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Introduction

Hello, fellow remote warriors! Welcome to the home office, the realm where your commute is just a few steps away, and the dress code includes pajama pants. The concept of working from home can feel like a dream come true. No more crowded buses, no more rushed morning routines, no more packed lunches. But as fantastic as it sounds, working from home can swiftly spiral into a nightmare without the right strategies in place. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or unproductive while working from home, you’re not alone. Listen, I’ve been working from home for the last twenty years, so I’ve been there, and I’ve learned from it. That’s why I’m sharing my top 10 strategies for successfully working from home, based on my personal journey navigating the remote work life. Whether you’re a seasoned telecommuter or just starting, these tips are designed to help you stay productive, balanced, and even enjoy your work-from-home life.

The List

1. Dress for Success

One of the undeniable perks of working from home is the freedom to ditch the traditional office attire. But don’t let the allure of working in your pajamas lead you astray (don’t do it!). It might sound unnecessary, but I’ve found that getting dressed in the morning has a significant impact on my mindset and productivity. Even if it’s just switching from pajamas to a clean pair of jeans and a comfortable top, the act of changing clothes signals to your brain that it’s time to wake up and get things done (though adding in a shower is highly recommended!). Plus, you never know when a spontaneous video call might come in. It’s always better to be safe than sorry and look presentable, even if it’s just from the waist up.

woman working from home and dressed for success

clothing arranged on a rack to be dressed for success

2. Establish Boundaries

In the traditional office setting, it’s easy to separate your work and personal life. But when you’re working from home, the lines can blur. Your kids might not understand that you’re at work, and your pets certainly won’t. That’s why it’s crucial to establish boundaries with anyone else who might be at home with you during your working hours. That might mean setting up a designated office space and making it clear to your kids that when the door is closed, you’re at work. I’m grateful to have a dedicated office now but that hasn’t always been the case. For me, that has sometimes meant finding a corner in the bedroom, a spot in the crowded living room, or hiding away in a non-weather-controlled garage. Whatever it takes! Setting these boundaries also applies to clients or colleagues who think that working from home means you’re available 24/7. Communicate your working hours clearly to them and stick to them. This can be done directly in your digital collaboration tools like Google Calendar and Slack.

3. Dedicate a Workspace

While working from your bed or your couch might be tempting, it’s not the best strategy for productivity. It could even be uncomfortable to you, like it is for me. Dedicating a specific area for work helps condition your brain to shift into work mode when you’re in that space. It doesn’t have to be a full room – a quiet corner or even a small table can serve the purpose. The key is to keep this area free of non-work-related items that could distract you. This separation also helps you maintain work-life balance. When you leave your workspace, you leave your work, allowing you to fully relax and enjoy your personal time.

4. Embrace Regular Breaks

When you’re working in an office, you naturally take small breaks throughout the day. Whether it’s a chat at the water cooler or a quick walk to get a cup of coffee, these short pauses can help refresh your mind. But when you’re working from home, it’s easy to overlook these breaks. You might find yourself sitting in front of your computer for hours without moving. This can lead to mental fatigue and burnout. To counter this, make a conscious effort to take regular breaks. Stand up, stretch, move around, or even step outside for a few minutes. These short breaks can do wonders for your productivity and mental well-being. Investing in a standing desk might help motivate you take rest intervals throughout your workday.

woman taking a break from working from home, relaxing

5. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is important for maintaining your energy levels and focus. But when you’re immersed in work, it’s easy to forget to drink water. A simple solution is to always keep a bottle of water at your desk. Having it in sight serves as a reminder to take a sip every now and then. Besides, regular hydration can also give you a reason to take short breaks. You’ll have to refill your bottle or take bathroom breaks, forcing you to stand up and move, which is a good thing. I’ve been using a HidrateSpark Smart Water Bottle for the last two years to help me stay on track with how much water I drink.

water and healthy snacks on a table to stay hidrated

6. Stick to a Routine

When working from home, the lack of a daily commute might make it tempting to roll out of bed and start working immediately. However, maintaining a routine similar to your office days can provide structure to your day and enhance your productivity. For instance, set regular wake-up times, shower and get dressed, have a dedicated lunch break, and set a regular log-off time. This routine gives a sense of normalcy, helps separate work time from personal time, and ensures you’re not overworking yourself. Failure to do this can make your days feel like they’re merging together, and lead to you feeling exhausted without realizing why.

a clock to keep track of your work from home routine

7. Utilize a Task List

Keeping a task list is one of the most effective ways to stay organized and manage your time when working from home. Every morning, write down what you need to get done that day. Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable tasks. This can make your workload seem less daunting and make it easier to start. As you complete each task, tick it off your list. This gives a sense of achievement and can help keep you motivated. This can be done with pen and paper, on your smartphone or tablet, a Google doc, a productivity app like Notion, or an e-ink device like the Kindle Scribe. I tend to use Notion for more complex tasks and my Scribe for the simple ones that are easy to check off.

simple pen and paper on a table for keeping track of tasks

8. Minimize Distractions

Your home is filled with potential distractions. From laundry and dishes to social media and TV, it’s easy to get sidetracked. It can help to set certain rules for yourself. For instance, set specific times to check social media instead of continuously scrolling through your feed. Keep your workspace clean and clutter-free to minimize distractions. And if noise is a problem, consider investing in a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. I have a large family and many pets, so noise canceling headphones have been a real game-changer for me. I’ve had success with the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, but more recently have been using Beats Fit Pro and Apple AirPods Max.

