortable office chair. Once you have set up your workstation, gear it up with all the tools and gadgets you’ll need including your computer, fast internet, a webcam and microphone for making video calls, and good lighting.
Create a safe working environment at home
Unlike a typical workplace — where the employer is responsible for keeping you safe from hazards that can cause injury or illnesses — you are in charge of your own safety when working from home. First of all, if you’re going to be spending most of your time indoors, you must ensure that the air in your home is clean and free from pollutants that can irritate you or cause health problems. To do that, you can start by cleaning your home to ensure that it’s free from dust, dirt, and pet dander.
You can also install a carbon monoxide detector to prevent a buildup of the dangerous gas, particularly in the kitchen where you have various combustion sources. It’s also a good idea to have your home inspected regularly to detect and get rid of any air pollutants that could be hiding in plain sight. For example, it can be hard to know when you have a mold problem in your home, which is why an indoor air quality specialist should perform thorough tests using professional equipment before you solidify your workspace.
Invest in cybersecurity
Cyberattacks have been on the rise over the past three months. with cybercriminals looking to take advantage of those who are working from home. Cyberattacks have become one of the leading security threats in the modern world and it takes just one to lose all your sensitive data or even worse — your hard-earned money. Thankfully, there are many cybersecurity measures you can take including installing antivirus systems on your devices, using a secure network, installing intrusion detection systems, and encrypting your sensitive data.
Thanks to advances in technology, working from home is now a real option that can save you from having to waste time and money sitting in traffic as you make your way to an office every day. If you play your cards right, you can do your job just as effectively, or even more so, from your home.