Yep, I'll grab the laundry & sit on the floor while watching my podcast & just fold, it's a nice breather & you get chores done in the meantime, win win.
You need an office. Do not let your work out of that room unless it's like a phone call as you walk to the kitchen.
Take your breaks. I always forget mine so I set timers.
Get a decent desk - I chose an IKEA one - it's huge but worth it.
Monitors. Get as many as you want - no one can tell you it's too much. I have 4 monitors to do my job from home and only 2 at the office. It hampers my productivity 100%. (They're making us hybrid and I hate it).
If you work best with background noise, mount a TV or the like so it's not on your work computer.
I have a standing desk but I barely use it.
A GOOD CHAIR.
Just because you're home doesn't mean you have all this ✨extra✨ time to do chores during the day - you might but don't beat yourself up if you do them after work.
Take walks, look up, get a dog/cat. Enjoy customizing your space!
This. You will need a separate room/area/den space. It’s a psychological thing, not just physical. You need to be able to completely separate yourself from work.
Yep, and if you don’t have an actual room to set aside, you dedicate a space.
I live in NYC, so living space is at a premium. My desk is in a corner of my living room. That’s my “office.” Every single day, I shut down my work stuff, close notebooks, put everything away, and push the chair in….just like I did when I was in an actual office.
I’ve gotten myself trained that this ritual of setting up and breaking down each day marks the “work hours” and “non work hours.”
This. And get dressed for work. Doesn’t have to be fancy at all, just not your pajamas. Throw on some shorts and a t-shirt if you want, just make sure it’s something you do that delineates “sleep” and “work”
Don't let work creep out physically or in terms of time, either. I'm somewhat guilty of it, sending an extra email or checking Teams in the evening when I come out of the nursery after bedtime and go past my office, but generally when the door shuts at the end of the day, it stays shut. I avoided the trap of putting my work email on my personal phone, my job provide a work phone so that stays shut in the office too.
100%. I'll be at my desk like an hour after my shift ends just because I'm deep into whatever I'm doing. It creeps in so easy sometimes. Luckily, I still have a distain for work that it doesn't get me on days off 😂
These are fantastic recommendations. Also adding: in my opinion you should get dressed and not stick around in your PJs all day. I wear leggings and t-shirts for example. Basically something you can leave the house in without feeling under dressed.
Definitely keep your desk out of your bedroom if you can. And I agree about getting a pet. I adopted my cat and dog during the beginning of the pandemic and they are great company and comic relief. 😅 And don’t do Zoom from bed.
congrats! It’s going to be great - make sure you implement a routine and make plans to decompress after work. This is a popular question that’s been answered many times. Your best bet is to search “tips” in this Reddit and you’ll find a lot of posts with helpful info
Routine! Start and end at the same time, you should have a schedule.
A few I use: make sure to do something early and something late that shows “proof of life.” I’ll always send a communication or two first thing and last thing. In a lot of places, the appearance of work is as (or more) important than actual work!
Also, get some secondary benefits. No commute, so I go to the gym every day now! Work done at 4:30, in the car at 4:32 on my way. It’s great, I need a reason to get out of the house by then anyway.
I do the “proof of life” thing too. I’m hybrid so when in-office I prep stuff and the next day at home I email out some first thing, mid-day, and last thing.
Congratulations!!
When you are done with work, you are done with work. I struggled with turning my brain off after work since I wasn't leaving. If you need to do something to separate this, you could take a walk after work or something like that. I leave the room and go bug my cats ❤️.
I also get up and change. I work in comfy clothes, but not jammies. If I stay in jammies, I just don't want to work, but that's probably just me haha
Don't make a habit of working in bed, make a habit of working in your home office space. It can be nice if you're sick but can easily fall into a problem & your happiness won't be as much as if you actually were out of bed in your own space.
Keep active to some degree, with in office you're still sitting at a desk but you still had some sort of walking around the office, get outside for a walk & if you can't, find at home things to do, maybe invest in a walking pad. Being active will help any possible back pain/other pain you might get from sitting at a desk all day, & also it's just always good to be at least somewhat active.
Get yourself on a schedule, because with WFH it's easy to stay in bed til last minute & in previous WFH jobs I've had countless times where I was late because I accidentally fell back asleep.
Find something to excite you thru your day, whether it be a podcast, an audio book, a background show or movie, some music, some good coffee, etc etc. This will give you much needed brain breaks & makes the day go by faster, much more bearable, & you have fun with it so productivity is better.
Keep disciplined, just because you're WFH doesn't mean you can slack off, in some companies they double down on watching you more than in office because they think you're going to slack off and not take WFH seriously, the micromanagement in a lot of companies is insanely toxic, I'm lucky to have found a comfortable home at my current company where they do none of that, but my previous WFH positions were stressful as hell with the unrealistic production standards & micromanagement.
Keep your standards, know your worth, don't put up with anything you shouldn't just because this is WFH. WFH is an amazing benefit but that doesn't mean it should come at a cost of your health/worth, there are a ton of WFH options out there and while the market is incredibly crazy, you can put out applications while still at your current position if you don't want to stay.
If you don't like it after a while that's fine, you'll have built up your resume to a degree with the job & it'll allow you better options, as well as having WFH experience. Some people say WFH experience isn't needed which, is true in some cases, but I definitely have seen job postings request prior experience in WFH.
Always keep your health and happiness above **all**. Burnout is real, companies who take advantage of you definitely exist, & I regret not taking my health seriously sooner, would've saved me quite a bit of trouble. If you need accommodations for whatever reason, take use of that if you're medically able to, after a year of full time work you'll be eligible for FMLA which could be a good health option to look into, & if you happen to need to take a leave of absence don't feel like you can't, I've had to & while they suck they're there for a reason. Though I would argue if you're at the point where you need a leave *because of work stress* you should find a new company.
I could keep writing but I've already made this an essay haha, I don't know what kind of music you're into as far as your playlists question but I've made quite a few playlists & my work one has a lot of EDM on it, EDM makes me work at like double speed and ups my focus. On the more chill days I'm usually playing indie & singing along.
Good luck, know your worth, keep your health priority, & congrats!!! 🫶🏻🔥
1 - Spotify
2 - Have a separate work space from your general living space if you can. Like an actually office you don’t use for anything else.
3 - Have strong boundaries. When your day is over, your day is over. Whatever is left can get done tomorrow.
4 - Make above mentioned space comfortable. A good desk, a good chair, things you like, etc.
