Working From Home Without Annoying the Team.

So, you like working from home? The Covid-19 pandemic gave us a taste of what it’s like not to have to clear snow off the car, fight traffic, or wear pants in order to go to work.

However, your boss probably isn’t thrilled that you’re working in your pyjamas bottoms and fancy shirt. They are wondering if you’re efficiently doing what you’re being paid to do.

To keep working at home without annoying employers and team-mates, there are three things to remember.

1. Be available.
Be responsive. Nothing causes suspicion like being unreachable. If you can’t respond from home as fast as you would have in your office, you’re dropping the ball.

And, put a little flex into your availability. Answer that text at 5:07 pm. Catch up on a few emails in the off-hours. You’re cheating on the 9-to-5, so giving a little when you’re off-the-clock goes a long way. You’ve saved commute time and gained at-home time, so trade a little of it.

2. Finish your work.
Your colleagues might be assuming that you’re goofing off for some of the workday. Prove them wrong by over-delivering on every task. Don’t forget anything. Don’t drop the ball. Reach for new levels of excellence. Over-achieve on your promises. Be amazing at organization. (Tip: If you find that you often have to apologize for omissions, you’re failing at remote working.)

It’s give and take. Make sure you’re taking isn’t out of balance with your giving.

3. Communicate really well.
Tell everyone all the things. Say more than you usually say. The key here is to find the right platform for team communication. (Hint: It’s not email.)

Have more check-in meetings. Zoom more. Phone more often. Send more text messages.

Put extra details in your shared calendar. Use project management software (ie. Basecamp) to show to-do lists. Send your employer reports on project and task progress. Ask more questions. Do something noticeable at 8:59 am so the team knows you’ve reported for duty.

In short, if you like the privilege of working from home, become MORE valuable in the new remote world!