Tips From The Pros: Advice For Working From Home
Sourced from the American Red Cross. Includes a link to Red Cross Job Opportunities.
Working from home can be a great incentive, but it may also present some challenges. We asked Misha McAllister from our Talent Acquisition team to share her best advice for people who work remotely.
Misha knows firsthand how to overcome obstacles in a remote workplace. At the American Red Cross, we offer flexible work options for employees across the country. Incorporate her tips into your current role or explore job openings on our team where your career can be a force for good!
What habits have you developed to start your workday when you work from home?
I like to follow a consistent morning routine. This could mean waking up at the same time, exercising, showering and getting dressed to signal the start of a workday. I am not a “sit in my jammies” type of work-from-home person. Even if it's just jeans and a T-shirt, I still get dressed, put a little lip gloss on and start my day!
What are the biggest challenges people may face while working remotely, and how do they overcome them?
The pressure to always be online can lead to exhaustion. It is a complete myth that people work less when they work from home. On the contrary, I believe that work-from-home employees typically work longer hours.
Speaking of exhaustion, how do you avoid burnout while working from home?
I am a huge fanatic about closing the rings on my Apple Watch daily. So, exercising, standing every hour and burning calories are daily goals if I want to close all of my rings. You can also set an alarm every hour to step away from the screen, stretch and drink water.
Prioritize self-care. Try to take regular breaks — step away from your desk, stretch or go for a walk. It’s always tempting to eat unhealthy snacks when the kitchen is steps away. Try to maintain a healthy diet, drink plenty of water and exercise!
How do you handle feelings of isolation or loneliness when working remotely?
I often schedule virtual check-ins with people on my team. The Red Cross Talent Acquisition team actually hosts monthly virtual coffee breaks as a group, and we also get randomly matched with another team member for a monthly, one-on-one virtual coffee break.
Stay connected to others both personally and professionally. It takes a little more effort, but it's so worth it. I have developed some really positive relationships with my colleagues, albeit virtual. I also have a group of “sister-friends” that I lean on heavily for a laugh or vent session.
What strategies can remote workers use to stay productive and focused throughout the day?
Plan your work schedule around your peak productivity hours. I am not an early morning person, so starting my day at 7 a.m. isn't something that works for me. I typically start and end my workday later. I am available during my company’s core business hours and will flex my hours based on business needs.
You can also try using background noise to stay focused. I love to listen to music while I work. Your thing may be nature sounds or white noise.
How can people who work from home maintain a work-life balance when your home is also your office?
It’s important to set boundaries, which can be a hard thing to do sometimes! If you can, avoid checking emails outside of work hours. If you were going into the office, I doubt you would stay working until 10 p.m. every day, and there should be no expectation for you to keep long hours at home.
In a remote environment, it’s important to also recognize teammates’ contributions. A simple “thank you” or shout-out in a team chat can go a long way toward boosting morale.
If you have questions about applying for a job at the Red Cross, additional information — including commonly asked questions — can be found here.
You can also connect with Misha McAllister and learn more about job opportunities at the American Red Cross.
