Moving to home office (mostly)
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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
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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
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.
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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
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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
When you're in the "office", you're "unavailable" unless it's business.
"Before entering on an understanding, I have meditated for a long time, and have foreseen what might happen. It is not genius which reveals to me suddenly, secretly, what I have to say or to do in a circumstance unexpected by other people; it is reflection, it is meditation." - Napoleon I
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When you're in the "office", you're "unavailable" unless it's business.
"Before entering on an understanding, I have meditated for a long time, and have foreseen what might happen. It is not genius which reveals to me suddenly, secretly, what I have to say or to do in a circumstance unexpected by other people; it is reflection, it is meditation." - Napoleon I
I've been working from home for 3 years - the only one who doesn't abide by the 'unavailable' rule is the dog. He goes bonkers when he sees a furry creature outside and I have to mute my microphone :)
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I've been working from home for 3 years - the only one who doesn't abide by the 'unavailable' rule is the dog. He goes bonkers when he sees a furry creature outside and I have to mute my microphone :)
Craig Robbins wrote:
the only one who doesn't abide by the 'unavailable' rule is the dog. He goes bonkers when he sees a furry creature outside and I have to mute my microphone
Yep, I know this one all too well. :laugh: :sigh:
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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
Yes what DerekTP said, do NOT allowed the kids to interrupt you, if the door is closed it must stay closed till you open it! Get a BIG do not disturb sign. I wish I had had a forest to walk in when I worked from home and decent internet connection (I was on dial up back then)
Never underestimate the power of human stupidity - RAH I'm old. I know stuff - JSOP
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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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SVG Grids: Squares, Triangles, Hexagons with scrolling, sprites and simple animation examplesTeams might be integrated with outlook (yeah, I know... but it is employer decission), so your status is seen by other people in the same domain / active directory. If I am phoning it shows "speaking" or "meeting" if I am attending one If I am in a scheduled task it shows "busy" If I am idling more than 5 min it shows "AFK" And you can always set the "do not disturb" manually. Not that everyone will pay attention or respect that status, but there is some people that do comply.
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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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!
Griff says most of it quite well. Dressing decently also means one is ready to do an unscheduled zoom/skype session without shame. I would add: take good long walks everyday "without fail". I walk 2-4 miles a day. It doesn't take much time (a comfortable 2 mile walk takes about 45-60 min). One's brain and body will be much better for it.
"A little time, a little trouble, your better day" Badfinger
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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
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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
My two cents: 1) Excellent chair. Go for office chairs with lumbar support, neck support and possibly extensible leg support. 2) Good monitor, keyboard and mouse. Do not, I repeat, do not work on your laptop. 3) Check the lighting and window positions, adjust with obscurants if needed. 4) Clean and ordered desk and cable management. This is incredibly important for home office productivity.
GCS/GE d--(d) s-/+ a C+++ U+++ P-- L+@ E-- W+++ N+ o+ K- w+++ O? M-- V? PS+ PE Y+ PGP t+ 5? X R+++ tv-- b+(+++) DI+++ D++ G e++ h--- r+++ y+++* Weapons extension: ma- k++ F+2 X
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A locked door to keep the wife, kids, and pets out. :-D
ed
Honestly my wife in the room would be the only thing that keeps me sane. I would bring her to work if I could, too bad she works elsewhere.
GCS/GE d--(d) s-/+ a C+++ U+++ P-- L+@ E-- W+++ N+ o+ K- w+++ O? M-- V? PS+ PE Y+ PGP t+ 5? X R+++ tv-- b+(+++) DI+++ D++ G e++ h--- r+++ y+++* Weapons extension: ma- k++ F+2 X
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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.
Where I live I have to take a 15 minutes pause every 2 consecutive hours of work at a videoterminal by law.
GCS/GE d--(d) s-/+ a C+++ U+++ P-- L+@ E-- W+++ N+ o+ K- w+++ O? M-- V? PS+ PE Y+ PGP t+ 5? X R+++ tv-- b+(+++) DI+++ D++ G e++ h--- r+++ y+++* Weapons extension: ma- k++ F+2 X
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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
I use a KVM - it means that you only need one mouse, one keyboard, one screen, one headphone set; everything is familiar and desk space is minimised. Some folks may suggest VPN or Remote Connection as an alternative but it is best to have a clean separation; it saves risks of company secrets leaking out or home viruses leaking to your company's network. A KVM provides that separation - one click and you are at work, one click and you are at home.
