work from home

How to Coordinate Between At-Home and In-Office Workers

With the right tools in place, at home and in-office workers can work together seamlessly. Here are some of the best methods for making this happen.

In today’s business world, it is more common than ever to have both employees who work in the office and those who work at home. Some may even switch back and forth. Although this can be a wonderful way to reduce overhead costs, it can also present some challenges when it comes to coordination and communication. Fortunately, with the right tools in place, you can make sure you’re at home and in-office workers can work together seamlessly. Here are some of the best methods for making this happen.

Get Organized

First, consider the logistics of working with home and office employees. You will need to decide how work will be assigned and how deadlines will be communicated. You will also need to decide how meetings and other events will be managed. It may help to have a shared calendar and spreadsheet that everyone can access. You can avoid potential problems down the road by planning these things out in advance.

The next step is to consider the technology you need to use to coordinate between at-home and in-office workers. All employees should be able to communicate easily and effectively, regardless of where they are located. This can be achieved in diverse ways. One straightforward way to coordinate work and communication is to use the cloud for sharing work files and a chat application for real-time communication between everyone.

Leverage the Cloud

By implementing a cloud desktop hosting solution, all employees can access the same files and applications, regardless of where they are located. Using a system like this is advantageous because it is scalable, it can be accessed from anywhere, and it reduces the risk of data loss during a disaster. Having everyone on the same page is a fantastic way to ensure that essential information isn’t lost in translation.

Use a Chat Application

Any business relies heavily on communication. The ways we can communicate with each other have changed dramatically over the last few decades, from making phone calls to sending emails. Recent innovations in communication include the use of chat applications such as Slack and Microsoft Teams. Through these, employees can communicate more easily and make important decisions together. It can also help them resolve issues quickly and effectively.

Conclusion

When your workforce is split apart, it can seem difficult to keep your business running smoothly. However, modern technological advances have enabled people to communicate more easily than ever before. Utilize these strategies to keep your in-office and at-home workers on the same page.

5 Reasons Why Working From Home Is the New Golden Standard

There are many reasons to work from home. If possible, take advantage of these perks and enjoy a better work/life balance.

The COVID-19 pandemic changed everyone’s lives, some for the worse and some for the better. Many people were allowed to work from home rather than commuting to an office. This was a positive change for many people, as there are many benefits to working from home.

Less Commute Time

It isn’t unusual for commuters to spend 100 hours commuting as well as 41 hours stuck in traffic each year. People living in high-traffic areas, such as San Francisco or Washington, D.C., spend even more time in the car. This commuting wastes valuable time for commuters and adds stress and anxiety to already difficult workdays. This stress can lead to higher cholesterol, increased risk of depression, and elevated blood sugar levels.

Cutting out the commute time to work from home direct sales job also allows many people to get more sleep each day, which allows them to have an overall healthier lifestyle. Not having a commute is likely to improve mental and physical health. The time saved can allow workers to spend more time with family, work out, or even eat a healthy breakfast.

Improved Work/Life Balance

Today, balancing work and personal time is important. Working remotely allows people to have more leisure time and better control over their time. Not having to commute to work gives people more time for other activities. It could mean slower mornings with a little more sleep. Having more time could mean there is time to eat breakfast with the family or enjoy a cup of coffee with a good book or TV show. Working at home allows time for eating a healthier breakfast.

Throughout the day, anyone working at home rather than in the office has more flexibility to take breaks when they are needed. They can get that second cup of coffee or grab a snack when necessary. Some people also find time to work out during their lunch break or spend time with a spouse. Work and life can begin to merge again and priorities can be realigned.

Increased Productivity

Working from home may take a bit of time to adjust to, but most employees find they can get more work done with fewer interruptions. There is less office drama and fewer conversations in the break room to get caught up in. There are fewer meetings and people to talk to and more time to get the work done. There are also no office politics to deal with daily.

Save Money

Working at home provides a great economic advantage. No longer do workers have to purchase and wear professional clothing, except maybe from the waist up for online meetings. Employees will save money by not having to purchase gas, and will reduce the mileage and wear and tear on vehicles. Car insurance will also likely be less expensive since the total miles driven will decrease.

Improved Mental Health

COVID-19 has impacted everyone and added stress and anxiety to lives. People who have mental health conditions may be able to better manage their lives at home. It allows them more privacy, they can work when and how they want, and they are healthier in the end.

