WFH Best Practices: How to Thrive in the Remote Working Era

The shift to remote work has accelerated over recent years, and with it, the need for businesses and employees to adapt to a new way of working. For many, working from home (WFH) has become a permanent or semi-permanent arrangement. While this model offers great flexibility and benefits, it also presents unique challenges that can affect productivity, collaboration, and overall well-being.

As a recruitment agency committed to matching talented professionals with the right employers, Redwolf + Rosch understands that remote working requires a strategic approach to ensure success. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the best practices for working from home—practical tips to help you optimise your remote work environment, maintain focus, and foster collaboration.

1. Create a Dedicated Workspace

One of the cornerstones of successful remote working is having a dedicated workspace. Whether you live in a spacious house or a flat, carving out a specific area for work can have a significant impact on your productivity.

Why It Matters:

• Minimises distractions: When you have a clear boundary between work and personal spaces, it becomes easier to mentally switch into ‘work mode’.
• Increases focus: A dedicated workspace helps to set expectations for yourself and others in your household. You’re less likely to be interrupted or distracted.
• Improves work-life balance: Having a set workspace allows you to physically leave your ‘office’ at the end of the day, which can help you establish a better work-life balance.

Tips for Creating an Effective Workspace:

• Choose a quiet spot that’s separate from your living and relaxation areas.
• Ensure you have adequate lighting, ergonomic furniture, and proper technology (such as a good desk and chair).
• Keep your workspace organised to reduce clutter and stress.
• If possible, invest in a second monitor to boost productivity, especially for tasks that involve multitasking.

2. Stick to a Routine

One of the most important aspects of remote work is maintaining a consistent routine. While the flexibility of working from home can be enticing, a lack of structure can easily lead to burnout or unproductive days.

Why It Matters:

• Boosts productivity: A regular routine helps your brain know when it’s time to focus and when it’s time to relax.
• Enhances time management: By creating time blocks for specific tasks, you can prevent procrastination and ensure you’re completing work efficiently.
• Maintains work-life balance: A consistent routine allows you to “switch off” at the end of the day, which is vital for your mental health.

Tips for Building a Routine:

• Set a regular time to start and finish work each day.
• Create a to-do list at the start of each day to prioritise tasks.
• Include regular breaks (e.g. 5–10 minutes every hour) to avoid fatigue.
• Plan time for exercise, meals, and leisure activities to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

3. Prioritise Clear Communication

Effective communication is one of the greatest challenges of remote work. Without face-to-face interaction, it can be easy for messages to be misinterpreted or missed entirely. It’s essential to establish clear and efficient communication channels with your team or clients.

Why It Matters:

• Ensures clarity: Written communication can be more deliberate and clear, preventing misunderstandings.
• Facilitates collaboration: When everyone is on the same page, it’s easier to collaborate and work towards common goals.
• Improves relationships: Regular communication helps build trust, even when you’re not physically present.

Tips for Effective Communication:

• Use a combination of tools (e.g. email, instant messaging, video calls) to suit the nature of the message.
• Set expectations around response times, especially for non-urgent matters.
• Be clear and concise in your messages, and use bullet points or lists to break down information.
• Schedule regular check-ins (weekly or bi-weekly) to ensure alignment with your team or manager.
• Make time for non-work-related conversations to maintain a sense of camaraderie.

4. Embrace Technology and Collaboration Tools

To work efficiently from home, you need the right tools. Fortunately, there is a wide array of software and applications designed to support remote work, from project management to virtual collaboration.

Why It Matters:

• Streamlines workflows: Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom can make communication and collaboration seamless.
• Improves productivity: Task management tools like Trello, Asana, or Monday.com help you stay organised and track your progress on projects.
• Fosters connection: Video conferencing platforms ensure face-to-face interactions, which is crucial for maintaining strong working relationships.

Must-Have Tools for Remote Work:

• Video conferencing tools: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet for meetings and check-ins.
• Project management software: Asana, Trello, or Monday.com for organising tasks, tracking deadlines, and collaborating with your team.
• File-sharing services: Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive for sharing and storing documents securely.
• Time management tools: Clockify or Toggl for tracking work hours and ensuring time is spent productively.
• Instant messaging platforms: Slack or Microsoft Teams for quick communication and team discussions.

5. Stay Organised and Manage Your Time

Without the structure of a traditional office environment, time management becomes even more critical when working from home. By staying organised and managing your time effectively, you can prevent distractions and complete tasks efficiently.

Why It Matters:

• Reduces stress: Knowing exactly what you need to do and when you need to do it helps you avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Improves focus: When you’re organised, you’re less likely to waste time looking for documents or scrambling to meet deadlines.
• Increases productivity: A clear plan for the day or week ensures that time is spent on high-priority tasks.

Tips for Better Time Management:

• Use a digital calendar (e.g. Google Calendar) to block out time for meetings, tasks, and breaks.
• Set realistic deadlines and avoid over-committing.
• Use time-blocking techniques to focus on one task at a time.
• Implement the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break) to maintain energy levels throughout the day.

6. Focus on Well-being and Mental Health

While working from home offers flexibility, it can also blur the lines between work and personal life, leading to burnout or stress. Prioritising your mental and physical health is essential for long-term success.

Why It Matters:

• Prevents burnout: Taking time for self-care helps you recharge, ensuring you’re productive in the long run.
• Improves concentration: Mental well-being directly impacts your ability to focus and complete tasks.
• Boosts overall happiness: When you’re well, both mentally and physically, you’re more likely to enjoy your work and maintain a positive attitude.

Tips for Well-being:

• Take regular breaks to stretch, walk, or meditate.
• Incorporate physical activity into your day to combat the physical strain of sitting for long periods.
• Stay connected with family, friends, or colleagues to avoid feelings of isolation.
• Set boundaries between work and personal time, and avoid checking work emails after hours.
• Practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques to reduce stress.

7. Foster a Strong Team Culture

Maintaining a strong team culture remotely requires intentional effort. Without in-person interactions, it can be challenging to keep the team motivated and engaged. As a leader or employee, it’s important to find ways to strengthen relationships and build a positive remote work culture.

Why It Matters:

• Promotes collaboration: A strong culture encourages openness, sharing of ideas, and teamwork.
• Boosts morale: A positive environment makes employees feel valued, even when working remotely.
• Enhances retention: Teams with strong cultures are more likely to retain talent and foster loyalty.

Tips for Building Team Culture:

• Host virtual team-building activities (e.g. online quizzes, virtual happy hours, or games).
• Celebrate achievements and milestones, both personal and professional.
• Create a sense of community by encouraging open communication and support among team members.
• Keep the team informed with regular updates on company news and goals.

Conclusion

As remote work continues to evolve, adopting best practices for working from home is essential for both employees and employers. By creating a dedicated workspace, sticking to a routine, prioritising clear communication, embracing technology, managing your time effectively, focusing on well-being, and fostering a strong team culture, you can ensure a successful and productive remote work experience.

At Redwolf + Rosch, we understand the challenges that come with remote working and are committed to helping businesses and professionals adapt to this new landscape. If you’re seeking guidance on how to optimise your remote workforce or looking for remote job opportunities, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.