Working From Home

Question

How do you handle your workflow?  More accurately, how do you handle your workflow when you're dependent on coworkers to send you components of a project?  It's one thing to do research or study while I have down time at the office, but I feel weird about it at home.

Kristin Johnston · Answer

I wouldn't worry about filling every minute with active project work! Working from home invites flexibility; throw a load of laundry in, take a walk around the block, then come back to your work. It doesn't mean you work less, or slack off; in fact, you are likely more productive with those 10-15 minute breaks.

Malissa · Answer

My answer to this can go either way. You don't say if you are salary or paid by the hour. If you are paid by the hours I'd want you to at least be reaching out to your coworkers and trying to get the stuff you need done while you are on the clock. A little professional development in the down time is fine.
If you are salary, go do the dishes, do the laundry, binge watch Amazing Race or what ever, as long as your work gets done on time. If you are running behind make sure you have documentation of who's holding you up and make sure your boss is in the loop about it.

Jackie Ghedine · Answer

Have you thought about introducing a project management software to the company that allows everyone to view projects and their tasks and timelines?  It's a great way for everyone to prioritize and understand what they need to do for the greater good.

One low-cost tool is Trello, easy and affordable.

D · Answer

I always try to have a slush fund of internal projects I can be working on that aren’t part of my day to day responsibilities, but that add value to my team. Is there a document or process or something that you or a team use that could use some tweaking? Ask your manager if they have anything on their “nice to have” list with no deadline but that would give you something to work on ad-hoc during lulls between projects.

Sue · Answer

I find this one of the biggest challenges I face.  Before WFH I could go up to people I was waiting on and ask in person, now it is email or IM and wait.  I have decided rather than stress myself out about their non-response, I document where I stand so if asked I can give an honest status.  During these crazy times at home I am worrying less about what I can't control - it is a new part of the norm.

A Liberated Woman blog · Answer

I think the follow up is just as important as the setting of goals and deadlines.   Following up and being transparent about what needs to be done helps move others toward the same goals without being felt left out or not having sufficient time to make deliverables.  Following up ensures and helps facilitate communication among everyone.

Alyssa N. Batchelor, M.S. · Answer

I wouldn't worry about it too much. if you are still getting your work done, then what you do in between is up to you.

Janice Enoch · Answer

I agree with the above comments, put together a robust project plan with milestones, due dates and owner names to hold people accountable to do their part.  Maybe schedule a bi-weekly meeting to review status updates and progress and to keep the upcoming due dates on everyone's radar.

Anonymous · Answer

Project timelines and goals.  Set up your day as you would your day at a normal workplace.  Take 5-10 minutes out of every hour to get coffee/go to the bathroom, take a break.  Take a lunch break. Make sure there are deadlines for each part of a project that are clear for each person who is part of that project.

If you have research you want to do and you're waiting on a colleague to get back to you with something ask yourself if there is anything else work related that you could be doing?  If not do your research.   I find that it's easy to let all the small work stuff slide when it's not interesting so just make sure you're getting that stuff done if your boss expects you to get that stuff done.  Otherwise, like it's your workday, you set the rules-as long as you are getting the work done that you are expected to get done I don't see an issue.

You're invited.

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