Working remotely is becoming commonplace in America. In fact, the percentage of people in the United States who work remotely full-time has increased 159% from 2017 to 2019. However, working from home can make some people feel estranged from their jobs and co-workers. So how does a remote worker stay connected?

First and foremost, you should schedule regular meetings and check-ins. If you don’t have any meetings in place already, initiate them. It’s important to touch base with the people you work closely with, such as your boss and team members. These could be quick 5-minute check-ins or hour-long meetings, depending on the subject matter, and you don’t even have to get dressed to attend them. However, you should always be prepared with updates, questions, etc. Whatever the length of the meeting, it’s good to let your voice be heard and to keep up the rapport with your team. In addition to meetings and check-ins, remote workers can also stay on task by providing progress updates via email, instant messaging, etc. The key is to over communicate.  

Another crucial aspect of working from home is holding yourself accountable. Some people can get easily distracted when working from home, whether it be an overwhelming need to cut that shaggy lawn or do the dishes that have been piling up. If this is the case for you, Trello can be of assistance. Its boards, lists and cards enable you to organize and prioritize your projects. And if you have others in your house that are distracting, don’t be afraid to shut the door and tell them “I have work to do.” Tell the kids mommy or daddy is at work now. 

For more mental motivation when working at home always get dressed at some point in the day as if you were going to the office. Spending the entire day in PJs or yoga pants can have an adverse affect on your motivation to go outside. Finally, if you’ve dressed and taken care of your daily hygiene, why not switch up your workspace once in awhile? Go to your local coffee shop or library. Keep in mind that for some people, working from home can cause feelings of isolation and disconnection. By going to your local Starbucks or public library to work, the change in scenery from the confines of your workspace at home can boost your productivity, as well as give you the opportunity to meet other people who work remotely. Keep in mind that no matter how stressful your day might be, the local bar is not an alternative workspace.