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When most people used to think about a workday, they’d think about getting up early, driving to an office, working eight hours, and coming home. But times have changed. For many people, this is not what a typical workday looks like anymore. More and more people are working from home these days. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2023, 13.8 percent of U.S. workers usually worked from home. The Census Bureau also reported that “In 2019, around 9 million people worked from home in the United States. By 2023, that number has soared to more than 22 million.” This change may be a result of the pandemic and advances in technology, like video conferencing platforms. As with many things, there are positives and challenges of remote work. But I was able to create a routine that has been working for me. Now, based on years of experience and trial-and-error, I am sharing my helpful tips on how to work from home effectively.
I worked remotely before remote work was a thing
I have worked from home in some capacity for about 11 years. My first job out of college was at a small non-profit in Roswell, near my house. I went in person every day to teach advocacy and life skills classes to young adults with disabilities. I enjoyed going to work every day and interacting with my students and co-workers. In 2013, I began working for All About Developmental Disabilities (AADD) in Decatur. The AADD office was an hour away from my house, so when I was hired, my supervisor and I agreed that I would work two days in the office and three days from home. My schedule stayed the same for many years and continued when AADD merged with Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI). I liked the balance of my schedule because I did not have to drive an hour to work every day, but I still got to see my co-workers weekly and attend meetings. If I had to teach, I would schedule my classes on days I was in the office.
When the pandemic hit, I started working fully remote. Unlike most people who had to get used to working from home, it was not a huge adjustment for me because I had done it part-time successfully for so many years. I did miss seeing my co-workers, but once I learned to use video conferencing like Zoom and Teams, I started using them to regularly interact with colleagues. I currently work fully remote but go into the office for important meetings.
Benefits and challenges of remote work
Working from home has proven to be beneficial for those who are neurodivergent, individuals with mental health conditions, more introvert, or simply for those who prefer the comfort of their home and thrive in calmer environments rather than being surrounded by a lot of people. Working from home, offered as an accommodation, costs nothing, but it has a tremendous impact on productivity.
There are many benefits and challenges to remote work. First, most of the time, when you are working from home, you can set your own schedule outside of calls and meetings. Having the flexibility to begin and end your workday when you want to, is very convenient. Another benefit is that when you are not required to travel to the office every day, you can spend less time commuting and more time working. This might not be the case for some people, but I find myself less distracted when I work from home. My house is mostly quiet throughout the day, and my room is near the back of the house, so that is helpful. Working remotely also allows people to set up their office space as they see fit. I like how the office space in my room is set up, as it meets my needs.
Working from home can also cause some challenges. I am a social person who enjoys interacting with people and building relationships. Sometimes when I am working from home, I feel isolated from my colleagues. I occasionally wonder if I am missing out on things because I do not go to the office regularly. Having weekly video calls with my team makes me feel more connected to the organization. Another challenge is not being able to ask a quick question to someone. When you work in an office, sometimes you can catch someone as they walk by or go to their office to ask something. When you work remotely, you have to call or email with your questions. This can be challenging because you may not be able to reach someone right away. It can be difficult if you don’t know your colleagues’ schedules and you don’t know when a good time is to reach out without interrupting them. This can be solved by using tools like Google or Outlook calendars to see when everyone is available. It can also be challenging to find a good amount of work-life balance. To overcome this, it is helpful to have a set schedule and number of hours that you will work each day.
How to be successful when working from Home
Here is a basic guide to use that help me work efficiently from home. I hope it helps you build your own schedule and habits.
- Set routine daily work hours
When working from home, decide when you will start your day and the number of hours you will work per day. This will help you plan your activities. Try to be consistent when you begin and end working. That way, you can begin to build a daily routine. Make a morning routine, like having breakfast or going outside, to help you get ready for the day.
- Act like you are going to work each day
Mindset is everything. One way to get into a working mindset is to prepare yourself for work like you would if you were going into an office. I always shower and dress as if I am working outside my home. I may not dress exactly like I would if I were in the office, but I try to look presentable, especially when I have Zoom or Teams calls. Doing these things helps me feel prepared and ready for work.
- Create a designated workspace
Set up a specific area in your home that can be your office. Avoid doing your work on the couch or in bed because it can blur your work-life balance. When setting up your office, pick a quiet place in your home away from distractions. Get a comfortable desk and office chair that fits your needs. Try to keep your office space as organized as possible.
- Try to limit distractions
To stay focused, keep your distractions to a minimum. Silence unnecessary phone notifications or put your phone on Do Not Disturb. Use website or pop-up blockers when you are online. Set boundaries with people and let them know what hours you work.
- Take breaks throughout the day
Taking breaks helps you stay motivated and keeps your energy up. I like to take a break every hour. Sometimes when I take a break, I like to go outside to get fresh air. When working from home, it is good to take a full lunch break to avoid burnout throughout the day.
- Keep a calendar
Having a written or online calendar will make it easier to keep track of meetings, deadlines, calls, and upcoming events. I prefer using an online calendar. The calendar I use in Outlook is extremely helpful because it shows my schedule for each day and month. It also sends me reminders of upcoming calls and events. This helps me see when my co-workers are available in case we need to collaborate on a project. This leads me to the next detail.
- Keep in contact with your colleagues
It can sometimes feel isolating working from home. That is why it is important to interact with your colleagues as much as possible. Utilize video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Teams to check in during the week. Instant messaging tools on Teams, Slack, and Google can help you have real-time conversations where you can ask questions back and forth. Collaborate on projects by using Google Docs and Smartsheet so others can see and add to your work. Set up casual chats with teammates that are not always about work. Take time to celebrate your teammates’ milestones like birthdays, work anniversaries, and other successes.
The bottom line
Working from home is becoming more popular each year. There are many benefits and disadvantages to remote work. Overall, I enjoy working from home because I have a flexible work schedule, and I know how to make the most of my time. Keeping a healthy work-life balance is vital for successful remote work. As long as companies keep remote workers engaged regularly, working from home can continue to be a viable option for both organizations and employees.
I’m Kylie Moore, from Roswell, Georgia, living with Cerebral Palsy. I’ve dedicated my career to advocating for the disability community, creating self-advocacy programs, and serving on boards. I founded the Ambassador Program at AADD, received the Tom Miller National Advocacy Award in 2020, and now advise Arts InCommunity. When not teaching, I can be found watching the Georgia Bulldogs or my beloved New England Patriots play football or participating in wheelchair sports.
