In the future, it is likely that many positions will include at least a partial work-from-home schedule. With awareness and adjustments, working remotely can be a very successful way to manage work-life balance and enhance productivity. For additional information, see other resources about promoting work-life balance including child care resources, or email worklife@umich.edu.
These suggestions have been shared by colleagues based on their own remote work experience.
Communication is important. Check-in frequently with colleagues, managers, and direct reports. The medium doesn’t matter as much as consistency.
In order to stay socially connected to other people, consider using video conference meetings such as Zoom. Also, look for creative ways to see other people, perhaps by meeting for lunch. Find ways to share humor either online or over the phone. A good laugh is a great way to “lighten your load.”
When connecting with your colleagues, be sure to take time to talk about what's working and in what ways you need support, and perhaps asking about their family or hobbies.
The workspace you create in your home could be a dedicated office, the dining room table, or a card table set up by a window. Don’t forget to address ergonomic needs for your home office – shoulders relaxed, back straight supported by your chair, feet flat on the floor, computer screen at eye level, elbow by your side bent horizontally with a straight wrist. Also using a mouse and keyboard attached to a laptop allows for a more comfortable workstation. Check out the U-M Human Resources ergonomics website for more information.
Be sure you have the tools you need to work remotely. For example, if you have a laptop, be sure to take your power cable. The ITS Remote Resource Guide contains a list of recommended technology resources, including information on safe computing while working remotely.
Be sure you're connected - Internet connection will be key for maintaining your ability to do work outside of the office. Check with your provider to ensure your connection speed is good. Some are also offering special services for those with limited means. One idea that may help with internet connectivity is to use an ethernet cable to connect with your WIFI router, if possible.
Structure and routine were part of your day in the office. You can create something similar while working at home. Each morning, dress for your job. It will help to create a professional mindset when starting your day. Establish the same start and stop time each day and take time for a lunch break away from your computer. If you used to start your day with coffee and a quick chat with colleagues, perhaps do that over the phone or send a friendly email greeting. Don’t forget to stand up and stretch every hour or two. At the end of the day, turn off your computer and walk away to create a separation between work and home life.
Find ways to maintain focus while reaching your long-term goals. Create daily and weekly to-do lists, project plans and strategies to help stay focused on the most important tasks at the most important times of the day. To-do lists also help with staying engaged and motivated in the absence of working in person with colleagues and managers. Use accountability check-in meetings with others to support your progress and keep you motivated toward reaching goals. One idea is to set a timer to work 15-20 minutes on a task. Chances are you will become so involved, you will keep going until it is completed. Another option is to take a “fresh air” break so you can feel refreshed with new energy to continue.
Self-care is something we often don’t think about, but there are many ways to nurture your personal needs. Start and end your day on a positive note. Take breaks often to incorporate exercise activities, healthy eating habits, drinking more water, and getting a good night’s sleep. Positive mental self-care could include creating a daily gratitude list, writing in a journal, a deep breathing or mindfulness meditation practice, talking with friends and family, or taking a break with your pet. Hobbies such as reading a good book, gardening, working on crafts, and cooking are a great diversion from working overtime hours. Focus on what you have control over and incorporate social media breaks that limit news intake throughout your day, especially right before bedtime. If additional resources are needed, consider joining a support group or seek one-on-one counseling.
Video conferencing has become the new norm for conducting business meetings and visiting with friends and family when at home. While it’s the “next best thing” to being there in person, it can also be a source of exhaustion and eye strain, especially if they are scheduled back-to-back. You may want to try to schedule 50-munite meetings if possible to allow for a break between meetings. Be sure to manage your daily schedule and give yourself periodic breaks from video conference meetings and long hours of answering email. On the positive side, some people have used video conferencing for playing card or board games online with friends and family, or even virtually cooking and eating a meal together
Identify ways to reward yourself for your hard work and dedication. This might include ordering a carry-out meal to bring home or a long walk in nature on a beautiful day. Support others by checking in with them by asking “How are you doing and how can I help?” Focusing on others is a positive act of kindness that will help you to be your best self.
There may be times when your child has to be at home during your work day day rather than at school or child care. Trying to work from home when children and adults are in the house at the same time creates an added challenge. Here are a few ideas for parents: (1) Consider two-hour blocks of work time spaced throughout the day, (2) Post colored-paper in green, yellow, and red on your office door or wall to show your current availability to your family, (3) Maintain a family calendar, and discuss the next day's schedule together, (4) Check in with your work team about project priorities, (5) If possible, adjust your core work hours and meeting times, (6) Consider joining a parent support group (e.g., FASCCO's), (7) Stay active and develop a social life as a family, (8) Ask for help from your children's schools and teachers.
Here are a few suggestions with your children in mind: (1) Young people, like adults, thrive on routine. Try to keep a somewhat normal sleep and meal schedule, (2) Provide time for their learning, for creativity, and for free play, including outdoors, (3) Minimize screen time and schedule breaks, (4) Help your kids connect in safe and creative ways with friends and family, (5) Set up a separate space for virtual learning, (6) Consider a virtual background for your child, which can offer some family privacy, (7) Offer noise-cancelling headphones to your child, (8) Identify your child's learning style, (9) Focus on skills rather than assignments, (10) Reach out for support if you can -- the Work-Life Resource Center provides child care resources and links for finding an in-your-home babysitter or tutor.
Working from home presents additional challenges when there are occasional child care or older adult caregiving needs. When job responsibilities allow it, consider working a flexible schedule that might include early morning hours, a break mid-day, and then working in the afternoon or early evening. This alternative schedule could provide time to help other family members with their needs for assistance.
Ask your manager about the technology your unit provides for remote work.
The ITS Remote Resource Guide contains a list of recommended technology resources, including information on safe computing while working remotely.
Be sure you're connected - Internet connection will be key for maintaining your ability to do work outside of the office. Check with your provider to ensure your connection speed is good. Some are also offering special services for those with limited means. One idea that may help with internet connectivity is to use an ethernet cable to connect with your WIFI router, if possible.
A hybrid work schedule applies to employees who are working part-time on campus AND part-time at a remote location.
Consider the following ideas for making this a success (for employees, their colleagues, and leadership).