Tips for Working Remotely
CREATE A SPACE
- If you can, designate a workspace.
- Use the most comfortable chair you can find, and consider back support and ergonomics.
CREATE A SCHEDULE
- If you can, set a schedule and stick to it. If you can't, communicate with your supervisor and team—let them know when or how frequently they can expect to hear from you.
- Remember to take regular breaks. Walk around. Stretch. Leave the room (and your computer) for regular periods of time.
USE A PLANNER
Whether you use a calendar, a Google doc, or a spiral-bound notebook, write down and keep track of projects, deadlines, and meetings.
TRY A TIME MANAGEMENT APP
If you struggle to stay on task, check out some of the following:
ORGANIZE YOUR FILES
- If you're saving some documents on your computer desktop, some on your local drive, and some in Google docs, at some point you're going to have difficulty locating them. Pick a location, create your system, and stick to it—it will save you headaches later.
DON'T FORGET SECURITY
- Phishers and spammers are working from home, too, so be vigilant about security.
- Update your operating system and apps
- Be sure you know the source of any document before you open it.
- Don't click on a link unless you trust it and the source.
KNOW WHEN TO STOP
HCC faculty and staff are passionate about their jobs—but when you're working at home, it can become difficult to leave work behind. Turn off your computer when it's time to stop working, and don't check your email.