9. Keep Communication Lines Open

When working remotely, you don’t have the luxury of quick face-to-face chats by the coffee machine or the ability to pop over to a colleague’s desk for a quick question. But thanks to technology, communication doesn’t have to be a problem. Make use of tools like Slack, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams to stay in touch with your team. Regular check-ins can help maintain team cohesion and collaboration, ensuring everyone is on the same page. Plus, it adds a level of social interaction, which can be a welcome break from the solitude of working from home.

laptop computer used to communicate with coworkers

10. Be Kind to Yourself

Last but definitely not least, remember to be kind to yourself. Adjusting to the work-from-home lifestyle can take time. It’s okay if you have off days or if your productivity isn’t at its peak every day. Instead of getting frustrated, try to figure out what went wrong and how you can improve it. And don’t forget to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. You’re adapting to a completely new way of working, and every little victory deserves recognition.

Additional Tips

In addition to these top 10 strategies, here are some other tips that have helped me in my work-from-home journey:

Stay Active and Eat Healthily: Incorporating physical activity into your day can help keep you energized and focused. Try to include a short workout into your daily routine. Similarly, resist the urge to snack on unhealthy foods just because you’re at home. Maintain a balanced diet to keep your energy levels up. To stay active in-between meetings and break up long deep-work sessions, I keep a stability ball and a pair of Perfect Pushups in my office. Last year, I leveled up by adding a desk treadmill. To learn more about improving your health, read Going Green: How a Plant-Based Diet Can Save the Planet and Your Health.
Use Online Tools: There are numerous online tools available that can make working from home easier. From project management tools like Asana or Notion to communication platforms like Slack or Teams, these tools can help you stay organized and connected with your team.
Embrace Flexibility: One of the biggest perks of working from home is the flexibility it offers. You can set your hours and create a work schedule that suits your lifestyle. However, while flexibility is a great advantage, it’s important not to let work spill over into your personal time.
Engage in Virtual Socialization: Working from home can sometimes feel lonely. To combat this, engage in virtual social activities with your team. This could be a virtual coffee break or an online team-building game. These activities can help maintain team spirit and provide some much-needed social interaction.
Prepare for Virtual Meetings: With remote work, meetings have gone virtual. Make sure you’re familiar with the ins and outs of video conferencing tools you’ll be using, like how to mute/unmute your microphone, how to turn on/off your video, and how to blur your background. Also, remember to ‘show up’ to meetings. Be present and participate actively in discussions. Pro tip: Keep your video on for a stronger presence.
Don’t Hesitate to Ask for What You Need: If you need additional resources or support from your employer to make your work-from-home experience better, don’t hesitate to ask. Whether it’s a more comfortable chair, a second monitor, or flexibility in your work hours, your comfort and productivity should be a priority. Many organizations offer support for setting up your home office.
End Your Day with a Routine: Just like starting your day with a routine can help kick-start your productivity, ending your day with a routine can help signal to your brain that it’s time to switch off from work. This could be something as simple as shutting down your computer, cleaning up your workspace, taking a short walk, or journaling.

a remote worker happy to have achieved work-life balance

Conclusion

So, that’s it – my extended list of strategies and tips for successfully working from home! Remember, some days will be more productive than others, and that’s perfectly fine. The key is to stay flexible, be kind to yourself, and remember that you’re not alone in this.

If you’re struggling with working from home or need some advice, don’t hesitate to reach out. You don’t have to figure this out on your own. Feel free to drop me a line on Twitter at @mteuzi – I’d be happy to share more insights or answer any questions you might have.

In the meantime, embrace the journey, celebrate your wins, and most importantly, enjoy the process. For more tips and insights on working from home, feel free to check out the resources I’ve listed in the further reading section.

The Volunteerism Paradox: Formal Decline vs. Informal Surge

In the space of formal volunteering – organized, structured voluntary service conducted through established entities like nonprofits or religious groups – we’ve witnessed a stark decline since the onset of the pandemic. The U.S. Census Bureau and AmeriCorps reveal that only about 23% of people aged 16 or older volunteered through an organization in 2020-2021, a stark contrast to the robust 30.3% reported in 2019² This dwindling statistic might initially appear disheartening, but it’s only part of the story.

The same research uncovers a silver lining: while the numbers of formal volunteers have diminished, those who continue to serve have contributed more of their time. This increased commitment demonstrates a collective recognition of the heightened needs of communities during the crisis.

