Reddit Remote Working Advice & Hacks 

From ergonomic setups to maintaining work-life balance, the comments in the Reddit post provide dealing with remote work some real-life insights and practical advice. This comprehensive guide compiles their shared wisdom, covering everything from workspace essentials to creative solutions for common remote work challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned remote worker or new to the WFH scene, these tips, sourced from a vibrant Reddit discussion, offer valuable perspectives to enhance your remote working experience.

The shift to remote work has brought a variety of challenges and opportunities. Based on a wide range of experiences shared by remote workers, here’s a comprehensive guide to making the most of your WFH setup:

Workspace Essentials:

• Dedicated Office Space: A separate home office with a door is crucial for focus and work-life balance. As u/goonerhsmith emphasizes, a proper home office setup significantly impacts productivity and work-life balance.
• Ergonomic Furniture: Investing in a high-quality office chair and a standing desk is essential. Users like u/mavewrick recommend brands like Herman Miller for comfort during long working hours.
• Tech Upgrades: Dual monitors, a good webcam, and noise-canceling headphones are recommended for an efficient setup. Bose headphones are particularly favored for their noise-canceling capabilities, as noted by u/entropykat.

Productivity Boosters:

• Routine: Maintaining a regular schedule, including getting ready in the morning as if going to an office, is crucial. u/azzikai shares their morning routine, which includes taking care of personal tasks before work.
• Breaks and Exercise: Regular breaks and staying active are important. u/Jerry_Williams69 suggests taking breaks to avoid burnout while working in your own space.
• Task Management: Tools like OneNote for checklists and bullet journals for tracking tasks and deadlines can enhance productivity. u/namerankssn mentions using OneNote for weekly checklists.

Work-Life Balance:

• Set Boundaries: It’s crucial to log out on time and avoid installing work apps on personal devices. As u/jettaboy04 shares, they have a standing meeting on their calendar for lunch breaks and avoid installing work apps on personal phones to maintain a clear boundary.
• Leisure Activities: Engaging in hobbies or chores during breaks can help separate work from personal life. u/everyoneisflawed suggests folding laundry during passive meeting times as a way to multitask and take a mental break from work.
• Social Interaction: Ensuring a social life outside of work is important to avoid feeling isolated. u/Ginfly talks about leveraging their WFH job to travel and change scenery, which helps in maintaining an active social life.

Health and Wellness:

• Sunlight and Fresh Air: Making time to go outside and get sunlight is vital; consider working near a window for natural light. u/namerankssn emphasizes the life-changing impact of getting sunlight throughout the day.
• Healthy Eating: Preparing healthy meals and snacks is key, and using a calorie tracker can aid in diet management. u/Is_This_For_Realz recommends controlling food offerings at home and using tools like MyFitnessPal for tracking.
• Mental Health: Prioritizing mental well-being by taking breaks and avoiding overwork is essential. u/entropykat suggests using noise-canceling earbuds to focus and reduce distractions, thereby supporting mental health.

Incorporating these strategies can help remote workers maintain a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives, while also taking care of their physical and mental health.

Remote Work Challenges:

• Avoiding Micromanagement: Some workers use mouse jigglers to avoid appearing idle, but be cautious as companies can detect these. u/punklinux discusses the detectability of hardware mouse jigglers and the implications of using them.
• Communication: Keeping regular contact with your team and manager is crucial. Be available for meetings and collaborations. u/roleplay_oedipus_rex emphasizes the importance of having a results-driven manager/team to avoid micromanagement.
• Adapting to Different Environments: For those who travel, ensure a stable internet connection and a conducive work environment. u/Ginfly shares their experience of working while traveling and the importance of a good setup.

Creative Solutions:

• Traveling While Working: Some remote workers travel and work from different locations, using tools like Krisp to filter out background noise. u/Ginfly discusses the benefits and challenges of working while traveling.
• Home Gym: Setting up a home gym can help stay fit and take breaks from sitting. u/creeps__ta talks about using a standing desk and a walking pad to stay active.
• Smart Lighting: Use different color profiles for work and leisure time to mentally separate the two. u/frygod suggests using smart lighting to create a mental separation between work and personal time.

Miscellaneous Tips:

• Use of Mouse Jigglers: While some recommend it, be cautious as it can be detected by IT departments. u/DolphinSquad warns about the potential for IT to detect mouse jigglers.
• Invest in Comfort: Heated blankets, good lighting, and a cozy atmosphere can enhance your work experience. u/Hot-Gene-3089 recommends a heated blanket for added comfort.
• Stay Visible in Meetings: Being on video during meetings can help with visibility and career progression. u/Fixer128 explains the importance of being visible in meetings for career growth.

These insights and tips from experienced remote workers offer a variety of strategies to tackle the unique challenges of working from home, while also finding creative ways to enhance the remote work experience.

Financial and Legal Considerations:

• Tax Implications: For those who travel, maintaining a permanent address for payroll taxes is crucial. Be aware of different state tax laws, especially if you’re working across state lines. u/Ginfly shares their approach to handling taxes while traveling and working remotely, using a permanent address at a family member’s house.
• Expense Reimbursement: Check with your company regarding coverage for office setup costs. Many companies offer reimbursements for home office equipment, including ergonomic chairs and monitors. u/Bubblegum-N-Orgasms discuss how their company provided high-end office chairs and other equipment.

Unique Approaches:

• Multiple Jobs: Some individuals manage more than one remote job to maximize their time and income. This approach can be beneficial for diversifying income streams and gaining varied work experiences. u/Monkeypupper mentions the idea of having a second WFH job.
• Creative Workspaces: From working in a camper to using a garden or beach as a backdrop, the possibilities for your workspace are endless. u/Ginfly describes their experience of working from various locations, including under a camper’s awning and on the beach.

Final Thoughts:

• Personalization: Tailor your WFH setup to your needs, whether it’s a quiet corner or a vibrant, plant-filled space. The key is to create an environment that fosters productivity and well-being. u/ihate2cuddle talks about their personalized office setup, which helps them focus and be productive.
• Flexibility: Embrace the flexibility of WFH to manage household tasks and personal commitments. This can include scheduling chores during breaks or using lunch hours for errands, as mentioned by u/bulking_on_broccoli.

These expanded insights provide a deeper understanding of how to navigate the financial and legal aspects of remote work, explore unique working approaches, and personalize the WFH experience for maximum benefit and flexibility. You can enjoy those benefits by applying to work with Support Adventure!

In conclusion, successful remote work requires a blend of the right environment, tools, mindset, and practices. By adopting these tips and hacks, you can create a productive, enjoyable, and balanced work-from-home experience.