6 Essential Questions to Ask on Your First Day of Remote Work

Beginning your journey as a remote worker or working from home can be challenging. As you enter an uncharted territory, you probably have a set of questions to ask your new employer.

We have all been there before! You want to understand how the company operates to contribute a good output or to impress your new boss. Organize your thoughts and help set the expectations by asking these essential questions to your employer or hiring manager.

#1: WHICH FOLDERS OR FILES SHOULD I HAVE ACCESS TO?

Usually, remote companies have a shared bank of files and templates that you can assess. Review these documents and pay attention to the templates that you must use for your new position. Locating these files will save you hours of digging.

#2: WHAT ARE MY PRIORITIES FOR THE DAY?

It is easier to transition into a new position when you have a clear idea of what your essential daily tasks are. The sooner you ask, the more productive you can be. You can begin to have a better grasp of what management sees as your role by asking this question.

#3: HOW CAN I SHARE MY THOUGHTS OR IDEAS?

Do you believe that you are an asset to the company? Asking this question shows how eager you are to contribute to the workplace. As a new employee, you provide a fresh perspective. However, it can be challenging to share your thoughts. Since everything is digital nowadays, some managers may prefer to receive a private email or a group discussion through video conferencing apps. Ask your hiring manager or employer about this.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#4: WHO DO I REPORT TO ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS?

It is harder to see the department divisions in the remote environment. As you are working from home, you may answer multiple people. Ask your hiring manager or employer who you will report to daily. This will prevent others from assuming that you are working with them exclusively.

#5: WHICH MEETINGS SHOULD YOU PUT ON YOUR CALENDAR?

Whether you are using Google Calendar or Calendly to organize your appointments, it is essential to know which meetings you should put on your calendar. Educate yourself about the company’s meeting procedures. Do you meet online on a monthly, bi-monthly, or weekly basis?

#6: WHAT IS THE USUAL PROCESS FOR THIS TASK?

Every team accomplishes things in their own way. Showing that you are open to learning from them can help you change your mindset earlier on. Find out how you can work efficiently to contribute to the company’s processes and systems.

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6 Benefits of Ergonomic Chair in the Workplace

What is the solution to reducing the rising sitting and postural-related issues? Ergonomics!

“The number of employees suffering from back, neck and shoulder complaints caused by sitting and postural-related issues has continued to rise.”

– Mark Barrell and Levent Caglar of Boss Design

Ergonomics is the study of the relationship between workers and their working environments. It involves designing or adjusting workplaces, products, systems to fit the people who use them. It helps organizations through providing productive workspaces and introducing ergonomic tools such as the ergonomic chair.

Like budgeting, one size does not fit all when it comes to chairs.

Ergonomic chairs are ordered to suit an individual’s preferences and allow an elevated level of adjustability to help support the tasks at hand. These chairs often include features that are designed to encourage more movement such as adjustable arms, seat height adjustment, or lumbar support. To know more about the benefits of an ergonomic chair, continue reading.

#1: PROMOTES GOOD POSTURE

One of the postural-related issues that employees experience after long hours at work is back pain. Traditional chairs do not have the back support that ergonomic chairs can provide. You see, ergonomic chairs are built to prevent discomfort and promote better posture. These chairs provide spine support, pain relief, and flexibility to prevent unhealthy positions and unusual strain.

Using an ergonomic chair can help you achieve comfortable postures at your workstation without having to worry about experiencing lower back pain. Moreover, many ergonomic chairs come with adjustable armrests, which allows you to rest your body comfortably.

#2: IMPROVES PRODUCTIVITY

Choosing office furniture that is ergonomically designed can have a significant impact on employee happiness and productivity, according to previous studies.

As the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration reveals, ergonomic furniture showed a direct link to heightened efficiency by reducing the risk of musculoskeletal conditions. As such, utilizing the power of ergonomic chairs can help increase the potential for profit.

#3: INCREASES LONG-TERM SAVINGS

Investing your money in ergonomic chairs can save you money in the long run. This may be hard to believe, but it is true. A one-time investment in ergonomically designed workplace furniture ensures durability and assurance of quality. You will be given a warranty period to test the furniture and to determine whether the chair is suitable for the user.

