For many of us, working from home is the new normal, especially for those in the tech world. While some are pros at working remotely, others are still getting used to their new workspace complete with new seating arrangements, new “coworkers” and new distractions. That’s why Sparq colleagues put their heads together to assemble some advice for adjusting to a work from home lifestyle. Below are their top tips.
Create a workable desk environment
Sitting on the couch, in the recliner, or at the kitchen bar sounds appealing, but isn’t a suitable long-term work area. When you work for long periods of time in/on furniture that isn’t designed for that kind of use, it starts to take a physical toll on you. It also limits your ability to use accessories that you normally use at your work desk, such as multiple monitors and a separate keyboard and mouse. Even if you don’t have a home office, ensure that your makeshift one has accessibility to everything you need to be efficient.
Take periodic physical breaks
Without colleagues in the office to interact with, it’s tempting to just sit at your desk all day. However, this won’t do your body any favors. Go outside and walk the dog, or spend a few minutes drawing with sidewalk chalk with the kids. Everyone in your house (pets included) will benefit.
Have a quiet place for customer calls
At this point, customers are generally aware that most people are working remotely (and chances are, they are too), but too many barking dogs or crying children become a real distraction for working calls. If it’s not possible to find a quiet space in your house, the “branch office” (aka your car) can work in a pinch.
Stay connected, creatively
Being physically distanced from your coworkers doesn’t mean you can’t keep up the same camaraderie you’ve always had. A few unique ways our colleagues have managed to stay connected are by going on virtual walks together, Zoom ‘happy hours’, and taking each other on video tours of their homes.
When all else fails, unplug
A 2019 study found that the biggest struggle people had with working remotely was being able to unplug. Long days are necessary sometimes, but working extra hours over an extended period of time will leave most people feeling burned out, and unable to do their best work. It’s important to know when to unplug at the end of the day. With so much uncertainty surrounding how long this “new normal” will last, make sure you’re looking out for your well-being in the long-term, not the short-term.
Figuring out the best remote work environment for you (and your family) will probably take some time. However, by utilizing these tips, you’ll be able to stay productive and connected as everyone adjusts to life working from home.
Five Ways User Feedback Can Transform Your Product Strategy
User feedback is a critical asset that can provide valuable insights into your users' wants and needs. It can also give important observations into your application's overall performance. In this article, Principal Product Strategist Toyia Smith shares five ways to better incorporate user feedback into your product strategy.
Balancing Technical Debt and New Features: A Product Owner’s Guide
The term "technical debt" frequently emerges in discussions about software development, product health and organizational effectiveness. However, its true meaning and the balance organizations must find between managing this debt and new feature innovation can be confusing. In this article, learn how to manage that delicate balance so you can create an exceptional product.
Navigating Digital Product Discovery: A Guide to Avoiding the 5 Common Pitfalls in Custom Product Development
In digital product development, a well-structured discovery phase is critical to a product’s long-term success. However, bringing a digital product from concept to reality can be challenging. In this article, Principal Product Strategist Josh Campbell shares his guide to avoiding five common pitfalls during digital product discovery.
Preparing Your Business for the Realities of AI and Machine Learning: Beyond the Hype
The buzz around artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) has almost certainly reached a fever pitch. With benefits including increased efficiency and enhanced customer experiences, many businesses are eager to take advantage of these technologies. In this article by Chief Technology Officer Derek Perry, learn why organizations need a solid foundation to ensure they're ready to harness the benefits of AI and ML, before jumping in headfirst.