The Ideal Teleworker

The New Work Routine

You’re not in the office, but you’re still at work. Your schedule is more flexible, but to make teleworking successful, you’ll need to retain the habits needed in a more traditional routine.

Here are a few tips for developing a new work routine:

• Each day, set goals and stick to deadlines.
• Establish a starting point, something that says you’ve started the workday. From that point on you’ll know that you’re working, no matter what time of day it is. This helps for ending the day, too.
• Be prepared. You should be able to work without stopping to call the office or going out to retrieve work materials. Before you start, make sure you have all the resources you’ll need to achieve your goals each day.
• Keep in touch. Communicate with your co-workers regularly and update the status of your work. This will remind them that you’re still a member of the team.
• Stay positive. Focus on the benefits of your new routine, especially when talking to your supervisor and co-workers. If there is a problem, frame it as something that can be overcome (and then work on doing so).
• Integrate the time you save. If you save time by cutting your commute, it’s okay to put that free time into your work schedule, as long as the amount you work each day is the same as it would be at the office. Pause in midday to take a walk, do some chores, or have a quick catnap.
• Set boundaries. Friends and family need to know that you are indeed working, even if you aren’t in the office. Your time isn’t up for grabs, so don’t let anyone draw you away from work.
• Know when to quit. Being away from the office, you’ll lack the “off switch” feeling you get from walking out the door each day. Put in a full day’s work, but remember that you aren’t obligated to work more than anyone else.