Establish a Dedicated Workspace

If possible, set up a distinct area you can dedicate to work-related activities. Creating a dedicated workspace will help you separate work life from home life. 

Not everyone will have extra space at home to accomplish this—seek creative solutions such as a work table in the corner of a bedroom or living room. Avoid working at your kitchen table or sitting on your bed if possible.

Employees working remotely should provide any large office furniture (e.g., desks or filing systems) they need to work effectively. The university may provide small furniture (e.g., chairs) and supplies for remote offices.

In general, the university provides computers and other IT equipment only for an employee's primary work location, be it on-campus or remote. Remote employees are responsible for their own internet service and home networking. See optimizing technology for additional info.

Respect Your Routine

Respect your morning routine. Experts recommend staying with the pre-workday routine—for example, showering, eating breakfast, etc.—you established when working on-site. This will help you distinguish your home life from your work life.

Regarding attire, remember that you may be on video calls. Business attire may not be necessary, but you'll likely be visible to coworkers via videoconferencing.

Commit to Communicate

Communication with colleagues and work associates is the single biggest challenge of remote work. In on-site environments, we gain valuable information via hallway conversations and other unplanned exchanges. When working remotely, this informal communication tends to decrease, but there are ways to overcome this loss.

Tools like Skype and Zoom can help keep teams connected—review advice for establishing communication routines and staying in touch. ITS provides a guide to video conferencing options, including Zoom, Skype for Business, and Microsoft teams.

Plan for Your Pets 

Do you best to minimize pet distractions as you work, especially when you are interacting with others via video or phone conference calls.

Try to minimize dogs barking, birds squawking, and cats walking across your desk when your camera or phone is in use.

Drive Safely

Avoid conference calls—especially video calls—when driving.

Communicate with Your Supervisor

Establish a communication plan with your supervisor. As casual office conversations become less common, you need to become much more intentional in how you communicate.

Establish one-on-one meetings with your supervisor to review status, work plans, etc., at an interval that makes sense for your role and situation. Evaluate and adjust your communication routine as needed.