Establish a Dedicated Workspace

If possible, set up a distinct work area in a spare bedroom or other space that you can dedicate to your work-related activities. 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.  
• Creating a dedicated workspace will help you separate work life from home life.

Respect Your Routine

Respect your morning routine. Experts recommend staying with your pre-workday routine, whatever that may be (for example, showering, eating breakfast, etc.). This will help you distinguish your home life from your work life.

Regarding attire, remember that you may be on video calls. While business attire may not be necessary, keep in mind that you'll likely be visible to coworkers via videoconferencing from time to time.

Commit to Communicate

When working remotely, the single biggest challenge versus working on campus is communication with colleagues and work associates. In our normal on-site environments, we gain valuable information each day via hallway and coffee room conversations. When working remotely, this informal yet valuable communication no longer exists, but there are successful ways to overcome this loss.

Adopt an "Everybody-in" Perspective

Coworkers and colleagues should commit to keeping lines of communication open. Remember that effective communication can continue with the use of the right tools and a commitment to one another.

Use Skype Messaging

Skype messaging is a convenient way to stay in touch with coworkers. Keeping your Skype status current (available, busy, away, etc.) is the best way to encourage respectful, timely, and quick communication with colleagues. 

• If a Skype conversation builds to numerous interactions, make a phone call or online meeting and discuss instead. 
• Learn how to create a Skype messaging interaction with a small group by clicking the add more people button.

Use Conference Call Best Practices

Use best practices when on conference calls. ITS provides information regarding Online Meeting Etiquette that has excellent tips and reminders. It’s likely that you will be participating in more conference calls than normal, so be mindful of the following simple steps:

Conference call leaders:

• Publish an agenda.
• Take attendance.
• Encourage people to say their name before speaking (i.e., “This is Debbie—I have a question…”) especially if it’s a large group call or a call among unfamiliar people where voices are not immediately recognized.
• Keep to the published meeting time.
• If the call is with a very large group, encourage participants to place their phones on mute until they are ready to speak

Conference call participants:

• Do your best not to talk over others as it becomes very difficult to hear.  
• Identify yourself before you make your main point or ask your question.
• Mute your microphone until you're ready to speak.

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 noted above, in a remote work environment, casual office communication becomes restricted. This means you need to be very intentional in how you communicate, especially with your direct supervisor.

We suggest you 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.