Working from home can be a rewarding experience with the right guidelines. Remote workers should construct a schedule they can keep, constantly communicate with team members, and set boundaries for their work-life balance. These guidelines will help new remote workers set themselves up for success. 

With the world moving to remote work, it is important to know how to succeed in this new environment. Learn how here!
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Keep to a Schedule  

Priority number one: Pick what hours you will work every day. If you are working as a freelancer, block out the times during your day you will dedicate to your various projects. The best practice is to stay within the average 9 to 5 or 8 to 4.  

A step further would be to section off your work hours into specific chunks. For example, figure out how many hours a particular project will take, and set aside parts of your workday for that project. This is called project management, and it can be very effective for productivity.

Make Communication A Priority

One of the best ways to make working remotely work for you is to prioritize communication with your employer. Whether you are a freelancer of some kind or you work for a company, you need to be available to the people you work with. 

When working remotely communication is a struggle, from internet connection problems to the lack of face-to-face communication, working from home presents some challenges. That is why prioritizing communication is important. 

Set Boundaries

Though it can be difficult to do so, setting boundaries is an essential part of working remotely. Some remote workers have difficulty separating their work life from their home life because both times take place in the same place. 

These boundaries should be rules like not opening your email after 5 o’clock, or leaving your work computer in a specific location. The priority should be maintaining a separation between work and personal life. 

Put Your Mental Health First

At the end of the day, working remotely can be a rewarding experience when the right guidelines are followed.  A general guide to working remotely is to set a schedule for yourself, make communicating with your employers a priority, and set boundaries for yourself. 

Contact us for more information on working remotely.

The post The Guide to Working Remotely: How to Thrive at Home first appeared on ITVibes.

Virtual Team Meetings

With the sudden increase in people working from home, virtual team meetings have become a staple of the workday. Reliable phones, webcams, and internet connections are more critical now than ever to facilitate team communication. And with many offices planning to increase work-from-home time in the future, these virtual meetings will continue playing an essential role. Office managers will need to ensure their employees have reliable access to the technology that allows these meetings to take place, both in an office environment and while working remotely.

Outsourcing More Services

For other businesses, outsourcing certain tasks now makes more sense economically. If profits are decreasing, it may make more sense to pay a freelancer or part-time worker outside the business than to hire another full-time employee. Some companies have discovered that outsourcing more creative jobs, like marketing, to an external team protects their own employees from creative burnout and gives them more time for other work. And with the rise in remote communication, staying in touch with a remote freelancer is as simple as it’s ever been.

Website Maintenance

Online shopping has skyrocketed since the start of the pandemic. And with more and more people visiting a business’s website, a company’s online presence has never been more important. The software in-house maintenance teams have been using is no longer adequate for some. As online traffic increases, plenty of businesses have upgraded their website’s platform, management system, or both to continue giving customers a good experience. Others have outsourced this work entirely. Either way, a new approach to website upkeep is required.

The New Normal

Regardless of your industry, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted you in ways you may not realize. Take a closer look at the changes to your routine and how your employees are coping. You may have to make more changes than you’d thought.
Contact us to start outsourcing your marketing and website needs today.

The post COVID-19 & the Future of Office Technology first appeared on ITVibes.

A Daily Schedule is Key

Productivity is hard to master at any time of the year, let alone when your TV or kitchen is a walk down the hallway. This year, we learned that having the perfect work-from-home schedule is not only doable but crucial for getting things done. From the time you wake up to when you clock out for the day, having time set aside to do important tasks will keep you on track for the entirety of the day.

Personalize Your Office Space

While you may not have a designated room for your at-home office, we learned that any space can be conducive for working as long as it has the right features! Whether it’s your dining table, two-car garage, closet, back porch, setting up a great work-from-home office can be done in no time at all. If you haven’t already personalized an office space for yourself, there’s no better time than now!

Schedule Time for Relaxation

Relaxation is hard to do when the lines between home and work are somewhat blurred. It’s not impossible, however. With a little forethought and careful planning, you can find a number of relaxing activities to do at home by yourself or with your family. Just as setting aside time for working is crucial for your health, we’ve learned that spending a couple of hours doing something relaxing is beneficial for both our health and wellbeing.

Say Hello to 2021

The holiday season and the end of another year are always busy, but this year, we’re looking forward to 2021 with more anticipation than ever. The ITVibes team is dedicated to improving ourselves in the new year, especially as remote working continues. We hope to pass that hope for improvement on to you, our clients!
What are your holiday plans? Let us know on Facebook and enjoy your time off!