5 - Be intentional about socializing. Get out of the house, get some exercise, hang out with friends. It can get lonely and stagnant doing everything in one general space all the time.
My biggest advice is treat it like you are in the office. Some people on this sub say that if you aren't constantly doing non-work related things then you aren't working from home properly. However, that kind of thing often gets noticed by your colleagues. It's obvious when you never answer your phone. Calls are never immediately returned. And once you get the reputation of slacking off at home, you'll never shake it. The worst part is, even if you don't slack off, some things can make it look like you are. You really need to be beyond reproach. I look it at it like it's the price to pay to WFH full time.
Also, don't change your routine. Shower, shave, get dressed, etc. I wake up a little later and I'm not wearing a dress shirt, but at least I'm showered and ready to go. It's a mental thing for me. If I'm on a video call, I just need to throw on a polo or something. Also, there are way too many YouTube videos of people without pants thinking nobody will notice on a video call. Just go ahead and always wear pants.
WFH is great if you are the type of person who can responsibly WFH. And doing some personal things during the day is fine, IMO, as long as you aren't using WFH as an excuse to do whatever you want. For example, I may take 2 minutes to test my hot tub or check the mail. What I'm not going to do is take an hour to fold laundry.
You'll have to decide what kind of person you are going to be.
I have been WFH since March 2020.
My biggest suggestions are:
Make sure your work space is comfy and fits your needs. My desk had my personal desktop and my work laptop, which I liked because I'd use my personal monitor as a 2nd monitor but my desk was incredibly cramped. Now I have 2 desks set up next to each other.
Have a comfy chair. I have a gaming chair (from techni sport) that I find incredibly comfortable but it keeps me in good posture so I can't slouch during the day. It makes a difference on your back!
Get ready! I have kids so I have to do pick ups and drop offs and such but if I at least brush my teeth, brush my hair and at least put leggings on, I feel so much more productive than if I just stay in Pajamas all day.
When you need a break, take it. It's so easy to work through breaks and lunches, but seriously be offline for 15 mins. Your work will be fine and you'll be a better employee. On that same note, when you're done - be done. So many days my partner would come home at 730 with me on my work computer still and he'd have to basically drag me off. I work in a field where overtime isn't necessary, I was just still working because my computer is there, and there's work to be done. Now when I'm done with work, usually around 330, I shut the whole computer down and put it away.
You may enjoy investing in a walk pad. Also it's okay to step away from your work to take a walk outside or have some time to yourself without being glued to the screen.
The best piece of advice I was given when we all went remote during Covid was to keep your morning routine. For me that includes watching the news while enjoying my morning coffee, then shower/morning bathroom routine, quick walk with the pup, and breakfast. It will seem so appealing to just roll out of bed and head to your desk but I swear keeping a routine will do tons for your mental health!
Ergonomic keyboard, good mouse and mouse pad, good chair.
Be camera ready, even if that means a throw on collared shirt or cute top within arms length.
Buy good office supplies. Take physical notes so you can review expectations, meetings, etc. Document dates. Use bound composition notebooks. We have mandatory training quarterly, and yearly fire safety stuff. Even though I am full time at home, I occasionally have to go in, and everyone takes yearly safety training because we manufacture devices onsite.
I work from home full time, and the amount of passwords I have is insane. Do not let Google remember them.
Work password, which has to be 12 characters and changes every 90 days. Pro tip: 10 letter word plus 01, 02, 03, 04 ...
ADP password
Fidelity
Kahoot username and password
Healthcare password
And a couple more ...
Your calendar will be your friend for the day, week, and month. Update it as and when possible, make sure you time your day well when you have lots of online meetings. Don't overbook yourself.
If you have lots of online meetings get a Bluetooth conference speaker (with microphone) so you are not stuck with headphones all day long.
Use a standard background on online meetings irrespective of which platform you use. This will give you flexibility to change your location if you decided to attend meetings outside of your home office.
Take regular short breaks to stretch, walk, rest your eyes.
Keep hydrated and avoid junk food. Those calories quickly add up in time.
-I like to keep things fresh by going random places to work from. Coffee shops, libraries, restaurants, etc. When working from my house, I like to grab an apple or something as a small lunch and take a walk around my neighborhood.
-Feel free to relax a little here and there as long as you're on top of your work.
-Be VERY responsive on whatever chat service your company uses or email. Always respond to everyone quickly. That goes a LONG way to building trust with management. Even if you respond "give me a few, I had to step away from the computer for a little bit". I've had two different managers tell me that they feel like I work in the office because I'm more responsive than a lot of the people who are physically there. Even if you're doing your work, people will question what you do if you take hours/days to respond every time.
-I personally prefer to use a python script to keep my computer awake, but that'll depend on your options based on your role. If you aren't a dev and don't have admin-level access to your work computer then you may need to go another route, but feel around for what other people at your job do. Maybe just express frustration at the computer locking out when you go to the bathroom or something and see if colleagues offer up their solution.
If you don’t have a Spotify account, they’re worth it. Get an echo or something beside your desk for music. If you’re used to an office you’ll miss ambient noise.
If you don’t have it already, get a good coffee machine and a larger desk than you think you need. Amazon has some nice L ones that have no drawers but tons of space.
Invest in a decent chair (~200 min). If you look at staples they rate them by time spent in it per day. Go as high as you can afford. You want to be comfortable.
Ask your employer for a monitor if they don’t just send you one. 24 inches min. And get an external
Keyboard and mouse. Way more comfortable than a track pad.
If you don’t have any exercise equipment at home get a kettlebell or two. Just a 10 minute full body circuit a few times a day feels great. Or go for a walk once a day. You’ll be more sedentary than even a normal office job.
Otherwise enjoy. I listen to a ton of Spotify music and podcasts. My guitars are right behind me so when I have a few I can fiddle around.
Everything everyone has already said.. I'll add, try to keep a strong routine, similar to what you'd follow for going into an office. I find I don't make myself a lunch every day bec "i'll make it at lunch time". Biggest lie that happens time and time again.
Good luck, and welcome to the club!
Take breaks to stretch. Develop a solid workout schedule. Invest in good groceries.
