A Few Tips on Working Remotely

There have been numerous changes in our lifestyles over the past few months as we are all still trying to adjust to a “new normal.” For many of us at Martin Hood, this means doing our job remotely or working from home, and we know we are not alone in this. Here are a few good tips for working remotely and how to strive to be efficient, productive, and happy while working from home.

1. Designate a Workspace. Designating a specific area in your home to get work done can help make it easier to stay focused. Try to ensure that you also have the proper equipment (desk, chair, computer, technology, etc.) set up to be efficient and productive in your workspace at home. Designating a schedule and setting boundaries can also get you in a working mindset to help you maintain efficiency and productivity.
2. Communicate and Stay Connected. Communication is especially critical with remote work, and overcommunication is even encouraged. It is important to stay in touch with colleagues and clients, and this communication can be even better when you are able to utilize online tools. Try to check in with your team and give updates regularly. Tell others how they can best reach you, whether through email, phone call, a Teams, Slack, or Zoom meeting, or anything else you/your workplace wants to use. (This goes for more casual social communication, too! Even without a physical water cooler, you can still get that “water cooler” small talk and chat with your colleagues before or after meetings/calls, or whenever you want to schedule a bit of time during the day.)
3. Think about Yourself. Be okay with cutting yourself a little slack! Take breaks as you need them. Breaking up the day can help with productivity, and it can help you reset if you keep getting distracted (whether you’re distracting yourself, or getting distracted by your new “coworkers” that are at home with you). Even setting aside some designated time for your lunch break or a coffee break can help you feel refreshed and ready to get back to work.

You should also try to stay up-to-date on policies and guidance from state and local officials, as well as from your own workplace. Even though things might look and feel different, you can still be efficient and productive in this “new normal,” even if being productive feels a little different now too.This list is not comprehensive, and it is important to tweak some things to fit you and your own situation. Here are some additional points and resources to help with working remotely:10 Tips For Working Remotely During Coronavirus23 Essential Tips for Working Remotely8 Tips To Make Working From Home Work For YouAt Martin Hood, we are still implementing some changes to our “new normal,” and we are available to help you with your growing and changing needs. Contact us with any questions you have about newly passed loans and regulations, or about our other tax planning/preparation, assurance, and business advisory services.