Moving to home office (mostly)
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Our office is moving to a location, way to far to me to commute every day (an additional hour and half to the existing two hours)... So I will start to work from home most of the days, and the question is - for those doing it already - what are the important things for a productive home office?
"If builders built buildings the way programmers wrote programs, then the first woodpecker that came along would destroy civilization." ― Gerald Weinberg
"It never ceases to amaze me that a spacecraft launched in 1977 can be fixed remotely from Earth." ― Brian Cox
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Our office is moving to a location, way to far to me to commute every day (an additional hour and half to the existing two hours)... So I will start to work from home most of the days, and the question is - for those doing it already - what are the important things for a productive home office?
"If builders built buildings the way programmers wrote programs, then the first woodpecker that came along would destroy civilization." ― Gerald Weinberg
Quiet is good, a comfortable chair and a good desk. A designated work area is a good idea, rather than lying on the sofa with the lappie on your chest. If you act like it's an office, then you work like it's an office. Dress smart casual - like you would in an office. It may sound weird, but what you wear affects how you think. Slobbing out in tracky bottoms and a T is comfortable, but it's also "slobby" - and your brain knows that so the inclination is to act like a slob as well. A time lock on the fridge helps keep the weight down ... there is a lot of potential for snacking which is a problem. If you go to the kitchen for a coffee, ket a coffee and leave. Don't grab a sandwich, or biscuits - if you normally eat bickies at work, keep them in the office area. Time management is also important: have "work hours" and "off hours" - and try to stick to them. Don't goof off in work hours, don't work in off hours. And enjoy the commute! I didn't realize how much stress and wasted time was involved until I stopped doing it and started walkign ten paces to get to my desk. :D
"I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony "Common sense is so rare these days, it should be classified as a super power" - Random T-shirt AntiTwitter: @DalekDave is now a follower!
"I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony
"Common sense is so rare these days, it should be classified as a super power" - Random T-shirt -
Quiet is good, a comfortable chair and a good desk. A designated work area is a good idea, rather than lying on the sofa with the lappie on your chest. If you act like it's an office, then you work like it's an office. Dress smart casual - like you would in an office. It may sound weird, but what you wear affects how you think. Slobbing out in tracky bottoms and a T is comfortable, but it's also "slobby" - and your brain knows that so the inclination is to act like a slob as well. A time lock on the fridge helps keep the weight down ... there is a lot of potential for snacking which is a problem. If you go to the kitchen for a coffee, ket a coffee and leave. Don't grab a sandwich, or biscuits - if you normally eat bickies at work, keep them in the office area. Time management is also important: have "work hours" and "off hours" - and try to stick to them. Don't goof off in work hours, don't work in off hours. And enjoy the commute! I didn't realize how much stress and wasted time was involved until I stopped doing it and started walkign ten paces to get to my desk. :D
"I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony "Common sense is so rare these days, it should be classified as a super power" - Random T-shirt AntiTwitter: @DalekDave is now a follower!
I have a separate room - check Chair and desk (to be here in two days) are picked - check Dress - was thinking pajamas... Reconsider it now (never was thinking of it, but makes sense) Snacking - this is a real problem (just lost 20 kg in the last year and not eager to find it). Not sure how to solve it realistically... I have kids also at home at different times of the day... I may prepare the food just as I do for the office and close the door... Time management - very good point! I will work on it... Thank you for the tips!!!
"If builders built buildings the way programmers wrote programs, then the first woodpecker that came along would destroy civilization." ― Gerald Weinberg
"It never ceases to amaze me that a spacecraft launched in 1977 can be fixed remotely from Earth." ― Brian Cox
-
Our office is moving to a location, way to far to me to commute every day (an additional hour and half to the existing two hours)... So I will start to work from home most of the days, and the question is - for those doing it already - what are the important things for a productive home office?