The post Happy Holidays from ITVibes: WFH Edition! first appeared on ITVibes.

Fun Virtual Ways to Celebrate Christmas in 2020

Office parties and holiday performances may be canceled, but that doesn’t mean Christmas has to be canceled altogether! Our team has gathered some of our favorite holiday activities that you can experience online or safely in your home. Take a look at these virtual holiday ideas to get your friends and family in the Christmas spirit.

1. Live Video Chat with Santa
2. Plan a Happy Hour: Cocoa Edition
3. Be a Secret Santa
4. Play a Virtual Bingo Game
5. Participate in a Holiday Recipe Exchange
6. Attend a Virtual Craft Workshop
7. Watch a Christmas Baking Class
8. Have a Holiday Movie Marathon
9. Shop Online at Houston’s Nutcracker Market
10. Plan a Virtual Christmas Party
11. Track Santa from the North Pole
12. Video Call a Family Member
13. Make a Collaborative Playlist

1) Live Video Chat with Santa

Do you have kids who believe in Santa? With Santa The Experience you can schedule a block of time to have a one-on-one video call with ole St. Nick himself. Complete with screenshots of the experience, you and your family will be able to visit Santa in a whole new way.

2) Plan a Happy Hour: Cocoa Edition

There’s nothing like setting aside an hour to drink hot chocolate with your coworkers. While the standard happy hour may be out of the question, you can schedule a virtual office break with by video chatting and sharing a cup of hot cocoa together!

3) Be a Secret Santa

Looking for a fun way to implement gift exchanges in your family or office? Make a list of everyone’s names and exchange mailing addresses to send gifts through the mail!

4) Play a Virtual Bingo Game

All ages love an exciting game of bingo! Create your own cards or create your own through a free online generator to entertain your family, friends, or coworkers. It’s the perfect way to have a little friendly competition, especially if you get a reward for the winner!

5) Participate in a Holiday Recipe Exchange

When it gets cold outside, one of the best ways to stay warm is by trying out a new recipe! Whether it’s a special dessert or savory soup, trading recipes with your community is a great way to get into the holiday spirit while staying safely at home.

6) Attend a Virtual Craft Workshop

It may not be the same as attending in person, but this year, a lot of craft experts are hosting virtual workshops to teach you something new! Search online or explore Eventbrite’s calendar for workshops that would interest you.

7) Watch a Christmas Baking Class

For most people, Christmas is a perfect time to bake cookies, pies, and everything sweet in between. Discover new creations or baking recipes worth trying by visiting a baking class favorite – The Butter Book.

8) Have a Holiday Movie Marathon

Not all holiday traditions have to be complicated. Celebrate Christmas with your family and friends by having a virtual holiday movie marathon! With Netflix Party, you can watch one of your favorite Christmas classics at the same time as your friends.

9) Shop Online at Houston’s Nutcracker Market

In our city, one of the best things about Christmas is the Houston Ballet’s Nutcracker Market. With vendors from all over the country, it’s the perfect place to get your loved ones a special gift. While the in-person event was canceled, you can attend the market virtually from the comfort of your home until December 11th.

10) Plan a Virtual Christmas Activity

While virtual holiday parties don’t always go as planned, you could celebrate the holidays with all of your remote employees by planning a fun online activity like attending an online concert or playing virtual holiday party games through Zoom. 

11) Track Santa from the North Pole

Santa is on the move. If you have kids, tracking Santa’s travels from the North Pole can be exciting all the way up to Christmas day. 

12) Video Call a Family Member

Keeping up with your family members, especially this holiday seasons cannot be overlooked. For many families, especially those with older family members, 2020 has created a lot of time to be alone. Download a video-calling app to help you stay in touch with your family and friends.

13) Make a Collaborative Playlist

Last but not least, don’t forget the power of music! Create a collaborative playlist to allow all of your team members or friends to add their favorite holiday songs. For extra fun, make a trivia game of guessing the different songs and deciding who added which song and why!

It’s Time to Get in the Holiday Spirit

This year has looked unlike any other year in every aspect imaginable. From remote working to online education, almost everything we do is now offered virtually. With the number of holiday-themed activities available online, there’s no reason why Christmas 2020 can’t be memorable. If anything, it’s expected to be a holiday we won’t soon forget.
Which virtual holiday ideas did we miss? Connect with our team and share on social media!

