Dj Joey Santos Gives Sage Advice on Working From Home

Working From Home: Advice From a Seven-Year Veteran

Digital DJ Tips managing editor Joey Santos offers valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of remote work, gleaned from his seven years of experience. His six key takeaways provide a practical guide to success.

Establish Clear Boundaries

Set Office Hours

Working from home blurs the lines between professional and personal life. Without a commute or physical office, it’s easy to overwork or underwork. To avoid these pitfalls, maintain a consistent schedule, including regular breaks and a defined end to your workday. Treat weekends as truly separate from work as much as possible.

Avoid Working in Bed

Working from bed can negatively impact your sleep quality and overall well-being. Create a dedicated workspace to separate work and relaxation. Avoid using your phone or laptop in bed.

Developing the habit of working in bed can lead to sleep problems and insomnia, something Santos addresses based on his own experience.

Prioritize Communication

Regular Team Check-Ins

Use video conferencing tools like Zoom or Skype for team meetings, especially for important conversations. Face-to-face interaction improves communication clarity and reduces misunderstandings, as compared to using messaging apps.

For those working in pairs or close collaborations, daily check-ins are essential for maintaining effective communication.

Address Problems Promptly

Procrastinating on addressing issues will only increase the time and effort required to solve them. If you’re at fault, take responsibility and provide solutions. If not, discuss issues privately with the team or individual to avoid public conflict. Remember the office adage: “Praise in public, criticize in private.”

Be Direct and Clear

Remote communication lacks the nonverbal cues of in-person interaction. This makes it easy to misunderstand intentions. Passive-aggressiveness can damage relationships. Strive for clear and direct communication to avoid conflict.

If passive-aggressiveness is a habit, make a conscious effort to change. Confront issues privately to resolve problems quickly and healthily.

Empathy is Key

While direct communication is important, cultivate empathy with your team. Working remotely means you may miss personal details about your coworkers’ lives. Understanding their perspectives can prevent misunderstandings and frustration.

This is crucial for navigating the challenges of remote work, and leads to a more positive work environment.

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