Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started WFH

Author: Keisha Gamble

Telework...

It brings wonderful images of sweatpants and fuzzy slippers, rolling out of bed and immediately being in the "office" without having to worry about what you are going to wear and packing lunches.

Today, we have seen a multitude of stressors that have forced us to reshape the way we think and approach our day to day. As work-life balance and safety concerns are at the forefront of everyone's minds (rightfully so), telework opportunities have gone up, but in its wake is an undertone that is just now reaching the surface.

Without further ado... things I wish I knew before I started working from home:

Let me start this out with a story:

My journey to a work from home job was an exhilarating one, in a race of time and lease contracts, the opportunity to WFH came swooping in like superman to save me from a difficult month. Gearing up for an out-of-state move is never easy, especially when considering job prospects in the desired location. But then, In the nick of time, I was fortunate to get an awesome work from home spot that relieved the pressure of the "where" in the equation. And with that begun the process of realtors, house hunting, and upgrading to a comfier desk chair, leading me here - at home, which is also my place of work.

But amid the excitement of a new home and location, I started to take note of some things I was not expecting about working from home.

Distractions are Distracting

Working from home can present a unique set of distractions. Whether it's your family members, friends, or pets demanding your attention throughout the day, or the daily interruptions of package deliveries or spam callers, there are dozens of distractions that can make it hard to zone in and focus on work tasks. Even though you may not have to worry about that one coworker who always brings fish for lunch, I have found, there is a huge difference in working from home versus an office setting when considering the relative ease of getting zoned in and in a flow state. In order to ensure distractions aren't too distracting for me, I had to set clear boundaries with my family and friends. I also established a dedicated office space, that's separated from places in my home that can provide constant distractions.

The Collision of Work and Home

While working from home, it can be challenging to separate your home responsibilities from your work tasks. Household chores, childcare, and other personal obligations may encroach on work hours, leading to increased stress and decreased focus. While this may not be a challenge for everyone, in my experience, the intertwining of home responsibilities with work obligations can stretch your day longer and contribute to more mental toll. But don't get me wrong here folks; the flexibility of working from home has also served as a huge advantage for me in striking a balance between home and work responsibilities. This came through intentional measures, like establishing a routine, scheduling in breaks, and managing expectations through communication.

Social Solitude

It may not surprise you that working from home comes with a fair amount of isolation. The normal activity and face-to-face interactions of an office is no longer present, and while at first it can be what we all secretly long for (sips coffee in blissful silence), feelings of isolation can slowly emerge. Things like potlucks, workplace events, and the usual morning chit-chat, is something that is not easily replaced, even with Slack and Zoom at our disposal. With the absence of spontaneous conversations, the lack of social interaction can lead to feelings of loneliness, decreased motivation, and a sense of detachment from the larger work community. But never fear! On the flip side of this, I have found there are a plethora of opportunities to stay connected online by being intentional. Things like pinging your coworkers regularly just to say hello or even attending a virtual coffee break or virtual happy hour can make a world of a difference.

Communication and Collaboration Hurdles

Clear and effective communication is an integral aspect of virtually every job, encompassing not just words but also gestures, facial expressions, and tone. However, the remote work setting often strips away these non-verbal elements, which can lead to misunderstandings, delays, or conflicts. What was once a short walk for clarity in the office can now become a significant hurdle in online collaboration.

So, how do we address this challenge? (crosses virtual arms). While each team and job's collaboration will look different, in general I have found providing significant detail when communicating in written forms, scheduling regular check-ins with coworkers and management, incorporating emojis and visual imagery, and making sure to use your camera during virtual chats where complex issues may be discussed are proactive steps to bridge the communication gap.

Having to seek out things that you get for “free” in office

Working from home often means deliberately seeking out mentoring opportunities that arise from informal conversations. In the office, chance encounters lead to relationships not easily formed virtually. Alongside the social solitude discussed earlier, feeling like you're missing out on professional development opportunities becomes apparent when working from home. These "freebies" play a significant role in motivation and career growth. To counteract these things, it again took being intentional. In my experience, scheduling a meeting with leadership to discuss goals provides an excellent platform for conversations about career growth. During these discussions, asking about their experiences and seeking tips and guidance can be invaluable. Staying actively involved in online conferences, talks, and Slack channels, whether within or outside your direct company, presents similar opportunities to discover mentors and nurture professional connections.

Conclusion:

While telework undeniably brings images of fuzzy slippers and sweatpants, it also brings its share of challenges. Maybe your cat insists on joining every video meeting, or your dog urgently signals the need for a walk just as you hit the "join" button. Maybe suddenly, your living room becomes a conference room, and your deadlines start competing with dirty dishes and starting that pile of laundry.

In the grand scheme of remote work, acknowledging these daily struggles and finding strategies to navigate them is essential. From establishing clear boundaries and routines to combatting the social solitude with virtual coffee breaks and proactive communication, the work-from-home journey is an ever-evolving one that demands intentionality, adaptability, and proactive measures. By embracing these challenges, individuals can not only navigate the intricacies of working from home but also unlock the full potential of a fulfilling and successful remote work experience.