There are many reasons to work from home. If possible, take advantage of these perks and enjoy a better work/life balance.

7 Effective tips for maintaining work-life balance while WFH

Here are the top ways to transform your work from home schedule into a relaxing and productive one.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a significant life-changing experience for every person, be it the kids or the working professionals. There’s a constant struggle to adapt and move forward with the ongoing changes in the surroundings. If you’re a working professional who’s stuck in the work-from-home scenario, maintaining work-life balance is an even more difficult task. You need to sit back, plan your day, and execute the plans to the maximum. Also, try to incorporate relaxing habits like exercises and morning routines to curb work-related stress.

Here are the top ways to transform your work-from-home schedule into a relaxing and productive one.

1. Practice A Morning Routine

One of the best ways to unwind and start your day on a positive note is through a morning routine. You must kickstart the day with a few activities that you love. It could be journaling your thoughts or simply gazing at the sun during the early morning hours. With the rejuvenating morning routine, you can stay away from stress, anxiety, and constant shifts in the mood. Also, it sets a relaxing tune for the work-grind that may accompany throughout the day. Some effective ways to start your morning are coffee rituals, cold showers, or a few minutes of yoga under the sun.

2. Make A Home Office

Another easy and effective tip for maintaining the work-life balance is by designating a full-fledged workspace. While working from home, the usual house chores and activities may distract you often. With a peaceful and separate workspace, you can focus on the task at hand and relax later. Also, keep in mind to work at the space assigned and leave it as soon as you sign off from work. Not only will it train your mind to focus while in the workspace, but it also allows you to relax during non-working hours.

3. Stick To Healthy Snacking

Nutrition is the key to focus and stimulate your mind during working hours. You must provide your brain cells with the right kind of food while working. Also, try to replace the sugar-laden snacks with some healthy alternatives like fruits and juices. Some nutritious snacks to curb mid-meal hunger are herbal teas, roasted nuts, and protein bars. You can use cbd tinctures, as there are many benefits of CBD tincture like calming and relaxing effects to prepare the rejuvenating herbal tea at home. It may help you focus on work and relax during non-working hours.

4. Get Moving Often

The workout routine is yet another way to develop a work-life balance and recharge your body daily. You must take out at least 30 minutes either before or after work to do some workout or physical training. Also, try to designate a specific time of the day to your workout schedule for maximum benefits. It may promote a healthy immune response, boost your metabolism, and curb mental health issues. Not to forget, you are less likely to gain extra pounds with a full-fledged exercise routine. It evokes a sense of accomplishment and creates a thin line between your work and personal life.

5. Create A Work Schedule

Most people overlook the importance of creating specific work hours and keeping the rest for personal leisure. If you wish to keep your professional and personal life separate, you must devote only a specific part of your day to work. It keeps your sanity intact and provides some time for socializing with your loved ones. Also, you can relax and recharge for the next day during the rest of the hours. Try to plan out specific hours for different to-dos and stick to them no matter what.

6. Make Time For Self-Care

Working for the entire day without significant breaks might affect your mental health up to a great extent. Also, the long hours you spend on your laptop may affect your health and lead to persistent headaches. After you get done with your working hours, try to practice some self-care activities. It could be anything from a nourishing skin-care routine to sitting down with a relaxing podcast like Better Than Yesterday that will help to calm your nerves down. For the days when you can’t think of any specific activity, just head out for a long drive with your partner. Not only will it give you some extra time to relax, but it also strengthens your relationships.

7. Prepare Your Food

While working from home, you may end up ordering food way more than usual. It exposes you to a risk of infection and compromises the daily nutritional requirements of your body. Instead of relying on food delivery, you must prepare your food. It gives you some extra time off work and provides an opportunity to showcase your creativity. Try to create the right blend of taste and as well as nutrients and prepare healthy meals. Some options to try during work-from-home are pesto pasta, hummus bowl, and lentil soup.

Final Verdict

With the coronavirus pandemic around the corner, maintaining the work-life balance may seem like a daunting task. Work-from-home might affect your mental health in case you end up working all day long. While getting things done from home, you must create a thin line between professional and personal life. Start by designating a specific workspace for office hours. Also, you can begin the day with a morning routine that doesn’t revolve around your work. Try to create an exercise routine and prepare your lunch in between the working hours. Such small steps may prove to be effective in reducing work stress and enhancing productivity.