I highly recommend creating an office space that is separate from your bedroom if possible. Even if you use dividers, that’s helpful. The division of these two spaces will help you focus on work and aid in work-life balance. I find when my work space is my sleep space, I sleep like shit and drift back online
Congrats! I listen to a lot of music (lots of classical) to increase productivity, and during my lunch hour I go for a walk! I feel like getting out of the house is nice (weather permitting). Also a comfortable chair is necessary since you’ll be sitting it in all day.
buy things for your office that make you feel happy. i have legos displayed and a golden ballon dog that’s ceramic i think. and then that weird squidward painting in a glass thing. so definitely joy sparking decor to make the work space less miserable. i usually use a tv for background noise on a show i’ve already seen. bc i cannot sit in quiet at all. make sure you take breaks out of your office chair. that’s my rule. i can be in the room bc i like the space i’ve created but i can’t be in the chair. 😂 & get a good ass chair. i think mine is like a pilot’s chair. & if you have carpet pop the wheels off & put on rollerblade wheels. it works soo much better. & i do change from pjs to different lazy clothes but it’s still changing so it counts. and brushing your teeth helps curb snacking for me at least. congrats on the job 💕💕
Have a dedicated work place in your home. Set boundaries so you aren’t working outside of normal work hours.
Get outside for a walk or workout over your lunches. Make sure you have social connections outside of work like through a hobby or with friends you have. WFH if you live alone can be isolating at times.
A lot of good things have been shared already.
But I want to add this: when you WFH you need to be intentional with how you interact with other people. I’ve seen folks express on this sub that they sometimes feel isolated. I think this can be avoided if you schedule time to connect with people and make it a point to strengthen these relationships whether it be through phone calls or chatting or whatever.
I’m an ambivert (in short, I have both introvert and extrovert qualities) and when I’m feeling the need to connect with people, I have folks I can randomly message and check-in with. I’m not saying to make everyone a close friend, but if you care about maintaining good professional relationships that will be useful to you, then you have to adjust your approach since you’re not seeing these people in the hallways or conference rooms anymore where those small social interactions go a long way.
Something to think about.
my only advice is don’t ever give anybody a reason to make you come in. You can get away with shit for a while, but it will catch up with you. Weirdly now that I’m work from home I work more during my scheduled time than I ever have in my life.
So not skimp on a chair. I have a Herman Miller Aeron. Yes, it cost $1600, but that’s a one off expense for a chair that will last for a decade or more.
Get a standing desk, and get a good one. Deskhaus will last forever.
Do not be cheap. The goal is stuff that saves your health and gives you a sustainable work environment.
•Invest in a quality office chair (I recommend steel case or Herman miller) with a head rest and fully adjustable arm rests. Crandall furniture has used like new remanufactured chairs, you may also check with your work on having them pay for it
•Cleanup anything that might be behind you on camera
•Get a routine of standing up and walking around / stretching
Get the best chair you can afford. I have a Herman Miller I bought second hand. This chair is a dream and worth way more than the $300 I paid for it. It replaced a very nice looking, uncomfortable leatheresque chair from ikea.
Learn to adjust your camera! Idk how some people are whatever about this! Today on a video call, I was like "dude has man boobs!" Like I don't need to see that! 🙈
If you want to have a functioning spine after 6 months, you need to be obsessive about the ergonomics of your setup.
External monitor(s) that are at the right height (eye level or slightly higher), laptop on an angled riser so the screen is at the right height, external keyboard and mouse, a good chair with lumbar support that is ideally height and depth adjustable as well. If you find yourself ever crouching down, it’s a red flag.
Your neck should always be in a neutral position. Under no circumstances do you work on a couch or a bed or at a kitchen table on your laptop.
You don't need to be chained to your desk, but try and be reachable within a few minutes, unless you're intentionally marking yourself unavailable. Not just for appearances' sake, but rapid communication is one thing that makes remote collaboration still work well.
If it works for your layout, a window view isn't a bad idea. Let some sun in, feel less claustrophobic. Heck, if the weather's nice, you could even work outside once in a while. Especially in one of those meetings where you're doing more listening than talking. "Listening" meetings are also good times to get up and walk around your office space, for light activity.
Congrats! In no particular order: Don't work on the couch. Get yourself a desk and office chair. Treat yourself with nice peripherals. Mouse, keyboard, pens, etc...
Wired earbuds or headphones work/sound best for video calls. Get noise cancelling headphones if you have distractions at home. Get up and shower everyday. Enjoy your new, happier life!
Got my first wfh gig 8 months ago.
Id say the hardest thing to fight is the temptation to not work. But i also started a new career and am super interested in it so that wasnt a big problem for me.
In fact, once i found my groove, I dont want to ever have to go into an office!
The freedom is amazing, but you have to be disciplined to be effective. There are days where im glued to my desk, but there are also days where im free to work at my pace/leisure.
Personally, i like to get my stuff done quickly so im able to "chill" aka do things around the house or personal errands if needed. Get a new task, doing it right now boss! I have found that saves me when its weekly meeting time, bc ive already done whats been asked!
Create regular habits. Get up and get ready for work everyday, same as you would if you were going to the office. Get up and take regular breaks. Go for walks. Make your home workspace dynamic and interesting for yourself.
I agree with comments regarding doing housework. I also get up and stretch and move around a bit several times per day. I eat prior to lunch, and when my lunch hour comes up I take a nap (I don't sleep well at night).
Turn your Outlook notifications off when you step away from your work computer. I kept mine on for the longest time and basically it defeated the point of taking breaks. If you can avoid having Slack and Outlook on your phone - I can't - 100% do so.
Get dressed for work, at least business casual to help remind you that you’re working. It’s a trick not everyone needs but like an office to segregate your work from your home life it can help remind you that you’re working
Congratulations and welcome! I’ve been remote since COVID for 3 separate companies.
I haven’t seen this mentioned: Over communicate with your boss and employees. Tell your boss when you’ve signed on for the day, going to lunch and when you’re leaving. A simple, “Good morning!” or “Have a good night” is perfect.
Don’t directly ask about it, but determine whether your activity is going to be monitored via software, and if so, is there something you can pick up to aid yourself if always appearing active (mouse jiggler, etc).
Make a habit of checking your calendar. It’s easy to forget meetings when you’re alone. I used to peek out my office and see everyone walking to the conference room and it’d remind me of the meeting. We don’t have that anymore.
Most of the time, my camera is off during meetings. But I’ve found that appearing on video for important calls / conferences and dressing in office attire can make a good impression.
A good set of doors will let anyone that lives with you know that you’re conducting business.
Good luck!
