9 common mistakes to avoid while working from home

The last few years have brought about a massive change in the way one perceives work. With remote work becoming the norm across industries, employees enjoy the flexibility of working from their homes while saving commute time. Although remote work has several perks, not being in an office atmosphere can be counterproductive, resulting in decreased efficiency. To avoid this, one can note nine common mistakes made when working from home. Not investing in ergonomic equipment Just like setting the right mood is essential for a party or event, it is also important to set the work mood by creating the work atmosphere at home. Besides, ergonomic equipment can help with one’s posture and prevent back and neck pain. Thus, one should invest in a sturdy work desk and an adjustable ergonomic chair with adequate back support, adjusting it to eye level with the laptop or PC placed on the desk. Not having set work targets for the day Having a set of well-defined work objectives ready at the start of the day can help one kickstart the work day on the right note. Moreover, since remote work does not involve sharing the work space with other employees, self-motivation becomes the primary driving force to complete one’s targets. Listing down one’s work objectives helps one achieve such motivation and proceed with one’s tasks systematically. Failing to hone one’s communication skills One of the cornerstones of working from home effectively is to improve one’s communication and interpersonal skills such that one can coordinate optimally using all the possible modes of communication, including emails, work chat programs, online meetings, and phone calls. One way to communicate better with colleagues is to adopt a proactive approach of asking questions, providing suggestions, and following up promptly when there is a requirement or opportunity. Missing these opportunities can cause one to continue shying away from speaking up, eventually posing challenges with task clarity and personal development at work. Not adhering to work policies A change in the mode of work does not imply a change in existing work policies and ethics. Thus, it is important to continue adhering to work policies like logging in on time, completing the entire shift duration, and informing the concerned authorities if one needs a holiday or concession at work. Besides standing one in good stead at the organization, following work policies can help one remain disciplined and organized and ensure a healthy work-life balance. Overworking With remote work, it is easy to assume an employee’s availability around the clock, regardless of one’s log-in time. It is here that employees should draw personal boundaries and accept work tasks only during one’s official working hours. Accepting tasks beyond one’s stipulated work hours can cause a burnout and prevent one from leading a healthy personal life. Having distractions around the work space Having the TV on while working, texting or speaking on the phone, or playing music can distract one from work responsibilities and prolong work hours. Hence, it helps to steer clear of all such distractions while working and enjoy that new series or playlist peacefully after work. Maintaining a sedentary lifestyle One of the most significant drawbacks of working remotely is a sedentary lifestyle that primarily results from not having to leave one’s desk during meals or to interact with colleagues. A sedentary lifestyle is associated with several autoimmune diseases, including cholesterol and cardiovascular conditions. Hence, it is important to rise from one’s seat at least once every hour and move about in one’s home. Practicing some basic stretches every once in a while is also a great way to stay active. Finally, one should avoid having meals at one’s desk, choosing to dine at another spot in their home if possible, and taking a complete break from work during lunch hour. Micromanaging team members and subordinates Working from home may be as challenging for employees as it is rewarding and beneficial. Therefore, it helps to be empathetic and understanding of other employees and acknowledge their hard work and expertise. The key is to avoid micromanaging even while remembering to follow up with them as and when required. Not adapting to technology In the world of remote work, technology is the virtual workplace that connects employees and ensures efficient completion of work tasks. Thus, one should stay up-to-date with the required technology and software applications, promptly troubleshoot technical issues with the IT team, and take the initiative to increase technical knowledge.