How to prepare yourself to work from home

Working from home is not the same as working from an office. Making this transition is often challenging, but taking these three steps can prepare you to make the change.

Create a Home Office

Having a dedicated workspace is one of the best ways to set yourself up for success when working from home. If you have a spare bedroom in your home, transform it into an office so you have a quiet place to work. If you don’t have an empty room, you can dedicate a corner of your living room or bedroom to your workspace. The important thing to remember is to keep all of the equipment you need in one place. You can also invest in copy service Washington DC so you are prepared for any situation that arises.

Set a Schedule

Learning how to manage your time when working from home is one of the biggest challenges you will face during the transitional period. You’ll still need to start and stop working at appropriate times but you also have to complete your workload for each day. You may find it helpful to create a daily schedule so you can manage your workload while giving yourself regular beaks.

Minimize Distractions

Distractions can cause you to lose productivity and if you get distracted enough, you may not get anything done when working from home. Try to work in a quiet room away from the TV or roommates and family members. If necessary, you can create a makeshift cubicle by hanging sheets or blankets from the ceiling.

Before you can start working from home successfully, you need to prepare yourself. These three habits can make the adjustment from working in an office to working from home easier so you can be more productive. Start using so you can be successful when working from home.

Startup leaders choose to go to office first before asking others to come

To instill confidence among workforces about health safety, team leaders and managers of India’s top startups including Flipkart, Paytm, Udaan and Zomato, have decided to go at work first before asking colleagues to come. many firms still have asked their employees to continue work from home for those functions which may not need at-work presence.

Despite the government’s recommendation to resume operations, many firms still have asked their employees to continue work from home for those functions which may not need at-work presence.

Paytm is Noida based firm and has recommenced with only 25% workforce whereas guidelines permit 33%. Its spokesperson said, “…depending on where the offices are situated wherever possible our senior leadership has taken the decision of coming to the office first, to instil confidence in our workforce that all necessary steps are being taken to safeguard employees.”

E-commerce giants like Flipkart, Udaan and Zomato have applied such similar approaches for their employees.

Udaan is headquartered in Bengaluru and it is basically a B2B e-commerce firm. Its co-founder, Sujeet Kumar said, “We encourage employees to apply their own judgement on when and how they would like to return to the office…A significant number of employees resumed work over the last couple of weeks.”

There are several concerns for employees about returning to work like

• Travel restrictions.
• Fear to risk the health of their family especially in cases of aged parents and young children.
• Some of them have moved to their hometown and are unable to come back.

An employee of Delhi-based on retailer said, “The fear is not just about the workplace but also getting to work, and other factors at play.” However, firms are understanding these concerns.

For instance, Udaan and joined hand with Zoomcar and Bounce to sanitized vehicles for employees who do not own personal transport. Ola too have addressed the employees about safety measures like sanitising workspaces six times a day, safety teams for every site and demarcated seating to enable social distancing.

The Chief Human Resource Officer of Ola, Rohit Munjal, has asked all the leaders and managers to call their team members to the office only if it is absolutely needed. He said, “Unless your work requires you to be at the workplace by the nature of it, you will continue to work from home until the end of June.”

In fact, Snapdeal has extended its work from home advisory till 14th June and hope for a smaller number of employees back in the office after 14th June. Its spokesperson said that the first phase would include those volunteering to return to the office and those who need to be in office for specific work requirements.

Chief HR officers of these firms have indicated that businesses would move closer to regular operations especially in Delhi and Bangalore at the beginning of the month July while exceptions have been made for the month of June.

HR executive of an e-commerce firm based in Bengaluru said, “As businesses open up next month onwards, stricter protocols will be in place. There will also be enough data and learnings from the last three months to come to the best conclusion.”

Other firms like Swiggy, Amazon, Facebook have extended work from home for all their employees for at least the month of June.

COVID-19 Crisis: Following Twitter and Facebook, Shopify opts for permanent work from home

The current situation is not in the favourable terms, so many corporates are settling upon permanent Work from Home.
Recently, an announcement was made by microblogging platform, Twitter, stated that it will allow employees work from home permanently. With this, social media platform Facebook and Canadian e-commerce website Shopify have also chosen permanent work from home for their employees.

With an inception of coronavirus pandemic, many corporates opted for Work from Home due to strict Stay at Home regulations. This has been done not only for the continuity of work but also to follow social distancing norms. However, the current situation is not in the favourable terms, so many corporates are settling upon permanent Work from Home.

