It’s been several years since many companies were forced to switch from in-person to remote work. In the process of doing so, many companies realized that remote working didn’t just allow them to survive, but also thrive. Granting employees the flexibility to work where they want has allowed employers to recruit premier talent from all over the country, stay competitive in their field, and even cut down on business costs.
With the flexibility and autonomy that comes with working from home, it’s not surprising that most employees also prefer a remote work culture. Results from a recent survey highlighted that the majority of individuals reported having better mental health when working from home.
That’s not to say working from home doesn’t have its challenges. While there are many helpful work from home tips, this transition has been especially difficult for the less tech-savvy. If you’ve been struggling to recreate the ease of an in-person working office environment from the comfort of your own home, we’re here to help. Here are 5 technology hacks that make working from home better.
1. Boost Your Wifi Signal
First things first. When it comes to working from home, or anywhere for that matter, you need to have a solid WiFi connection. This is especially important for individuals who spend a good portion of their working hours on video calls with co-workers or clients.
While dealing with your WiFi router may seem like an overwhelming challenge, there are a few simple ways you can troubleshoot your network issues solo. For instance, simply moving your router closer to where you work can do wonders for your internet issues. Inexpensive routers may struggle to cover a one-bedroom apartment, let alone a house filled with people. WiFi signals can also be blocked by various obstacles or objects such as walls, furniture, and even people. You can determine the power and reach of your WiFi router using a WiFi analyzer app like Netspot.
2. Film Training Videos
One of the most difficult parts about working from home is communicating with your employees. Demonstrating how to do something in-person is far more effective and efficient than typing something out over Slack or Teams.
Rather than verbally trying to train your employees, carve time out of your day to film training videos. Browser extensions such as Loom or Bubbles will allow you to create how-to training videos, presentation videos, or FAQ videos. This particular browser extension allows you to share your screen and record video messages. Whether you need to present something, solve a problem, or train a new employee, Loom is a great way to share complex information with co-workers.
These mini-videos are especially helpful for employees who work different hours than you do.
To top that off, these videos will come in handy when a new employee enjoys in the future, as you won’t have to waste time relaying the same information over and over again.
3. Remove Distractions
Whether you have the habit of checking Twitter or binge-watching YouTube videos, everyone occasionally gets distracted at work. If your work has suffered because of distractions, there are many unorthodox tips for maintaining productivity while working from home. For instance, there are apps that can literally remove the temptation of certain websites for you. This can be especially helpful on days when you have a tight deadline or are looking to deeply focus for a couple of hours. Freedom is an app that works across multiple devices and allows you to block distracting websites and apps. All you need to do is select the websites you want limited access to and for how long. SelfControl is another app that works very similarly.
4. Make Brainstorming Fun
For some individuals, it can be harder to get the creative juices flowing on a Zoom call or a video brainstorming session. Thankfully, there are certain tools that can help spice up your brainstorming sessions and make things more fun. The app PinItTo.Me essentially acts as a virtual corkboard. Team members can all participate by pinning their own post-it notes to the board, simultaneously. Whether you are brainstorming, scheduling, or simply want to recreate the feeling of an in-person meeting, this free tool is a great way to bring the office brainstorming session to you.
5. Share Your Calendar
If you are a manager or work closely with one of your co-workers, it can be difficult keeping track of their daily commitments when working remotely. It’s not as easy knowing if someone is available when you can’t pop over to their desk and see for yourself.
Sharing your calendar with your teammates or co-workers is a great way to stay in sync and keep track of someone’s whereabouts. If your employer uses outlook, there is a whole section of this email platform that is dedicated to calendars. You can also integrate your Google calendar with Slack to make your schedule more visible. This will let your co-workers know if you are in a meeting or available and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
While there are numerous benefits that come with working from home, some people miss aspects of in-person work culture. According to a survey conducted by Indeed, 50% of people surveyed said they missed their commute, while 45% said they missed in-person meetings with their co-workers. The transition to remote working has been especially difficult for older employees who have worked in an office environment for the entirety of their careers.
That said, by utilizing technology, it is very easy to recreate some of the processes and habits people grew accustomed to in the office. By using technology the right way, employers and employees alike can truly can the best of both worlds. By gaining access to the things that people enjoy about in-person and remote working, you can truly help your business thrive in a post-pandemic world.