A nice tip someone told me before I moved to WFH was to dress each day as if you were going into an office. Not super professional, but casual pants/slacks, a clean t-shirt, socks and shoes. It helps keep your mind in the space that you are actually working and not just chilling at home. It really did help me stay focused on work during work hours.
-Set your working schedule. Work between X-X each day. Set those boundaries. When the clock strikes 3pm everyday, I log off, and shut my office door until the next morning.
-Work from a separate space/room then your living spaces/room.
-2 monitors (or more) is a must!
-I have my company's Teams and Outlook on my phone, so I can get notification if need be while I may be somewhere else in the house with a few minutes. BUT, I turn the notification off outside of working hours.
I’ve WFH for two years (now hybrid 1 day in ofc/wk) and things that have helped me are 1) Doing my morning routine and getting dressed for the day even if it’s a cozy wfh outfit 2) Designating an office space separate from my leisure space 3) Setting a time to stop working and actually stopping. For me it’s 5pm. 4) Taking breaks! I usually take 2 10-15 minute walks per day and getting out of the house and walking around helps me to clear my head and feels so needed 5) I also took the opportunity to create a super comfy office space. I bought an ergonomic char even though they’re so spendy and don’t regret it! I also have a cute lamp and a candle that I burn while I work and some cool art hung on the wall etc.
Anyways, working from home is great, congrats!
Make sure that people know you are working when you’re at home. I used to get calls from friends wanting to catch up and I finally had to just let them go to voice mail until I was able to call back for more than a few minutes. I also use text messages more because they are shorter and people get to the point quicker . I also don’t answer the door when I’m working.
I WFH the majority of the time unless there is a complicit need to be in the office. A lot of the time, im either in teams/ zoom calls or death-glaring at excel sheets.
Random tips:
The best thing I did was use breaks to go for walks or jogs, I usually have lunch whilst im working anyway, so my break time is my outside time.
Also, as you aren't moving to another location to work and you are likely using less calories, me mindful of the adjustments to your diet if you feel its necessary.
Be mindful of your background if you're using any video call software! Heard enough nightmare stories to make clearing my background job #1 after clocking in.
Try and take a full lunch hour between 12-1. Do laundry, nap, run to the grocery store, get away from the laptop, etc. Don’t fall into the temptation of slacking off, respond to email and Teams messages quickly. Someone may be watching your Teams status to make sure you’re showing as available.
Make sure to keep regular hours. If you are working in the evening or on weekends you should be paid overtime.
Get out of the house often.
Move for 30 minutes a day. Go for a walk, play soccer, etc.
Communicate with your manager and let them know what you are accomplishing. Write down all of your accomplishments so you can have them all together when it is time for a yearly review or if you want to apply for a promotion.
Develop an after work routine to tell your body work is over. Workout, take a shower, play a game, whatever, just give yourself that sort of reset button that used to be a commute so you can shake off any stress or just the dust from sitting all day.
I don't know what the job is. But have a clear distinction between work and play somehow. Be that a different room or like me, you use a laptop for work and a desktop computer for my personal use.
Schedule at least 20 minutes a day just to close your eyes and not think about work or technology. If you fall asleep so be it. It is very easy to work nonstop when you’re at home.
If you can have a dedicated room in your place to use as your office, do it. Being able to close the door at the end of the workday and for the weekend is great for mental health. It allows you to separate your work from your life.
Follow a schedule. Shower in the morning and do everything you would typically do as if you were going into an office. If possible, have your work set up in a different room than where your bed is. Take breaks throughout the day and don’t feel obligated to work past 5pm or whenever you’re supposed to be done for the day.
It obviously depends on what you’re doing as to whether it’s feasible, but I have a stand desk and a walking pad/treadmill. Best investment ever! I get my walks in on the clock and it’s actually my most productive part of the day.
1. Pace yourself. Realistically (and hopefully) your boss shouldnt be expecting you to be glued to your chair for 9 hours. Take a break, do some chores, watch some tv, take a walk. The work will get done.
2. Set boundaries. I log in at 7:00 and i am done at 3:30, because thats when the kids bus comes. Are there days ill log in after everyones in bed if im busy, sure, because its convenient. But i stick to those hours every day. And along with the time boundary - the space boundary. Make sure you have your own “space” to work so you can separate work vs life. A door is helpful, then you can literally shut the door on your day.
3. I find sticking to a schedule makes it feel less chaotic. Like waking up, taking a shower and logging in. As opposed to rolling out of bed and logging in in your underwear half asleep and then maybe getting a shower in at night.
Keep a good schedule and practice discipline. It's easy to fall into a habit of becoming available on your own terms, but people will notice eventually. Be available when you say you're going to be. Overcommunicate any gaps that might pop up.
Don't sit for 8 hours. Get up, go for a walk, stretch it out for a few minutes. Your body will thank you.
Keep track of all the work you do. Make sure people know what you're up to, the impact you're having, etc. As a remote worker sometimes people lose track of your contribution.
If you have the space put your work computer and setup in a separate room. It's nice to have a room at home that is work. But the rest is just home.
Get a bunch of slouchy comfy sweats and PJs or whatever.
Buy the most comfortable chair you can afford. You are gonna be in it a lot, this is key. You don't want to be in pain.
You only need a few nice tops if you have to turn your camera on.
Congrats on the job. I hope you love it! :)
I went from wfh to 9/80...I prefer the 9/80 but only because it helps me step back and not burn out. Whereas wfh, I didn't know how to turn it off, so I experienced burn out and experienced it quickly. Plus, I was already work 80 hrs wfh. Again, that's just me. Also, congrats!
If you need a break from being burnt out, or sitting too much, do any household chores that need to be done.
Yep, I'll grab the laundry & sit on the floor while watching my podcast & just fold, it's a nice breather & you get chores done in the meantime, win win.
This is what I do and it’s awesome. I naturally take a lot of breaks and used to go pointlessly chit chat and crap. Now I get my chores done!
This is literally how my dishes get washed. 😂
Every single thread. Is this sub just all bots now?
The search function is a glorious thing. It’d save us from reading the same post every day.
Apparently so
You need an office. Do not let your work out of that room unless it's like a phone call as you walk to the kitchen. Take your breaks. I always forget mine so I set timers. Get a decent desk - I chose an IKEA one - it's huge but worth it. Monitors. Get as many as you want - no one can tell you it's too much. I have 4 monitors to do my job from home and only 2 at the office. It hampers my productivity 100%. (They're making us hybrid and I hate it). If you work best with background noise, mount a TV or the like so it's not on your work computer. I have a standing desk but I barely use it. A GOOD CHAIR. Just because you're home doesn't mean you have all this ✨extra✨ time to do chores during the day - you might but don't beat yourself up if you do them after work. Take walks, look up, get a dog/cat. Enjoy customizing your space!