"If builders built buildings the way programmers wrote programs, then the first woodpecker that came along would destroy civilization." ― Gerald Weinberg
In addition to Griff's advice, I can recommend a standing desk like the IKEA Bekant (available with or without electric motor). I also just ordered a wireless mouse which is very reasonably priced: Amazon.com: TECKNET Wireless Mouse, Pro 2.4G Ergonomic Wireless Optical Mouse with USB Nano Receiver for Laptop,PC,Computer,Chromebook,Notebook,6 Buttons,24 Months Battery Life, 2600 DPI, 5 Adjustment Levels : Video Games[^] I would also recommend a tenkeyless keyboard as it leaves more room for the mouse and in my opinion is a lot more ergonomic. [UPDATE] I received the mouse today and it works well (even on a white surface), but it is smaller than I thought, definitely not for people with large hands!
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In addition to Griff's advice, I can recommend a standing desk like the IKEA Bekant (available with or without electric motor). I also just ordered a wireless mouse which is very reasonably priced: Amazon.com: TECKNET Wireless Mouse, Pro 2.4G Ergonomic Wireless Optical Mouse with USB Nano Receiver for Laptop,PC,Computer,Chromebook,Notebook,6 Buttons,24 Months Battery Life, 2600 DPI, 5 Adjustment Levels : Video Games[^] I would also recommend a tenkeyless keyboard as it leaves more room for the mouse and in my opinion is a lot more ergonomic. [UPDATE] I received the mouse today and it works well (even on a white surface), but it is smaller than I thought, definitely not for people with large hands!
I tried standing desk at office and does not work for me... Also, I'm working wireless with almost anything (keyboard, mouse, printer) I can... While I was starting with numpad-less keyboard I got used to it in the last decade so not sure how I will do without one... I also have a 240 cm wide combined table which should have enough room for everything... Thank you for the tips!!!
"If builders built buildings the way programmers wrote programs, then the first woodpecker that came along would destroy civilization." ― Gerald Weinberg
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I have a separate room - check Chair and desk (to be here in two days) are picked - check Dress - was thinking pajamas... Reconsider it now (never was thinking of it, but makes sense) Snacking - this is a real problem (just lost 20 kg in the last year and not eager to find it). Not sure how to solve it realistically... I have kids also at home at different times of the day... I may prepare the food just as I do for the office and close the door... Time management - very good point! I will work on it... Thank you for the tips!!!
"If builders built buildings the way programmers wrote programs, then the first woodpecker that came along would destroy civilization." ― Gerald Weinberg
You're welcome! Reading Rick's comment on mouse and space, have a look here: Hardware Review: Logitech ERGO M575 Trackball and TESmart 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 KVM Switch[^] - a Trackman saves even more space than a regular mousey.
"I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony "Common sense is so rare these days, it should be classified as a super power" - Random T-shirt AntiTwitter: @DalekDave is now a follower!
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I tried standing desk at office and does not work for me... Also, I'm working wireless with almost anything (keyboard, mouse, printer) I can... While I was starting with numpad-less keyboard I got used to it in the last decade so not sure how I will do without one... I also have a 240 cm wide combined table which should have enough room for everything... Thank you for the tips!!!
"If builders built buildings the way programmers wrote programs, then the first woodpecker that came along would destroy civilization." ― Gerald Weinberg
Standing and typing a lot is not a good combination indeed, but I try to avoid sitting too long as it's not a healthy thing. Mostly when I have finished something I crank the desk up and do some "monitoring" just some mouse clicking here and there, checking email, builder progress, Microsoft Teams etc.
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Standing and typing a lot is not a good combination indeed, but I try to avoid sitting too long as it's not a healthy thing. Mostly when I have finished something I crank the desk up and do some "monitoring" just some mouse clicking here and there, checking email, builder progress, Microsoft Teams etc.
I may solve that problem by adding 'walking around' times to my timetable... I'm living in a middle of a forest so stepping out can be a good option even for 5-10 minutes...
"If builders built buildings the way programmers wrote programs, then the first woodpecker that came along would destroy civilization." ― Gerald Weinberg
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You're welcome! Reading Rick's comment on mouse and space, have a look here: Hardware Review: Logitech ERGO M575 Trackball and TESmart 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 KVM Switch[^] - a Trackman saves even more space than a regular mousey.