#4: PROVIDES FLEXIBILITY

Employees come in all shapes and sizes. Thus, investing in furniture that can be adjusted to their specifications can help keep everyone in the workplace comfortable and productive.

For instance, workers who are petite can benefit from an armless ergonomic chair with a small seat and high back. This will help support their natural posture.

#5: INCREASES BLOOD CIRCULATION

In a 2010 study, researchers found that prolonged sitting can increase the risk of heart disease, poor blood circulation, and back pain. It is recommended to track how long you have been seated and to try to vary your position every 30 minutes.

The American Heart Association further reports that any movement that raises our metabolic rate above the normal stationary resting rate (i.e., during sitting) can have profound long-term health benefits and reduce the chance of illnesses.

#6: OFFERS A VARIETY OF FEATURES

When it comes to ergonomic chairs, you will be delighted to know that there are a range of options available commercially. The adjustable features of these chairs help alter its physical characteristics to suit your working preference and body type.

For instance, you need to look for chairs that allow adjustments such as seat height, back recline, adjustable armrests, adjustable tilt tension, and seat depth.

There are a lot of ergonomic chair brands out there. Thus, you need to have a list of features that you are looking for. Watch the short video below to be guided when it comes to setting up an ergonomic workstation.

Sources: 1 & 2 

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Inexpensive Ways To Improve Your Home Office

For most people, working from home is their fantasy come to life. However, it comes with its own challenges. Mentally transitioning from “personal mode” to “professional mode” can be difficult if you are physically on the same place and just steps away from your bed. How can someone be inspired to produce outputs on such cozy conditions?

While it is easy to wear sweatpants in the home office, you need to establish new routines to improve your productivity. Take time to thoughtfully choose the right setup. Improving your home office is a worthy investment of your time and money.

#1: INVEST ON A BACK PILLOW

If you do not have the budget to purchase an ergonomic chair, revamp a standard chair by adding a back pillow. You can buy an affordable curved foam cushion for your chair or roll up a towel to act as your back support. This will give you the comfort you need for countless hours of working.

#2: RAISE YOUR DEVICE

Notice how you are working. Usually, your monitor or laptop screen is too low. This is why many people hunch over or crack their necks in the working process. There are two simple solutions. Firstly, you may purchase a laptop stand or riser. The stand allows a few inches of height and tilt. Secondly, you can add a few books under the base of your monitor. Raise it to a comfortable height. You will know what is best!

#3: ORGANIZE YOUR CORDS

There is nothing more annoying than tangled cords. If you are working from home, you are more likely to rely on several devices to keep your efficiency up. Manage the excessive cords by using zip-ties or double-sided Velcro. You can add labels too.

#4: KEEP A CLOTH BESIDE YOU

Do not let pet hair or dust distract you. Keep an inexpensive microfiber cloth on your desk to wipe your screen or your table. You can use two cloth towels – one for wet substances and one for dry substances. Replace these towels every day. Alternatively, you may use a pack of disinfectant wipes to clean your surfaces.

#5: BOOST YOUR LIGHT

Lighting is the key. Having a good light can have a significant impact on one’s concentration and productivity. In fact, a study showed 16% increase in efficiency by using good office lighting. Boost your productivity by repurposing a vintage or antique table lamp.

#6: ADD SOME PLANTS

Image credits: pixabay.com

You must never underestimate the power of nature. Adding a few plants on your home office will not only make it aesthetically pleasing, but also make it a suitable place to work. Plants have positive effects on one’s body and mind. Improve your mood by adding indoor plants to your space. The snake plant is my personal favorite!

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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How To Master Working From Home With Kids Around

With the restrictions of the coronavirus pandemic and our compliance to social distancing guidelines, many of us have transformed our homes into offices. Your home is an oasis, except when you are forced to mix your personal life with your professional life. Schools may have opened last June, but some rotate between online and on-campus lessons. It is a gradual transition that comes with the new normal.

The “no kids allowed in the office” rule no longer applies to us. Employees and business owners are now juggling their household duties with their workplace tasks. Some find it a struggle to create a peaceful environment free from the distractions created by their children, pets, or younger siblings. Just take a look at the video below!

TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN

It is important to talk to your children about what is happening around them. Ensure that you are explaining the situation at an age-appropriate level. Some children may understand the safety restrictions, while others may see the pandemic as an unreasonable limitation.

