Working Remotely

Rules for the Road

As an organization with employees across the country, Casebook PBC has long been committed to being a remote friendly workplace. As a result, we’ve learned a few things on setting yourself up for the current state of increased social isolation.

We’ve asked our friend Shelly Palmer, who’s a global expert on remote work, to share with us some advice on best approaches to working from home.

Create a Workspace

This may sound obvious, but a defined workspace is critical to remote work.

It can be a desk, a shelf, chair, a corner on the floor near a power outlet, but you must set up a defined workspace. In it you will have power, light, your computer (or smartphone or tablet), a seat, some kind of desk space, and Internet access (if required – and it is not always required).

Importantly, it must be yours, and if it can’t be physically separated from the rest of your environment, it must be psychologically separated from it.

Set Rules for Humans You Don’t Work with During Business Hours

I cannot tell you how easy it is for your significant other to enter your workspace to just say “Hi.” This is the biggest productivity killer imaginable.

Don’t let it happen. You will have scheduled breaks. That’s the perfect time to chat.

Otherwise – just say no!

Manage Your Time

Do not let yourself be interrupted by your phone (that’s what voicemail is for), your messaging apps (unless it’s your boss or a work emergency), poorly scheduled meetings (we’ll go over that in a minute), the urge to walk into the kitchen, or the desire to organize your sock drawer in the middle of the day.

Maintain Normal (Regular) Business Hours

If you are supposed to work from 9 to 5, then work from 9 to 5. Don’t start before 9 am, and don’t stop before 5 pm.

Take the same breaks you’d take if you were in the office, including – and this is important – lunch!

Regular hours increase productivity.

Quit When It’s Quitting Time

If your workday ends at 5 pm, shut off your devices and walk away from your workspace. Otherwise, you are very likely to sit there forever.

When you work remotely, you’re never late for work, but you can never leave the office, either. Force yourself to stop working.

When your scheduled work day ends, it’s time to switch gears!

Morning Routines Are Sacred

I have a morning ritual. I perform it ritualistically. I do it every day. It is a dynamic, evolving ritual that has adapted to my age and stage over the years.

You need your own. Create one.