{"id":16278,"date":"2021-07-20T16:07:44","date_gmt":"2021-07-20T20:07:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hr\/?page_id=16278"},"modified":"2023-05-31T08:40:11","modified_gmt":"2023-05-31T12:40:11","slug":"setting-up-a-successful-remote-work-space","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hr\/lifebu\/flexible-work\/employee-toolkit\/setting-up-a-successful-remote-work-space\/","title":{"rendered":"Setting Up Your Work Space for Success"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you will have flexible work arrangement, it is important to create a space that can help you optimize your productivity while keeping a healthy separation between your professional and personal space. Below are a few tips and considerations as you prepare for flexible work. Being intentional and mindful about your space will help you achieve success and well-being. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Find a location in your remote environment\u00a0with limited\u00a0distractions.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> While occasional distractions from family members and pets\u00a0are\u00a0inevitable, having a space designated for work is beneficial for several reasons. It helps you\u00a0to create an intentional and physical separation between your work life and your personal\u00a0life.\u00a0It is also important to have a plan for dependent care.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tip:<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Limit distractions by posting \u201cIn a Meeting \u2013 Available at \u2026\u201d or \u201cDo Not Disturb \u2013 Thinking in Progress\u201d or &#8220;Free in Five&#8221; to communicate with others in your space. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Set up this space to\u00a0empower you.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Like you might do when you are in your office or cubical, you want to ensure you have what you need nearby for efficiency and self-care.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Use a desk and chair.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Consider a standing desk to avoid long stretches of sitting in one place.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ensure there is ample light.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Be mindful of the source of light if you are required to be on camera often.\u00a0Observe how the light changes throughout the day. You might consider getting a clip-on light to ensure you can be seen clearly during morning and afternoon meetings.\u00a0Natural light can be a great energizer. If possible, choose a space with a window or near a source of natural light.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What&#8217;s behind you matters.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Pay attention to what is behind you. Your background should be clean, clutter-free, and free of too many\u00a0trinkets, images, or items that might be distracting. If this is not possible, utilize the background provided in <a href=\"https:\/\/support.microsoft.com\/en-us\/office\/change-your-background-for-a-teams-meeting-f77a2381-443a-499d-825e-509a140f4780\">Teams<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/support.zoom.us\/hc\/en-us\/articles\/210707503-Getting-started-with-Virtual-Background\">Zoom<\/a>.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Set up your staples.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Have paper, notebooks, pens, Post-its, files, and other office tools that you typically use.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Enrich your space to give you energy.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Add a plant, motivational quotes, or other items in the environment that bring you joy and inspire you.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul><\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Think about the\u00a0technology.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you are someone who will work remotely a couple of days a week, you must ensure you have appropriate technology set up for a seamless and optimal work environment.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Internet Access\/Bandwidth Considerations.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Ensure you have a high-speed, dependable non-public internet connection in your remote environment. Avoid working from public spaces as this can pose an information security risk. Employees with access to confidential information\u2014such as student records and\/or health data\u2014need to be especially mindful. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Headphones.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Consider using a headset, be it earbuds or an actual headset with a built-in microphone. Computer speakers will pick up the sounds in your environment and can create an echo. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Camera.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Most laptops have built-in cameras, but if you are someone who conducts training or frequently presents using multiple monitors, you might want to consider an external camera. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Second Monitor.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> If you typically use a second monitor when in the office, consider using one at your remote work space for a seamless work experience. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul><\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Please note: As described in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hr\/lifebu\/flexible-work\/flexible-work-guidelines\/\">Flexible Work Guidelines<\/a>, staff who work remotely at their own request will not be reimbursed for personal office equipment or services (e.g., internet and phone service).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Your space can help nurture your well-being. For tips on creating a space to optimize self-care, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hr\/lifebu\/flexible-work\/well-being-tips-for-remote-and-hybrid-work\/\">visit Well-Being Tips for Flexible Work<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><\/ul>\n<p>For training on topics mentioned in this section, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hr\/learningbu\/successful-remote-hybrid-teams\/\">visit Successful Hybrid Teams.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you will have flexible work arrangement, it is important to create a space that can help you optimize your productivity while keeping a healthy separation between your professional and personal space. Below are a few tips and considerations as you prepare for flexible work. Being intentional and mindful about your space will help you [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1379,"featured_media":0,"parent":16272,"menu_order":3,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16278"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1379"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16278"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16278\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19808,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16278\/revisions\/19808"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16272"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16278"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}