The post 13 Virtual Holiday Ideas You’ll Actually Want to Do first appeared on ITVibes.

Struggling with work from home life? Here’s how to stay focused and embrace your remote workday.
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Challenges of Remote Work

Many remote workers feel lonely and isolated– especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s critical to spend time with your family. If that’s not possible, try video chatting with your friends and family to beat isolation. Another remote work obstacle to overcome is having a functional working space. Without a designated at-home office, it can feel impossible to stay focused. 

Pro Tip: If you work from home, try making a designated office space that’s just for work. This can help you separate work from home life. 

Overcoming Communication Barriers

To be a successful remote employee, it’s important to communicate effectively with your remote team members. This can be difficult when some of your team members are overseas and English is not their first language. Video conferencing on a regular basis, like once a week can help you stay on the same page and connect with your team. 

Creating the Perfect Routine

When your kids, pets, or spouse are interrupting you throughout the day, it can be almost impossible to stay productive. Crafting a schedule that works for you and your family will help you stay on task throughout the workday. Planned productivity time makes a big difference for at-home work. 

Conclusion

Many employees love working from home full time, but it also has a different set of obstacles to overcome. Start work at a designated time and stick to a routine, stay connected with your team through video calls and emails, and make time for your personal life. 
Are you looking for more remote work tips? Follow us on social media for the latest updates.

The post Working Remotely Tips and Tools: Your Complete Guide first appeared on ITVibes.

How to Overcome Remote Work Challenges

When you’re working from home, it could be beneficial to schedule weekly meetings with your team and clients. Coworking spaces are on the rise as more businesses embrace the work-from-home culture. 

Everyone learns and operates differently so it’s difficult to pinpoint the biggest challenges in an at-home workplace. Here are some common long term difficulties. #WFH
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• Loneliness 
• Office Space
• Distractions & Procrastination 

1) Isolation & Loneliness

One of the greatest challenges that remote workers face in their workdays is feeling isolated. As more companies embrace remote work, it’s not uncommon to feel disconnected from your team. COVID-19 is most-likely contributing to this feeling because you can’t make plans as usual after work hours. 

Pro Tip: Try to have face to face interactions with your remote team at least once a week to combat remote work loneliness.

2) Office Space

Another difficulty of working from home is finding a designated home office space. If you live with multiple people, all of the rooms and space could be occupied. Consider moving some furniture around to make a corner for work-related tasks. If you live in a smaller space, you can use a desk designed for compact homes. When you work in an office, it can help remote workers focus and separate home from work life. 

3) Distractions & Procrastination

Most people are no stranger to distractions, even in an office environment. In fact, you may even feel more distracted in a shared office space when coworkers, bosses, and clients are interrupting your workflow. At home, you have more than just coworkers distracting you.
Staying productive while you work from home can be challenging. Many remote workers have pets, kids, and chores distracting them. Try setting a timer for forty-five minutes and working for the entire time without any interruptions. After the timer goes off, take a break, have a snack, take your dog outside, or do a quick workout. Moving in between work will give your brain and body a much-needed boost. 

Overcoming Remote Work Difficulties

Working at home can make the boundary between your personal life and work-life blurry. Although difficult to stay focused, the flexibility makes it all worth the challenges for many online employees. If you want more remote work tips, connect with our social media team.

The post Top Challenges of Working from Home first appeared on ITVibes.

Stick to a Defined Schedule

Days at the office tend to be pretty well-scheduled, while working from home has the stereotype of constant breaks, drinking during work hours, or even not getting dressed. The relaxing nature of working at home is certainly a welcome break from the office. However, if you constantly approach it too casually, your work will suffer.
You’re working from home–you control your work schedule! Take advantage of this to write up a schedule that works for you. How long will each task take? When is that project due? Then stick to that schedule. Having a definite routine will keep you from being too casual about your work and help you stay productive.
Additionally, never underestimate the habit of getting ready for work every morning. Sure, you don’t have to rush to be in the car by a certain time. But even the simple acts of showering, getting dressed, and cooking breakfast can wake you up and prepare you for the day. It also signals to you that it’s time for work. Maintain as much of your normal morning routine as possible so you don’t lose all your habits.