Explain to them that we are looking out for each other during this pandemic. Part of how we help each other right now is by staying at home. Sometimes, a change in perception is all that we need.

ESTABLISH A SCHEDULE

One of the benefits of working at home is flexibility. Write down your priorities for the day and set them within your working hours. If you’re married, you may explore alternating schedules in coordination with your partner and your children. This will help you manage your household chores and office tasks accordingly.

Have an agreed schedule with your employer to ensure that you are filling in the required number of hours per day. Given that most of us work from home, some employers may understand the need for non-traditional schedules.

FOCUS ON YOUR PRIORITIES

Prioritize your work by accomplishing important tasks first. There will be interruptions along the way and it will take longer than usual. This is why you accomplish urgent tasks in the morning and save the minor tasks later in the day.

Avoid unexpected yells and loud noises in the background by hitting the mute button during conference calls. Toddlers will not understand that they cannot always have your undivided attention. If your toddler seeks your attention during a business call, you may ask to reschedule if you can. Minor tasks such as replying to client comments on social media may be done while your children are sleeping.

CREATE SNACK AND PLAY STATION

Find a spacious corner in your home and assign that as the “snack and play station”. Prepare a bunch of snacks and drinks for your children and instruct them on how much they can consume per day. Aside from this, you may let your child’s creativity run wild through free-play. Provide books, art materials, and other learning materials such as puzzles and blocks within this station.

Tackle your workload while your kids are having fun and playing safely on the corner.

PLAN FOR INTERRUPTIONS

Think of alternative strategies to minimize the disruptions from your family members. Firstly, you can take advantage of naptime. Do bulk of your heavy tasks during this time. Whether your child sleeps for one to three hours, use this time to complete tasks that seek your focus and concentration.

You may also setup a virtual meeting between your children and your relatives while you work. Ask a friend or a family member for a favor to teach your children a new skill while they are chatting online. Connecting your children to their friends and their grandparents through Skype, Zoom, or Facetime can be helpful to their well being too.

SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

Let us face it! There are no professional advantages to pretending things are the way they used to be. Reduce your anxiety and manage everyone’s expectations by being honest with your coworkers. Tell them what is going on in your home office.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Similarly, you must be honest with yourself when it comes to your abilities in handling your children. You cannot turn into a good teacher overnight. Be patient with yourself and your children throughout the process.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

 

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Is Home Office Heaven Or Hell For You?

Working from home used to be an idea that graced infomercials few years ago but in the new generation, it has become increasingly common. According to the data collated by Global Workplace Analytics, there are approximately 10 to 15 million home-based businesses. Before making any decisions to jump on the “home office” bandwagon, you must first weigh its advantages and disadvantages.

ADVANTAGES

Given the opportunity to be your own boss, you may be able to do things you love and get paid for it. Since you do not have a supervisor beside you, your passion will fuel your creativity and productivity. In fact, a Stanford University study showed that call center employees from China reported increased performance by 12% and higher work satisfaction as they worked from home.

Aside from this, having a home office can give you one thing that you might be itching for – freedom! You start by building your own working environment that you are most comfortable with. With this power of autonomy, you will notice that little things you do can make a huge difference.

Freedom also entails that you hold your own work schedule. Setting your own hours can mean that you get to drive your children to school, you can go out for private errands during lunch, and you won’t miss out on your children’s school presentations. This means that you are able to do more of what you really love.

DISADVANTAGES

After hearing its advantages, working from home may sound like a dream come true but you have to take note of its disadvantages too. One prominent downside to many home offices is the vulnerability to distractions such as accessible electronic devices, noisy family members, and many household tasks.

Another disadvantage is higher utility costs, especially if you barely leave your home. This is why you should make it a habit to conserve energy through simple strategies such as scheduling your air conditioning use, reducing indoor heat by painting your rooms white, or working at the brightest part of the house.

Lastly, since most people meet new people and make friends in the workplace, professionals who are working from home may experience loneliness, isolation, and depression. As they are plucked away from their previous co-workers and bosses, staying in touch with them can remedy the situation.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Bottom line: When you are shifting towards the home office, you must consider all its possible factors – both good and bad. If possible, you may split your time between the home office and the workplace.

Sources: 1,2,3,& 4

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