Recently, an announcement was made by microblogging platform, Twitter, stated that it will allow employees work from home permanently. With this, social media platform Facebook and Canadian e-commerce website Shopify have also chosen permanent work from home for their employees.

Tobi Lutke, CEO of Shopify, announced in a tweet, “As of today, Shopify is a digital by default company. We will keep our offices closed until 2021 so that we can rework them for this new reality. And after that, most will permanently work remotely. Office centricity is over,”

When corporates were forced to operate from home, many companies redesigned their strategies so they realised that work can actually be carried out without resuming offices. Therefore, they have made an announcement for permanent work from home option.

Facebook too has made an announcement for its employees in a major chunk allowing permanent work from home. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg informed that about half of the company’s strength can work from entirely for the coming 5-10 years. He also added, “The reality is that I don’t think it’s going to be that we wake up one day on January first and nobody has any more concerns about this,”

But MNC tech company, Microsoft, is not joining this bandwagon. Although, Microsoft was the first company that allowed its employees to do work from home in the wake of coronavirus pandemic.

Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, expressed that permanent work from home can impact the mental health of an employee. He further explained, “What I miss is when you walk into a physical meeting, you are talking to the person that is next to you, you’re able to connect with them for the two minutes before and after,”

Benefits you need to know about work from home

What is it that makes working from home so great?

The business world continues to evolve and we keep seeing more and more people operating from home. According to some reports, almost 50 percent of all professionals will work from home by 2020. Some of the biggest reasons why this is the case include changes in the market, new lifestyles and technology that only continues to advance.

Nowadays, as long as you have a PC with a strong internet connection, you can work from home and run your business as efficiently as any other startup owner out there. But what is it that makes working from home so great? Listed below are five benefits you need to know about.

You get to avoid the commuting hassle

Australian city workers’ average commute time has recently reached 66 minutes and can have a huge impact on job satisfaction and employee productivity. In fact, a large portion of employees list commuting as one of the things they hate the most about their job. When working from home, you get to save that time and use it either to get your work done or to relax. Not to mention that as a remote worker, you don’t have to spend money on gas or public transportation, which can do wonders for your monthly budget. Not having to commute also helps you contribute to preserving the environment, making it a win-win for everyone.

You don’t have to rent an office

Startup owners who don’t operate from home have to find an office that suits their needs, design the interior and pay rent every month. All these expenses add up and can have a huge impact on your company’s finances. There’s no need to say that when starting a business, anything you can save can help you develop your products and get your business noticed. Designing a home office is much easier and all you need to do is transform a room into a home office. Nailing home office design isn’t tough and you can easily create a workspace that inspires you to stay productive.

You can hire anyone you want

When running a traditional business, the only people you get to hire are people near you. You can try to headhunt an employee based in another city but most startups can’t afford anything like that. However, when you’re based at home, you’re able to add any professional with a PC and internet connection to your team. This increases your pool of potential employees and makes finding the right employees much easier. You can even have Skype job interviews, just to make sure you opt for the right people. What’s more, you can connect with financial technology companies such as Data Zoo and communicate with them online.

You can set your own work schedule

Most jobs involve set work hours that you simply have to follow. Operating from home allows you to set your own schedule and align it with your preferences and family obligations. For example, some people feel they’re more productive in the evening and if you’re one of them, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to run your startup from 8 p.m. Not to mention that flexible work hours also mean you can be available to your clients 24/7, which only helps grow your client base.

You get to be more productive

One of the best things about working from home is that there are fewer distractions than you’d face in an actual office. Just think about it – how much time does an average worker waste on talking to their colleagues and answering phone calls? If you have a home office and set boundaries with household members, you’ll be able to focus entirely on the task at hand. In case your employees are remote workers as well, they’ll be able to do the same, thus helping your startup improve its operations and grow.

You can operate from any room in your home

Another great thing about remote working is that you can run your startup from just any part of your home. For instance, if you want, you can work from your backyard during summer or right next to your fireplace in winter. All you need is a good laptop and any room in your house can turn into an office. There are even stories about people working from the kitchen while preparing a meal for their family.

Over to you

There’s no doubt that working from home is awesome and with the way things are, your startup’s chances of succeeding can increase if you decide to run it from your home office. Connect with other people who enjoy working remotely and you can be assured your business will do well.