Simultaneously, the pandemic triggered a boom in informal helping. This term refers to the unpaid assistance provided to non-relatives like neighbors, friends, or even strangers. The same study discloses that around 51% of the U.S. population aged 16 and above, which equates to 124.7 million people, engaged in informal help between 2020 and 2021². This figure shows a significant leap from the 44% reported in 2019².

From this data emerges an uplifting narrative: in the face of adversity, the resilience and generosity of the human spirit have shone brightly. Grassroots initiatives, ranging from delivering food to providing financial aid, became lifelines for marginalized communities, which bore the brunt of the pandemic’s impact.

Shifting Demographics: Younger, Digitally-Savvy Volunteers Step Up

Alongside these trends, we’ve observed a considerable demographic shift within the volunteer community. On one end of the spectrum, there’s been a decline in the number of older volunteers actively involved with their organizations. This change is presumably due to the higher risk of COVID-19 complications associated with this age group.

However, this decline has been partially offset by an influx of younger volunteers. These youngsters, often comfortable with digital technologies and adaptable to change, have filled the gap in a transformed volunteering landscape. Much of the volunteering work transitioned online, with opportunities such as virtual mentoring, online tutoring, and digital advocacy becoming the norm. This younger demographic, often referred to as ‘digital natives’, was well-equipped to take on these new, tech-oriented roles.

Alongside these demographic shifts, there’s also been an evolution in the skillsets brought to the table by volunteers. A surge has been seen in volunteers with specialist skills such as IT, marketing, or fundraising. This development reflects the changing needs of non-profit organizations as they navigate the digital era and adjust to the accelerated digital transformation prompted by the pandemic. These specialist skills are increasingly critical as nonprofits shift their operations, fundraising, and outreach efforts to online platforms.

strained nonprofit worker due to lack of volunteer help because of the impact of the pandemic

Strains on Nonprofit Organizations: Loss of Labor and Financial Impact

The reduction in volunteerism presents tangible challenges for nonprofits, which often rely heavily on volunteers to fulfill their mission. The substantial drop in formal volunteering since the pandemic’s onset has strained many organizations, affecting their operations and services and, by extension, the communities they serve.

Many nonprofits operate with tight budgets, with volunteers constituting a crucial part of their workforce. Volunteers support numerous facets of a nonprofit’s operations, from administrative tasks to front-line service delivery. With the downturn in volunteerism, many organizations face a labor deficit. This lack of personnel places a greater workload on existing staff, potentially leading to increased stress, burnout, and reduced productivity. In extreme cases, nonprofits have had to cut back their services or, worse, temporarily shut down operations due to the lack of volunteers.

Additionally, the decline in volunteerism has significant financial ramifications for nonprofits. The economic value of volunteers’ time and effort is considerable. For instance, the Independent Sector estimated the value of volunteer time at $28.54 per hour in 2020 in the U.S⁴. When volunteer contributions shrink, nonprofits must contend with a financial shortfall. They either have to allocate funds to hire paid staff – a move that can further strain their budgets – or reduce the scope of their operations.

Volunteers also play a critical role in fundraising efforts, be it through organizing events, running campaigns, or leveraging their networks for donations. A decline in volunteerism can impede these efforts, leading to reduced funds and resource constraints for the nonprofits.

Furthermore, the reduction in volunteerism can also affect the reach and impact of nonprofit services. For example, organizations providing food, shelter, or essential support services to vulnerable populations may not be able to cater to as many people as before due to the volunteer shortage. This not only impacts the effectiveness of the nonprofits but also leaves a gap in essential services for those in need.

Beyond their tangible services, volunteers often bring passion, enthusiasm, and a sense of community to the organizations they serve. They foster relationships with the communities served, building a trustful and empathetic connection that is often crucial for the work nonprofits do. A decline in volunteerism could impact this relational aspect, affecting community engagement and trust.

Overcoming Pandemic Fatigue: Engagement Strategies

In the face of pandemic fatigue and the resulting struggle to keep volunteers engaged, it’s more important than ever for nonprofits to implement effective engagement strategies. Forbes suggests several tactics, such as clear communication about the organization’s mission and goals, providing feedback and recognition, offering flexibility and choice, creating opportunities for social interaction, and providing resources for skill development⁴. I’ll add that it’s also paramount that organizations set up volunteers with project-specific, outcomes-focused engagements to provide fulfilling experiences.

Conclusion: A Path Forward

While the pandemic’s impact on volunteerism presents a complex and challenging scenario, it also offers opportunities for innovation and resilience. Understanding these changes and adapting to support volunteer engagement will be crucial as we navigate the uncharted terrain of the post-pandemic world.

This unprecedented crisis has undeniably affected volunteering rates, demographics, and opportunities. However, it has also showcased the resilience, generosity, and adaptability of volunteers and organizations. As we move forward, it’s essential to learn from these changes and to continue striving to create an environment that supports volunteer engagement. In doing so, we can ensure that we continue to serve communities in meaningful, impactful ways.

My Top 10 Tried and Tested Strategies for Successfully Working from Home