"I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony "Common sense is so rare these days, it should be classified as a super power" - Random T-shirt AntiTwitter: @DalekDave is now a follower!
I do not know about trackball... never had one I - to be honest - do not feel like trying it... It look huge...I'm using small-size mouse... very simple... I will have a KVM (not sure what type) from the office, to enable to use both my own desktop computer and the one they will provide (I'm still not sure if I want a laptop or a small NUC)...
"If builders built buildings the way programmers wrote programs, then the first woodpecker that came along would destroy civilization." ― Gerald Weinberg
"It never ceases to amaze me that a spacecraft launched in 1977 can be fixed remotely from Earth." ― Brian Cox
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I do not know about trackball... never had one I - to be honest - do not feel like trying it... It look huge...I'm using small-size mouse... very simple... I will have a KVM (not sure what type) from the office, to enable to use both my own desktop computer and the one they will provide (I'm still not sure if I want a laptop or a small NUC)...
"If builders built buildings the way programmers wrote programs, then the first woodpecker that came along would destroy civilization." ― Gerald Weinberg
It's about the size of your hand: your palm rests on the "dome", with your index and middle finger naturally over the left and right mouse buttons - much the same as a regular mouse, but with addition support that stops about 3cm short of your wrist. Once used to it, it feels very natural - and they aren't an expensive "experiment": I paid £39.99 for mine last month, but it was on offer from £49.99. Takes up less space than even a small mouse because it doesn't need room to move around - your thumb does all the work and your shoulder / elbow don't need to go anywhere! :laugh: This is probably also good for RSI - your elbow can be supported by the chair arm and the wrist by the mouse. I've never had an RSI problem with my right hand, but I did with my left as the wrist is unsupported.
"I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony "Common sense is so rare these days, it should be classified as a super power" - Random T-shirt AntiTwitter: @DalekDave is now a follower!
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Our office is moving to a location, way to far to me to commute every day (an additional hour and half to the existing two hours)... So I will start to work from home most of the days, and the question is - for those doing it already - what are the important things for a productive home office?
"If builders built buildings the way programmers wrote programs, then the first woodpecker that came along would destroy civilization." ― Gerald Weinberg
Looks like the other answers cover most stuff. BUT have a really honest discussion with the family. When you're at work, you're AT WORK. Herself CANNOT keep popping in every ten minutes to ask where the xxx is or have you done the yyy. Make sure that if there's anything in the office any member of the family is likely to need, have them fetch it before you start work. If you're like me, you get into a "zone" when coding and there are times when you simply CANNOT break your concentration. It sounds innocuous but if your partner just opens the door and says "Anything you need from the shops?" that can at best delay you for a while, at worst mean you forget to put in that vital closing bracket and you spend the rest of the day tracking down the problem. BUT equally, don't feel like you're locked into your office. Take breaks, and do something useful in those breaks. Put the washing out (or bring it in if it looks like rain). Empty the dishwasher, or take a longer break and pick the kids up from school or walk the dog. Your change in working practices is not just a big change for you, but for the whole family (including pets if you have them). Your partner, if normally at home, may find it harder to adjust than you do. They may feel oppressed and constrained. Talk about it. Been doing this for 25 years now and absolutely love it, and if you've been spending 4 hours in the car each day, your health and your bank balance will love it too. Make sure you work enough human interaction into your day.
Telegraph marker posts ... nothing to do with IT Phasmid email discussion group ... also nothing to do with IT Beekeeping and honey site ... still nothing to do with IT
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Looks like the other answers cover most stuff. BUT have a really honest discussion with the family. When you're at work, you're AT WORK. Herself CANNOT keep popping in every ten minutes to ask where the xxx is or have you done the yyy. Make sure that if there's anything in the office any member of the family is likely to need, have them fetch it before you start work. If you're like me, you get into a "zone" when coding and there are times when you simply CANNOT break your concentration. It sounds innocuous but if your partner just opens the door and says "Anything you need from the shops?" that can at best delay you for a while, at worst mean you forget to put in that vital closing bracket and you spend the rest of the day tracking down the problem. BUT equally, don't feel like you're locked into your office. Take breaks, and do something useful in those breaks. Put the washing out (or bring it in if it looks like rain). Empty the dishwasher, or take a longer break and pick the kids up from school or walk the dog. Your change in working practices is not just a big change for you, but for the whole family (including pets if you have them). Your partner, if normally at home, may find it harder to adjust than you do. They may feel oppressed and constrained. Talk about it. Been doing this for 25 years now and absolutely love it, and if you've been spending 4 hours in the car each day, your health and your bank balance will love it too. Make sure you work enough human interaction into your day.