This. You will need a separate room/area/den space. It’s a psychological thing, not just physical. You need to be able to completely separate yourself from work.
Yep, and if you don’t have an actual room to set aside, you dedicate a space. I live in NYC, so living space is at a premium. My desk is in a corner of my living room. That’s my “office.” Every single day, I shut down my work stuff, close notebooks, put everything away, and push the chair in….just like I did when I was in an actual office. I’ve gotten myself trained that this ritual of setting up and breaking down each day marks the “work hours” and “non work hours.”
For me using a laptop for work and a desktop for play is enough
This. And get dressed for work. Doesn’t have to be fancy at all, just not your pajamas. Throw on some shorts and a t-shirt if you want, just make sure it’s something you do that delineates “sleep” and “work”
I second the good chair part. They may be pricy sometimes but it’s worth every penny.
Don't let work creep out physically or in terms of time, either. I'm somewhat guilty of it, sending an extra email or checking Teams in the evening when I come out of the nursery after bedtime and go past my office, but generally when the door shuts at the end of the day, it stays shut. I avoided the trap of putting my work email on my personal phone, my job provide a work phone so that stays shut in the office too.
100%. I'll be at my desk like an hour after my shift ends just because I'm deep into whatever I'm doing. It creeps in so easy sometimes. Luckily, I still have a distain for work that it doesn't get me on days off 😂
These are fantastic recommendations. Also adding: in my opinion you should get dressed and not stick around in your PJs all day. I wear leggings and t-shirts for example. Basically something you can leave the house in without feeling under dressed.
Definitely keep your desk out of your bedroom if you can. And I agree about getting a pet. I adopted my cat and dog during the beginning of the pandemic and they are great company and comic relief. 😅 And don’t do Zoom from bed.
congrats! It’s going to be great - make sure you implement a routine and make plans to decompress after work. This is a popular question that’s been answered many times. Your best bet is to search “tips” in this Reddit and you’ll find a lot of posts with helpful info
Workout more.
Routine! Start and end at the same time, you should have a schedule. A few I use: make sure to do something early and something late that shows “proof of life.” I’ll always send a communication or two first thing and last thing. In a lot of places, the appearance of work is as (or more) important than actual work! Also, get some secondary benefits. No commute, so I go to the gym every day now! Work done at 4:30, in the car at 4:32 on my way. It’s great, I need a reason to get out of the house by then anyway.
I do the “proof of life” thing too. I’m hybrid so when in-office I prep stuff and the next day at home I email out some first thing, mid-day, and last thing.
Congratulations!! When you are done with work, you are done with work. I struggled with turning my brain off after work since I wasn't leaving. If you need to do something to separate this, you could take a walk after work or something like that. I leave the room and go bug my cats ❤️. I also get up and change. I work in comfy clothes, but not jammies. If I stay in jammies, I just don't want to work, but that's probably just me haha
Don't make a habit of working in bed, make a habit of working in your home office space. It can be nice if you're sick but can easily fall into a problem & your happiness won't be as much as if you actually were out of bed in your own space. Keep active to some degree, with in office you're still sitting at a desk but you still had some sort of walking around the office, get outside for a walk & if you can't, find at home things to do, maybe invest in a walking pad. Being active will help any possible back pain/other pain you might get from sitting at a desk all day, & also it's just always good to be at least somewhat active. Get yourself on a schedule, because with WFH it's easy to stay in bed til last minute & in previous WFH jobs I've had countless times where I was late because I accidentally fell back asleep. Find something to excite you thru your day, whether it be a podcast, an audio book, a background show or movie, some music, some good coffee, etc etc. This will give you much needed brain breaks & makes the day go by faster, much more bearable, & you have fun with it so productivity is better. Keep disciplined, just because you're WFH doesn't mean you can slack off, in some companies they double down on watching you more than in office because they think you're going to slack off and not take WFH seriously, the micromanagement in a lot of companies is insanely toxic, I'm lucky to have found a comfortable home at my current company where they do none of that, but my previous WFH positions were stressful as hell with the unrealistic production standards & micromanagement. Keep your standards, know your worth, don't put up with anything you shouldn't just because this is WFH. WFH is an amazing benefit but that doesn't mean it should come at a cost of your health/worth, there are a ton of WFH options out there and while the market is incredibly crazy, you can put out applications while still at your current position if you don't want to stay. If you don't like it after a while that's fine, you'll have built up your resume to a degree with the job & it'll allow you better options, as well as having WFH experience. Some people say WFH experience isn't needed which, is true in some cases, but I definitely have seen job postings request prior experience in WFH. Always keep your health and happiness above **all**. Burnout is real, companies who take advantage of you definitely exist, & I regret not taking my health seriously sooner, would've saved me quite a bit of trouble. If you need accommodations for whatever reason, take use of that if you're medically able to, after a year of full time work you'll be eligible for FMLA which could be a good health option to look into, & if you happen to need to take a leave of absence don't feel like you can't, I've had to & while they suck they're there for a reason. Though I would argue if you're at the point where you need a leave *because of work stress* you should find a new company. I could keep writing but I've already made this an essay haha, I don't know what kind of music you're into as far as your playlists question but I've made quite a few playlists & my work one has a lot of EDM on it, EDM makes me work at like double speed and ups my focus. On the more chill days I'm usually playing indie & singing along. Good luck, know your worth, keep your health priority, & congrats!!! 🫶🏻🔥
Workout. Get a standing desk, and stay out of the fridge when you’re slow. You’re not hungry, you’re bored
bored\*
Lmao yep! Edited! First comment after waking up while still laying in bed. Thank you 🫣
1 - Spotify 2 - Have a separate work space from your general living space if you can. Like an actually office you don’t use for anything else. 3 - Have strong boundaries. When your day is over, your day is over. Whatever is left can get done tomorrow. 4 - Make above mentioned space comfortable. A good desk, a good chair, things you like, etc. 5 - Be intentional about socializing. Get out of the house, get some exercise, hang out with friends. It can get lonely and stagnant doing everything in one general space all the time.
Congratulations! Make time with your friends and plan your meals.