Set Aside a Separate Work Space

Plenty of long-term remote workers take their work laptops to bed to get their tasks done. After all, it’s the comfiest part of the house! But this isn’t a great idea for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. You already associate your bedroom with sleep, relaxing, and winding down at the end of the day. In other words, your bedroom is where you ultimately “come home to” after work. Bringing your work into the bedroom breaks down that association and can make it feel like you can never fully get away from work. Additionally, some evidence suggests that this can reduce the quality of your sleep, leading to even more problems.
The best solution is to dedicate a space to work and work only. Whether you set up camp at the kitchen table or at a desk, do your best to use that space for work and avoid taking it anywhere else in your home. Dedicate a home office and stick to it.

Take Breaks Throughout the Day

This applies even in the office. Sitting down too long can be physically uncomfortable and certainly does your body no favors. About once every hour, take a short break from work to move around. It can be as simple as getting up to use the bathroom or get a glass of water. Alternatively, you can combine a break with your own household chores by running to the grocery store. Whatever you choose, set aside time for a mental and physical break from your job.

Pro Tip: Doctors generally agree that if you have a sedentary job, you should try to move around at least once every hour. This gets your blood flowing and increases your attentiveness during the workday.

Working Remotely Long-Term

The coronavirus pandemic led to a massive increase of working from home, and it’s unclear how long this period will last. Some people found the freedom of working at home a dream come true. Others find it difficult to be productive or to keep work from taking over. The best thing anyone can do for now is find a setup at home that works for them. Stick to it and hold on until the world settles down again.
Join the conversation to see how other employees are handling working from home.

The post Keeping Your Work-Life Balance While Working from Home first appeared on ITVibes.

Virtual interviews have been common for a while already, and social distancing has only increased their frequency. But preparing for one can be tricky. It’s easy to fall into the trap of treating it just like an in-person interview, or going to the opposite extreme and adopting a far too casual attitude. What’s the right balance for your situation? Keep these video interview dos and don’ts in mind as you get ready.

Got a video interview coming up? Here’s how to get ready and nail your virtual interview! #ITVibes #jobhunting #interview
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Video Interview Dos: How to Prepare

Getting ready for a video interview has much in common with getting ready for an in-person meeting. You’ll want to have your resume ready and dress professionally, for instance. But a virtual interview requires a bit more tech-centered preparation as well. Take the time to do a systems check on your computer:

• Make sure your internet bandwidth can handle an HD video call. (LifeWire.com recommends 1 megabit per second.)
• Check your microphone and camera for any potential errors.
• Charge your laptop (or smartphone, depending on which device you choose) fully or plug it in during your interview.
• Experiment with the video call software you’ll be using, even if you’re already familiar with how it works.
• Find a quiet room with a background that won’t distract the interviewer.

Finally, have a backup plan! Sometimes, despite your best efforts, technology will simply fail you. Talk to the interviewer ahead of time and work out a plan of how to handle a dropped video call or loss of internet.

Pro Tip: Several recurring questions crop up in almost every job interview. Before you call your prospective employer, decide how you’ll answer each question.

Video Interview Don’ts: What Not to Do

Once your technology is up and running, it’s time to consider how you’ll act during the interview. The same mistakes that can kill an in-person meeting can damage a virtual interview too! Keep these principles in mind for your next video call:

• Don’t arrive late to the interview. There’s even less of an excuse for a video interview. Do your best to work out all the snags in your setup long before it’s time to call.
• Don’t use the interview as a chance to trash-talk your former boss or criticize the company you’re applying to.
• Don’t forget to research the company that’s interviewing you. Their industry and culture should influence your clothing choice, your answers to their questions, and more.
• Don’t get too personal. Don’t overshare about your life and don’t make the interviewer uncomfortable by asking personal questions.
• Lastly, don’t bring frustrations from the outside world into the interview. Leave your stress or arguments at the door–the interviewer just wants to know about your qualifications, not your attitude for the day.

Good Luck on Your Interview!

Job hunting has proven to be a challenge in an era where both employers and employees can only communicate via technology. However, both sides are adapting to their new circumstances. With enough preparation ahead of time, you’ll perform just as well in a video interview as in a face-to-face meeting. Good luck!
Connect with us for more tips on preparing for a video interview.

The post Preparing for a Video Interview: Dos & Don’ts first appeared on ITVibes.

Having a hard time balancing your workday and home life? Your schedule is key! Here are a few tips to spend your time most effectively. #WFH
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Work-Life Balance is Key

How do you come home from work when your work is at home? Do you catch yourself realizing it’s dark outside and you’ve worked right through dinnertime? You’re not alone! It’s far too easy for working hours to blend into personal hours when your home is your workplace. It’s critical for your mental health to separate the workday from personal time. You can’t give your full attention and creativity to your job when you’re not taking the time to care for yourself. Schedule at least one day of rest per week where you can do some relaxing self-care activities. 