Telegraph marker posts ... nothing to do with IT Phasmid email discussion group ... also nothing to do with IT Beekeeping and honey site ... still nothing to do with IT
A good point, but not because of herself (she is out working)... but the kids... I talked to them about it and explained, but probably will be problems until they totally understand and get used to it...
"If builders built buildings the way programmers wrote programs, then the first woodpecker that came along would destroy civilization." ― Gerald Weinberg
-
It's about the size of your hand: your palm rests on the "dome", with your index and middle finger naturally over the left and right mouse buttons - much the same as a regular mouse, but with addition support that stops about 3cm short of your wrist. Once used to it, it feels very natural - and they aren't an expensive "experiment": I paid £39.99 for mine last month, but it was on offer from £49.99. Takes up less space than even a small mouse because it doesn't need room to move around - your thumb does all the work and your shoulder / elbow don't need to go anywhere! :laugh: This is probably also good for RSI - your elbow can be supported by the chair arm and the wrist by the mouse. I've never had an RSI problem with my right hand, but I did with my left as the wrist is unsupported.
"I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony "Common sense is so rare these days, it should be classified as a super power" - Random T-shirt AntiTwitter: @DalekDave is now a follower!
I looked up the kind in your article - it is sold locally for about £80... Interesting how they some up with that prize... The more interesting thing is that I can order it online and get it almost for half, just have to wait like two weeks instead of two hours...
"If builders built buildings the way programmers wrote programs, then the first woodpecker that came along would destroy civilization." ― Gerald Weinberg
-
Our office is moving to a location, way to far to me to commute every day (an additional hour and half to the existing two hours)... So I will start to work from home most of the days, and the question is - for those doing it already - what are the important things for a productive home office?
"If builders built buildings the way programmers wrote programs, then the first woodpecker that came along would destroy civilization." ― Gerald Weinberg
I have been working from home full-time for 10+ years now. I love it. It is not for everyone, for sure. Good luck. Hope you like it too. -- Not going to post my tips/tricks as most have been presented to you already. However, this tip from Griff is paramount IMHO:
Quote (Griff):
Time management is also important: have "work hours" and "off hours" - and try to stick to them. Don't goof off in work hours, don't work in off hours.
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A good point, but not because of herself (she is out working)... but the kids... I talked to them about it and explained, but probably will be problems until they totally understand and get used to it...
"If builders built buildings the way programmers wrote programs, then the first woodpecker that came along would destroy civilization." ― Gerald Weinberg
A good perimeter defense system will do wonders :-\
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Quiet is good, a comfortable chair and a good desk. A designated work area is a good idea, rather than lying on the sofa with the lappie on your chest. If you act like it's an office, then you work like it's an office. Dress smart casual - like you would in an office. It may sound weird, but what you wear affects how you think. Slobbing out in tracky bottoms and a T is comfortable, but it's also "slobby" - and your brain knows that so the inclination is to act like a slob as well. A time lock on the fridge helps keep the weight down ... there is a lot of potential for snacking which is a problem. If you go to the kitchen for a coffee, ket a coffee and leave. Don't grab a sandwich, or biscuits - if you normally eat bickies at work, keep them in the office area. Time management is also important: have "work hours" and "off hours" - and try to stick to them. Don't goof off in work hours, don't work in off hours. And enjoy the commute! I didn't realize how much stress and wasted time was involved until I stopped doing it and started walkign ten paces to get to my desk. :D
"I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony "Common sense is so rare these days, it should be classified as a super power" - Random T-shirt AntiTwitter: @DalekDave is now a follower!