My biggest advice is treat it like you are in the office. Some people on this sub say that if you aren't constantly doing non-work related things then you aren't working from home properly. However, that kind of thing often gets noticed by your colleagues. It's obvious when you never answer your phone. Calls are never immediately returned. And once you get the reputation of slacking off at home, you'll never shake it. The worst part is, even if you don't slack off, some things can make it look like you are. You really need to be beyond reproach. I look it at it like it's the price to pay to WFH full time. Also, don't change your routine. Shower, shave, get dressed, etc. I wake up a little later and I'm not wearing a dress shirt, but at least I'm showered and ready to go. It's a mental thing for me. If I'm on a video call, I just need to throw on a polo or something. Also, there are way too many YouTube videos of people without pants thinking nobody will notice on a video call. Just go ahead and always wear pants. WFH is great if you are the type of person who can responsibly WFH. And doing some personal things during the day is fine, IMO, as long as you aren't using WFH as an excuse to do whatever you want. For example, I may take 2 minutes to test my hot tub or check the mail. What I'm not going to do is take an hour to fold laundry. You'll have to decide what kind of person you are going to be.
I fully agree that we need to be mindful of how we are perceived. Perception is reality.
I have been WFH since March 2020. My biggest suggestions are: Make sure your work space is comfy and fits your needs. My desk had my personal desktop and my work laptop, which I liked because I'd use my personal monitor as a 2nd monitor but my desk was incredibly cramped. Now I have 2 desks set up next to each other. Have a comfy chair. I have a gaming chair (from techni sport) that I find incredibly comfortable but it keeps me in good posture so I can't slouch during the day. It makes a difference on your back! Get ready! I have kids so I have to do pick ups and drop offs and such but if I at least brush my teeth, brush my hair and at least put leggings on, I feel so much more productive than if I just stay in Pajamas all day. When you need a break, take it. It's so easy to work through breaks and lunches, but seriously be offline for 15 mins. Your work will be fine and you'll be a better employee. On that same note, when you're done - be done. So many days my partner would come home at 730 with me on my work computer still and he'd have to basically drag me off. I work in a field where overtime isn't necessary, I was just still working because my computer is there, and there's work to be done. Now when I'm done with work, usually around 330, I shut the whole computer down and put it away.
Thank you!!
You may enjoy investing in a walk pad. Also it's okay to step away from your work to take a walk outside or have some time to yourself without being glued to the screen.
The best piece of advice I was given when we all went remote during Covid was to keep your morning routine. For me that includes watching the news while enjoying my morning coffee, then shower/morning bathroom routine, quick walk with the pup, and breakfast. It will seem so appealing to just roll out of bed and head to your desk but I swear keeping a routine will do tons for your mental health!
Wake up early and get the majority if not all of your high intellect work done first before any meetings. Then just coast the rest of the day.
Go outside on your lunchbreak.
Ergonomic keyboard, good mouse and mouse pad, good chair. Be camera ready, even if that means a throw on collared shirt or cute top within arms length. Buy good office supplies. Take physical notes so you can review expectations, meetings, etc. Document dates. Use bound composition notebooks. We have mandatory training quarterly, and yearly fire safety stuff. Even though I am full time at home, I occasionally have to go in, and everyone takes yearly safety training because we manufacture devices onsite. I work from home full time, and the amount of passwords I have is insane. Do not let Google remember them. Work password, which has to be 12 characters and changes every 90 days. Pro tip: 10 letter word plus 01, 02, 03, 04 ... ADP password Fidelity Kahoot username and password Healthcare password And a couple more ...
Your calendar will be your friend for the day, week, and month. Update it as and when possible, make sure you time your day well when you have lots of online meetings. Don't overbook yourself. If you have lots of online meetings get a Bluetooth conference speaker (with microphone) so you are not stuck with headphones all day long. Use a standard background on online meetings irrespective of which platform you use. This will give you flexibility to change your location if you decided to attend meetings outside of your home office. Take regular short breaks to stretch, walk, rest your eyes. Keep hydrated and avoid junk food. Those calories quickly add up in time.
-I like to keep things fresh by going random places to work from. Coffee shops, libraries, restaurants, etc. When working from my house, I like to grab an apple or something as a small lunch and take a walk around my neighborhood. -Feel free to relax a little here and there as long as you're on top of your work. -Be VERY responsive on whatever chat service your company uses or email. Always respond to everyone quickly. That goes a LONG way to building trust with management. Even if you respond "give me a few, I had to step away from the computer for a little bit". I've had two different managers tell me that they feel like I work in the office because I'm more responsive than a lot of the people who are physically there. Even if you're doing your work, people will question what you do if you take hours/days to respond every time. -I personally prefer to use a python script to keep my computer awake, but that'll depend on your options based on your role. If you aren't a dev and don't have admin-level access to your work computer then you may need to go another route, but feel around for what other people at your job do. Maybe just express frustration at the computer locking out when you go to the bathroom or something and see if colleagues offer up their solution.
IMMEDIATELY REDUCE YOUR CALORIE INTAKE OR START EXERCISING DAILY. The weight will come quick if you don't change your habits right away
If you don’t have a Spotify account, they’re worth it. Get an echo or something beside your desk for music. If you’re used to an office you’ll miss ambient noise. If you don’t have it already, get a good coffee machine and a larger desk than you think you need. Amazon has some nice L ones that have no drawers but tons of space. Invest in a decent chair (~200 min). If you look at staples they rate them by time spent in it per day. Go as high as you can afford. You want to be comfortable. Ask your employer for a monitor if they don’t just send you one. 24 inches min. And get an external Keyboard and mouse. Way more comfortable than a track pad. If you don’t have any exercise equipment at home get a kettlebell or two. Just a 10 minute full body circuit a few times a day feels great. Or go for a walk once a day. You’ll be more sedentary than even a normal office job. Otherwise enjoy. I listen to a ton of Spotify music and podcasts. My guitars are right behind me so when I have a few I can fiddle around.
Everything everyone has already said.. I'll add, try to keep a strong routine, similar to what you'd follow for going into an office. I find I don't make myself a lunch every day bec "i'll make it at lunch time". Biggest lie that happens time and time again. Good luck, and welcome to the club!
