I'm working from home for the rest of March because of COVID-19, what are some best practices, tips, and behaviors I should put into effect to maintain quality of work?
I've done WFH well, and I previously had stretches of time when I did it poorly.<p>My WFH improved when I realized its on me to develop a "theory of mind" for what my co-workers and boss (and others) know about my work. That means asking myself daily if the team knows what I'm working on, what my challenges are, what I did yesterday, what are the risks, etc.<p>I try to provide the same attention back to my peers--paying attention to what they're doing each day, even if it's not directly relevant to me.<p>Also offering my time to get colleagues unstuck or accelerated, and asking for their help when I know they can return the favor.<p>In mostly remote teams, we favor video chat over voice.<p>Also I like to say on team chat whenever I'm stepping away from the keyboard for appreciable time, and say when I'm back.<p>I favor deliverable forms of work like git commits. But sometimes half of my day has been spent on a really delicate, diplomatic email, and I say that at standup the next day.<p>Lastly all my friends know I don't do extra things during the week. I have a job and I like to stay focused.<p>For background, I'm a senior data scientist and have previously been a software engineer. For example, my home office is in L.A. One boss was in Boulder, CO and a later one in Camarillo, CA. One teammate lived in Venice near the beach, another in Irvine.
The two big hazards are you either get distracted or you overwork.<p>Have a nice spot just to work - don't do it on the dinner table or the sofa. Ideally a chair and table. Don't get too comfortable.<p>Take lunch breaks. Snack breaks. Bathroom breaks. Make sure to walk around at least once an hour.<p>Make sure your family members understand you're at work now. Not everyone does.<p>Sitting too long in a cramped room builds up carbon dioxide, making it harder to focus. Leave a door or window wide open. Don't work in a closet (this seems ridiculous but I've done this thrice because I like tight spaces).<p>If you've gone to college, whatever environment you used for study is probably ideal for work too.
I find working in different places for different tasks. So i code best in my dining room, but might move to the kitchen if reading some documentation. Then i might take a calls in my lounge.<p>Also if i get stuck for a bit I try to get out at lunch to get some perspective, even if its an early lunch<p>Seems to give me good momentum