OriginalGriff wrote:
And enjoy the commute! I didn't realize how much stress and wasted time was involved until I stopped doing it and started walkign ten paces to get to my desk. :-D
I would change that to... enjoy a walk in the time you usually would commute. Staying the whole day at home and not going out and get natural sun light might be a negative effect of working at home. To Peter... If you used to conmute 2 hours per day, then walking 30 minutes before working and 30 minutes after working will still be a 1 hour spare time and 1 hour "fitness" gain per day. Additionally will help your brain to switch between work and home modi.
M.D.V. ;) If something has a solution... Why do we have to worry about?. If it has no solution... For what reason do we have to worry about? Help me to understand what I'm saying, and I'll explain it better to you Rating helpful answers is nice, but saying thanks can be even nicer.
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Our office is moving to a location, way to far to me to commute every day (an additional hour and half to the existing two hours)... So I will start to work from home most of the days, and the question is - for those doing it already - what are the important things for a productive home office?
"If builders built buildings the way programmers wrote programs, then the first woodpecker that came along would destroy civilization." ― Gerald Weinberg
Security, perhaps you are already doing this: Get a separate Internet service for the work LAN and keep isolated from family LAN. I would not allow wireless on that service. I would also suggest a "business" router/firewall with options like intrusion protection and application blocking. I would block all social media locations to reduce the risk of clicking on links in email. I would not do personal email on the same system as work email. Get a separate printer for business if you do much printing. We use static public IP addresses (5), on fiber service, to isolate stuff (1: wireless for customers, 2: surveillance cameras, 3: IP phones, 4: Domain/business LAN). Never the twain shall meet :
>64 Some days the dragon wins. Suck it up.
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Our office is moving to a location, way to far to me to commute every day (an additional hour and half to the existing two hours)... So I will start to work from home most of the days, and the question is - for those doing it already - what are the important things for a productive home office?
"If builders built buildings the way programmers wrote programs, then the first woodpecker that came along would destroy civilization." ― Gerald Weinberg
One thing not mentioned - make sure the background for those video calls is decent or use one of those plugins or whatever they are that fakes your background. Also - when working at an office, people tend to have the courtesy to notice you're talking with someone else or if not, ask if it's an ok time to talk about something. Working from home, besides the emails, there is often a constant barrage of Team chats, because of course nobody knows if you're busy talking to someone else -- a feature that any chat program really should have, like a "get in line" feature. Some days there are times where I'll be having 3 chats on 3 different topics going on simultaneously. Personally, that can be mentally exhausting because of the context switching, not to mention being distracted from the task I'm actually trying to work on. Consider whether management/the team is ok with designated chat times so you can focus on work during some parts of the day and be available for chats at other designated times.
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Our office is moving to a location, way to far to me to commute every day (an additional hour and half to the existing two hours)... So I will start to work from home most of the days, and the question is - for those doing it already - what are the important things for a productive home office?
"If builders built buildings the way programmers wrote programs, then the first woodpecker that came along would destroy civilization." ― Gerald Weinberg
A locked door to keep the wife, kids, and pets out. :-D
ed
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Our office is moving to a location, way to far to me to commute every day (an additional hour and half to the existing two hours)... So I will start to work from home most of the days, and the question is - for those doing it already - what are the important things for a productive home office?
"If builders built buildings the way programmers wrote programs, then the first woodpecker that came along would destroy civilization." ― Gerald Weinberg
Tell everyone (who's not a co-worker) to think carefully about getting in touch with you. If they wouldn't normally contact you at the office during work hours, then they shouldn't contact you during those same hours just because you happen to be home. This may seem like a simple thing, but I couldn't get that point across some people's minds until I reminded them I'm not working for myself and I'm on the clock. Don't know why that distinction made to clearer for them, but that's what worked. The same goes for whoever lives with you. No, you're not available during work hours to go get a pint of milk at the corner store, or to help with the laundry. And you're certainly no babysitter. Don't make any exception - that's called setting a precedent. If you give in once, "they" will know they can do it again.