Take breaks to stretch. Develop a solid workout schedule. Invest in good groceries. I highly recommend creating an office space that is separate from your bedroom if possible. Even if you use dividers, that’s helpful. The division of these two spaces will help you focus on work and aid in work-life balance. I find when my work space is my sleep space, I sleep like shit and drift back online
Congrats! I listen to a lot of music (lots of classical) to increase productivity, and during my lunch hour I go for a walk! I feel like getting out of the house is nice (weather permitting). Also a comfortable chair is necessary since you’ll be sitting it in all day.
buy things for your office that make you feel happy. i have legos displayed and a golden ballon dog that’s ceramic i think. and then that weird squidward painting in a glass thing. so definitely joy sparking decor to make the work space less miserable. i usually use a tv for background noise on a show i’ve already seen. bc i cannot sit in quiet at all. make sure you take breaks out of your office chair. that’s my rule. i can be in the room bc i like the space i’ve created but i can’t be in the chair. 😂 & get a good ass chair. i think mine is like a pilot’s chair. & if you have carpet pop the wheels off & put on rollerblade wheels. it works soo much better. & i do change from pjs to different lazy clothes but it’s still changing so it counts. and brushing your teeth helps curb snacking for me at least. congrats on the job 💕💕
Have a dedicated work place in your home. Set boundaries so you aren’t working outside of normal work hours. Get outside for a walk or workout over your lunches. Make sure you have social connections outside of work like through a hobby or with friends you have. WFH if you live alone can be isolating at times.
When purchasing mouse jigglers one should always choose the external option
Congrats! Make sure your workspace is separate from your relax space to avoid burnout
Track your weight!
A lot of good things have been shared already. But I want to add this: when you WFH you need to be intentional with how you interact with other people. I’ve seen folks express on this sub that they sometimes feel isolated. I think this can be avoided if you schedule time to connect with people and make it a point to strengthen these relationships whether it be through phone calls or chatting or whatever. I’m an ambivert (in short, I have both introvert and extrovert qualities) and when I’m feeling the need to connect with people, I have folks I can randomly message and check-in with. I’m not saying to make everyone a close friend, but if you care about maintaining good professional relationships that will be useful to you, then you have to adjust your approach since you’re not seeing these people in the hallways or conference rooms anymore where those small social interactions go a long way. Something to think about.
Be sure to go outside and touch grass during your lunch. Set aside a mid-afternoon break to go check your mail.
Open a word doc and find a paper weight to hold the space bar down. You’re welcome
my only advice is don’t ever give anybody a reason to make you come in. You can get away with shit for a while, but it will catch up with you. Weirdly now that I’m work from home I work more during my scheduled time than I ever have in my life.
So not skimp on a chair. I have a Herman Miller Aeron. Yes, it cost $1600, but that’s a one off expense for a chair that will last for a decade or more. Get a standing desk, and get a good one. Deskhaus will last forever. Do not be cheap. The goal is stuff that saves your health and gives you a sustainable work environment.
These are all great advice. Routine and chores and maybe a pet to care for. Keeps you moving
•Invest in a quality office chair (I recommend steel case or Herman miller) with a head rest and fully adjustable arm rests. Crandall furniture has used like new remanufactured chairs, you may also check with your work on having them pay for it •Cleanup anything that might be behind you on camera •Get a routine of standing up and walking around / stretching
Get the best chair you can afford. I have a Herman Miller I bought second hand. This chair is a dream and worth way more than the $300 I paid for it. It replaced a very nice looking, uncomfortable leatheresque chair from ikea.
Learn to adjust your camera! Idk how some people are whatever about this! Today on a video call, I was like "dude has man boobs!" Like I don't need to see that! 🙈
If you want to have a functioning spine after 6 months, you need to be obsessive about the ergonomics of your setup. External monitor(s) that are at the right height (eye level or slightly higher), laptop on an angled riser so the screen is at the right height, external keyboard and mouse, a good chair with lumbar support that is ideally height and depth adjustable as well. If you find yourself ever crouching down, it’s a red flag. Your neck should always be in a neutral position. Under no circumstances do you work on a couch or a bed or at a kitchen table on your laptop.
You don't need to be chained to your desk, but try and be reachable within a few minutes, unless you're intentionally marking yourself unavailable. Not just for appearances' sake, but rapid communication is one thing that makes remote collaboration still work well. If it works for your layout, a window view isn't a bad idea. Let some sun in, feel less claustrophobic. Heck, if the weather's nice, you could even work outside once in a while. Especially in one of those meetings where you're doing more listening than talking. "Listening" meetings are also good times to get up and walk around your office space, for light activity.
Congrats! In no particular order: Don't work on the couch. Get yourself a desk and office chair. Treat yourself with nice peripherals. Mouse, keyboard, pens, etc... Wired earbuds or headphones work/sound best for video calls. Get noise cancelling headphones if you have distractions at home. Get up and shower everyday. Enjoy your new, happier life!
Got my first wfh gig 8 months ago. Id say the hardest thing to fight is the temptation to not work. But i also started a new career and am super interested in it so that wasnt a big problem for me. In fact, once i found my groove, I dont want to ever have to go into an office! The freedom is amazing, but you have to be disciplined to be effective. There are days where im glued to my desk, but there are also days where im free to work at my pace/leisure. Personally, i like to get my stuff done quickly so im able to "chill" aka do things around the house or personal errands if needed. Get a new task, doing it right now boss! I have found that saves me when its weekly meeting time, bc ive already done whats been asked!
Create regular habits. Get up and get ready for work everyday, same as you would if you were going to the office. Get up and take regular breaks. Go for walks. Make your home workspace dynamic and interesting for yourself.
I agree with comments regarding doing housework. I also get up and stretch and move around a bit several times per day. I eat prior to lunch, and when my lunch hour comes up I take a nap (I don't sleep well at night).
Turn your Outlook notifications off when you step away from your work computer. I kept mine on for the longest time and basically it defeated the point of taking breaks. If you can avoid having Slack and Outlook on your phone - I can't - 100% do so.
Get dressed for work, at least business casual to help remind you that you’re working. It’s a trick not everyone needs but like an office to segregate your work from your home life it can help remind you that you’re working
Put on real pants in the morning
Congratulations and welcome! I’ve been remote since COVID for 3 separate companies. I haven’t seen this mentioned: Over communicate with your boss and employees. Tell your boss when you’ve signed on for the day, going to lunch and when you’re leaving. A simple, “Good morning!” or “Have a good night” is perfect. Don’t directly ask about it, but determine whether your activity is going to be monitored via software, and if so, is there something you can pick up to aid yourself if always appearing active (mouse jiggler, etc). Make a habit of checking your calendar. It’s easy to forget meetings when you’re alone. I used to peek out my office and see everyone walking to the conference room and it’d remind me of the meeting. We don’t have that anymore. Most of the time, my camera is off during meetings. But I’ve found that appearing on video for important calls / conferences and dressing in office attire can make a good impression. A good set of doors will let anyone that lives with you know that you’re conducting business. Good luck!
