5 ways you need to work at home to feel like you never left the office

1. Don’t hesitate to communicate.
   Remote work eliminates the opportunity to walk a few feet to a coworker to get answers to a question or to collaborate face-to-face—but instant messaging (IM) helps bridge the gap. IM signals to your team when you’re available, busy, or in a meeting. You’ll have the ability to not only communicate, but securely share documents, build and view calendars, and attend meetings virtually. Productivity platforms allow real-time contact at a moment’s notice, complete with less formal, more conversational options, and put coworkers from across the globe a phone or video call away Additionally, employers focusing on improving their company’s employee wellbeing initiatives will find that IM platforms are a remedy for feelings of isolation. Aside from messages and video, small things like emoji use in digital interactions add a social and fun element that makes it easier to build better relationships and convey meaning through text.

    

2. Make sure your internet connection is secure.
   The jump to using home or public internet services for more than just casual activities has revealed that part of any good at-home setup should include a strong, secure internet connection. If your internet isn’t reliable, you can’t be either. Take the time to check that your internet connection is stable, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your provider if you experience issues or lag. It’s also important to read and follow company policies regarding VPN access, rules for file sharing, and connecting to the internet from out-of-office locations. These requirements extend to mobile users, who can access approved productivity toolsto create, edit, and share from your devices in real time while adhering to your company’s security rules.

    

3. Proactively manage your own schedule.
   While working at home offers the flexibility to plan your workday, it doesn’t mean you need to work all the time. It’s up to you to set boundaries for yourself and your coworkers. Some teams address this by designating core work hours when everyone is expected to be available. Outside of that, don’t hesitate to remind colleagues of your availability if meetings begin to overlap into your focus time or coworkers are reaching out during your off hours. Take advantage of calendar and messaging apps to indicate free hours and block off focus time to ensure you’ll be able to work without interruptions. Lastly, at the end of the workday, take steps to disconnect and walk away from your work—put your laptop to sleep, close off your home office, and turn off notifications on your phone.

    

4. Stay connected with colleagues and supervisors.
   Your company may or may not offer in-person networking opportunities with others in your organization. Fortunately, the age of remote work brought about more digital ways to connect with coworkers throughout the year. Maintaining a positive and engaging group dynamic is possible with voice and video calls, where coworkers can collaborate and engage with each other on camera. If you’re looking to schedule some team bonding, a group exercise, or an optional happy hour, you can set these up through your calendar apps, which help you plan with regards to different availabilities and time zones. You can even extend your remote office network beyond your immediate coworkers by creating and joining groups in your productivity suite for different offices and locations, work-related topics, special interests, and hobbies.

    

5. Take advantage of your company’s productivity tools.
   Companies dedicated to making work from home a part of their organization must invest in software to help their employees stay productive. Good software will help you make the most of connecting with your teams in real time via conferencing, email, IM, video conferencing, and file sharing, while also offering advanced security and compliance, interactive reports, simpler dashboards, and better visuals. No matter what kind of workstyle you have, productivity tools help you organize tasks, personalize calendars, manage communication, and overall, keep your day-to-day schedule balanced and efficient.

While many workers once used telecommuting to supplement their full-time in-office job, more people are using it as a replacement for being in the office. As this trend continues to rise, it’s more important than ever to keep up with new ways to work at home and have the right tools to make your experience flexible, productive, and successful.
 

To learn more about unifying, engaging, and empowering your remote work teams with Microsoft 365, download the Connect and Collaborate from Anywhere e-book.