Plan Your Time for Productivity

When you have an office to commute to, you have to wake up early enough to shower, get dressed, and brew some coffee or tea. On your way to work, you can wake yourself up with music, a podcast, and the not-so-fun morning traffic rush to work. While working from home has many advantages, it can be easy to skip the morning routine and jump straight into work. To remain a sense of normalcy, wake up early and get ready– even if nobody is going to see you. 
Beyond a morning routine, your workday schedule should be planned to keep you focused and on track. While your first instinct might be to complete your least favorite tasks last, consider doing them first! This will free your mind to focus on what you enjoy most.

Pro Tip: Having a hard time sticking to your work from home schedule? Consider using a time tracking app to stay on track!

Don’t Forget to Take Breaks

Once you have your week and days scheduled, don’t forget to incorporate breaks in between work. Even a 30-minute break to step outside, get some fresh air, and go on a walk can work wonders for your productivity. You might even notice yourself feeling happier when you incorporate physical activity into your daily routine.

Creating a Work From Home Routine

If all the days of the week are blending together, it might be time to reassess your work from home schedule. It’s surprising how a simple routine can significantly improve your mood and time management. Looking for more remote work tips? Connect with our team of work from home pros on social media!

The post How to Craft the Perfect Work From Home Schedule first appeared on ITVibes.

Keeping Yourself Busy at Home

Some people notice a distinct increase in their productivity when they’re allowed to work from the more familiar environment of their own home. Others, however, struggle to bring their jobs into a place they associate with getting away from work. If you’re in the latter category, don’t worry! There are still plenty of ways you can be a productive employee as you work from home, including:

1. Set up a designated office space
2. Follow a definite schedule
3. Set up regular video chats with coworkers
4. Keep communication going
5. Don’t let work take over your life

1) Set Up a Designated Office Space

You already go to work every day, so you associate your desk and office space with working. Why not give yourself a similarly designated area at home? Set aside a corner or room that you use solely for work, away from distractions. Allow your mind to associate that desk with work and to slip into productivity mode when you sit down. This also helps ensure that, similar to leaving work at the office, work stays at that desk at the end of the day.

2) Follow a Definite Schedule

One huge appeal of working from home is the ability to set your own daily schedule. While this is a definite advantage, anyone used to a structured workday at the office may feel a little lost trying to make their own daily work routine at home. There’s no right or wrong way to schedule your daily tasks as long as you complete all your work on time. However, don’t try to “wing it” and allow your daily routine to become too relaxed. Some form of structure and planning ahead of time will go a long way toward keeping you on track and productive every day.

3) Set Up Regular Video Chats with Coworkers

Many people socialize with their coworkers and have grown used to having others nearby. The sudden switch to working by yourself in a much different environment may feel jarring and leave you lonely. During this period of working from home, don’t let yourself become isolated from your colleagues! Set aside times to call your coworkers, friends, or loved ones to chat and update each other on life. (Video calls are especially helpful since you can actually see the other person.) Find ways to socialize via technology.

4) Keep Communication Going

Those phone calls with your coworkers do more than just give you human contact. While you’re apart, it’s more important than ever that everyone be on the same page for work. Stay in constant communication with your boss and coworkers for updates and to address any problems that may arise. Communication is key to productivity, and when you no longer have the option to walk over to someone’s desk with a question, the next best thing is instant messaging or a phone call.

5) Don’t Let Work Take Over Your Life

Finally, remember to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Someone used to leaving work at the office may have a hard time completely setting work aside at the end of the day when it’s in your house. Stick to your schedule, start working at the designated time, and stop working at the designated time. Get your tasks done and then stop for the day. Don’t let your newfound free time turn you into a workaholic!

Pro Tip: Take the time to find methods of self-care or try out new hobbies in your newfound stay-at-home free time. Don’t become a workaholic because there’s nothing else to do.

Make the Most of Your Time Working from Home

Whether you love or hate working from home, learning to overcome the challenges it creates is just part of the job. Do yourself and your employer a favor by doing your best to be as productive as possible in these less than ideal circumstances. Who knows? Maybe you’ll finish earlier than usual and have extra time!
Join the conversation to see how others are handling their new work environment.

The post 5 Ways to Stay Productive While Working from Home first appeared on ITVibes.