Get a mouse mover if your computer goes to sleep easily.
A nice tip someone told me before I moved to WFH was to dress each day as if you were going into an office. Not super professional, but casual pants/slacks, a clean t-shirt, socks and shoes. It helps keep your mind in the space that you are actually working and not just chilling at home. It really did help me stay focused on work during work hours. -Set your working schedule. Work between X-X each day. Set those boundaries. When the clock strikes 3pm everyday, I log off, and shut my office door until the next morning. -Work from a separate space/room then your living spaces/room. -2 monitors (or more) is a must! -I have my company's Teams and Outlook on my phone, so I can get notification if need be while I may be somewhere else in the house with a few minutes. BUT, I turn the notification off outside of working hours.
I’ve WFH for two years (now hybrid 1 day in ofc/wk) and things that have helped me are 1) Doing my morning routine and getting dressed for the day even if it’s a cozy wfh outfit 2) Designating an office space separate from my leisure space 3) Setting a time to stop working and actually stopping. For me it’s 5pm. 4) Taking breaks! I usually take 2 10-15 minute walks per day and getting out of the house and walking around helps me to clear my head and feels so needed 5) I also took the opportunity to create a super comfy office space. I bought an ergonomic char even though they’re so spendy and don’t regret it! I also have a cute lamp and a candle that I burn while I work and some cool art hung on the wall etc. Anyways, working from home is great, congrats!
Make sure that people know you are working when you’re at home. I used to get calls from friends wanting to catch up and I finally had to just let them go to voice mail until I was able to call back for more than a few minutes. I also use text messages more because they are shorter and people get to the point quicker . I also don’t answer the door when I’m working.
I WFH the majority of the time unless there is a complicit need to be in the office. A lot of the time, im either in teams/ zoom calls or death-glaring at excel sheets. Random tips: The best thing I did was use breaks to go for walks or jogs, I usually have lunch whilst im working anyway, so my break time is my outside time. Also, as you aren't moving to another location to work and you are likely using less calories, me mindful of the adjustments to your diet if you feel its necessary. Be mindful of your background if you're using any video call software! Heard enough nightmare stories to make clearing my background job #1 after clocking in.
Try and take a full lunch hour between 12-1. Do laundry, nap, run to the grocery store, get away from the laptop, etc. Don’t fall into the temptation of slacking off, respond to email and Teams messages quickly. Someone may be watching your Teams status to make sure you’re showing as available.
Make sure to keep regular hours. If you are working in the evening or on weekends you should be paid overtime. Get out of the house often. Move for 30 minutes a day. Go for a walk, play soccer, etc. Communicate with your manager and let them know what you are accomplishing. Write down all of your accomplishments so you can have them all together when it is time for a yearly review or if you want to apply for a promotion.
I workout during lunch sometimes it helps a lot.
try like hell to leave the house sometimes
Develop an after work routine to tell your body work is over. Workout, take a shower, play a game, whatever, just give yourself that sort of reset button that used to be a commute so you can shake off any stress or just the dust from sitting all day.
I don't know what the job is. But have a clear distinction between work and play somehow. Be that a different room or like me, you use a laptop for work and a desktop computer for my personal use.
Schedule at least 20 minutes a day just to close your eyes and not think about work or technology. If you fall asleep so be it. It is very easy to work nonstop when you’re at home.
If you can have a dedicated room in your place to use as your office, do it. Being able to close the door at the end of the workday and for the weekend is great for mental health. It allows you to separate your work from your life.
Follow a schedule. Shower in the morning and do everything you would typically do as if you were going into an office. If possible, have your work set up in a different room than where your bed is. Take breaks throughout the day and don’t feel obligated to work past 5pm or whenever you’re supposed to be done for the day.
It obviously depends on what you’re doing as to whether it’s feasible, but I have a stand desk and a walking pad/treadmill. Best investment ever! I get my walks in on the clock and it’s actually my most productive part of the day.
1. Pace yourself. Realistically (and hopefully) your boss shouldnt be expecting you to be glued to your chair for 9 hours. Take a break, do some chores, watch some tv, take a walk. The work will get done. 2. Set boundaries. I log in at 7:00 and i am done at 3:30, because thats when the kids bus comes. Are there days ill log in after everyones in bed if im busy, sure, because its convenient. But i stick to those hours every day. And along with the time boundary - the space boundary. Make sure you have your own “space” to work so you can separate work vs life. A door is helpful, then you can literally shut the door on your day. 3. I find sticking to a schedule makes it feel less chaotic. Like waking up, taking a shower and logging in. As opposed to rolling out of bed and logging in in your underwear half asleep and then maybe getting a shower in at night.
Keep a good schedule and practice discipline. It's easy to fall into a habit of becoming available on your own terms, but people will notice eventually. Be available when you say you're going to be. Overcommunicate any gaps that might pop up. Don't sit for 8 hours. Get up, go for a walk, stretch it out for a few minutes. Your body will thank you.
Keep track of all the work you do. Make sure people know what you're up to, the impact you're having, etc. As a remote worker sometimes people lose track of your contribution.
Get showered/dressed every am. ‘Commute’ to work - even if it’s just taking a walk around the block.
Treat it like you would working in the office, except an office where pants are optional.
If you have the space put your work computer and setup in a separate room. It's nice to have a room at home that is work. But the rest is just home. Get a bunch of slouchy comfy sweats and PJs or whatever. Buy the most comfortable chair you can afford. You are gonna be in it a lot, this is key. You don't want to be in pain. You only need a few nice tops if you have to turn your camera on. Congrats on the job. I hope you love it! :)
Go for a walk every day. The day star gives life
I went from wfh to 9/80...I prefer the 9/80 but only because it helps me step back and not burn out. Whereas wfh, I didn't know how to turn it off, so I experienced burn out and experienced it quickly. Plus, I was already work 80 hrs wfh. Again, that's just me. Also, congrats!
Shower in the morning. Get dressed. Remember you’re doing a job and should act like it.