5 Timely Tips for Telecommuting
Mar 17, 2020
Whether your company already has a formal telecommuting policy or is just instituting one as a temporary measure, there are many ways to be productive while working from home. Here are five strategies to be a successful telecommuter:

1. Assess your technology and available resources. 

First time telecommuting? Figure out what you have and what you might still need. Work-from-home essentials include: 
  • A good high-speed internet connection
  • The ability to access the company files and resources you need to do your job
  • A quality headset with a microphone for making work calls
To enhance your productivity, there are also a number of low- or no-cost services like Google Hangouts or GoToMeeting that can help. And make sure you have the phone number and email for your company tech support handy in case you experience any issues.

2. Carve out a comfortable workspace. 

Even if you don’t have a dedicated home office, you can still set up a comfortable workspace. The key is keeping the supplies you need within reach so you can work as if you were in the office. This way, you won’t be searching for pens, pencils, a calculator, stapler, printer or whatever when you need them.

As for ergonomics, contrary to its name, a laptop used on your lap isn’t exactly the optimal posture, and it can lead to muscle strain. Find an area that’s well-lit where you can sit comfortably and have your computer at a good height on a stable surface. 

3. Establish a consistent workday routine. 

To get in the right mindset to work, many telecommuters feel more productive when they get up, shower, and get dressed as if they were going into the office. Of course, you’re at home, so unless you’re videoconferencing, you can wear whatever’s comfortable. At home, it’s also easy to take a break when you need it and stretch, or just regroup. Just try to avoid too many trips to the kitchen — many telecommuters report that it’s easy to fall into the habit of snacking too much.  

4. Just “to do” it. 

Because it’s easy to fall into your home habits instead of sticking to your work habits, make a to-do list. You can set both short- and long-term goals for yourself. Whether you use a productivity app or an old-fashioned calendar, give yourself time each day to plan what you need to accomplish and how you’ll do it.

5. Are you IN or OUT? 

Always let co-workers know when and how they can reach you when you are working at home, and tell your family and friends about your new working from home routine and working hours, too. That way you can set expectations so no one will be disappointed that you can’t visit, and your employer will be happy with your work. Explain when you will and won’t be available to take calls or visits, or help with homework. It’s all about finding the right balance. 
Remember that, whether a telecommuting program is formal or informal, it involves mutual trust between an employee and employer. Employers need to have faith that their employees will be as productive working remotely as they are in the office, and employees need to understand what’s expected of them. 

Fortunately, there’s evidence that working from home boosts productivity. In a recent survey, Connect Solutions (a private cloud solutions provider) found that 77% of the remote workers report that they are more productive while they telecommute and 30% said that they accomplish more in less time. Talk about a win-win.
This blog post originally appeared on the TransAction Associates blog, Driven. This content has been customized for Alewife TMA and is redistributed here with permission [source: https://www.transactionassoc.com/timely-tips-for-telecommuting].

Get Ready to Ride: Bike Month is Here

02 May, 2024
Get Ready to Ride: Bike Month is Here! Spring is in full bloom! The days are longer, tulips are popping up, and if you have allergies, you might be sneezing a bit more. But there's good news for cyclists: the warmer weather means it's time to get back on the road. May is National Bike Month , and there's plenty to be excited about for bike enthusiasts in Massachusetts. What is Bike Month? National Bike Month , established in 1956, is all about celebrating the joy of cycling, promoting its health benefits, and encouraging more people to give it a try. A key part of this celebration is Bike to Work Week, which falls in the third week of May, with Bike to Work Day on the Friday of that week. This year, Bike to Work Week is from May 13 to 19, with Bike to Work Day on May 17. What's Happening in Massachusetts for Bike Month? Massachusetts is a great place to be if you love biking, and Bay State Bike Month , hosted by MassBike , has a full schedule of events to keep you moving. If you're looking for group rides or ways to get involved, this is your go-to resource.

Green Wheels & Green Wallets - Changing Commutes Through Incentive Programs

21 Feb, 2024
We all know the question, “what’s in it for me?” It’s the eternal quandary that all marketers are on a mission to answer. If they can explain what’s in for me to do or buy something, their job is done. But what if we rolled that question on its head and asked, “what’s in it for you, and me, and even them? When it comes to a green or sustainable commute, there happens to be a LOT it in for you, me, your neighbor and the person who sits across from you on the T. For you, it’s more convenient and economical way to commute. For your neighbor or the person across from you on the T, you are helping the environment and reducing traffic congestion by using a sustainable travel mode and NOT driving alone in a car. For that action, we at the Alewife TMA believe you should be rewarded.

Alewife TMA 2023 Recap

29 Jan, 2024
Thank you to our members, partners, and green commuters who collectively made 2023 an excellent year for the Alewife TMA! Together, we celebrate the progress made towards sustainability in the Alewife & Fresh Pond area. Please take a moment to view our 2023 Recap which highlights the impact of the past year, We look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts in transforming our region into a space where multimodal transportations options are available for everyone.
mechanic next to car, text: Winter Car Maintenance and Safety Tips with Luis

Winter Car Maintenance and Safety Tips with Luis

By TransAction Associates • 04 Jan, 2024
It's officially winter! Are you ready for the snow and ice? Is your car ready? Join Luis Mejia, Fleet Mechanic at TransAction Associates & Corporate Shuttles, as he shares some winter car maintenance and safety tips.

Member Spotlight - Longfellow Real Estate

07 Dec, 2023
The Alewife TMA was thrilled to meet with Erin Shields of Longfellow to discuss Longfellow's dedication to environmental sustainability and the value of TMA membership for the tenants and employees at 100/125/150 Cambridgepark Drive.

2023 Car-Free Day Was a Huge Success!

By TransAction Associates • 26 Oct, 2023
World Car-Free Day 2023 was a huge success! Organized in a variety of ways around the globe, every event shared the unifying goal of reducing the number of cars on the road. The Alewife TMA participated in MassCommute's 2023 Car-Free Day, the Commonwealth’s Coalition of 15 TMAs to promote and celebrate Car-Free Day in Massachusetts. Commuters who participated helped to make a positive impact on the environment and contributed to a greener Bay State!

Alewife TMA's Commuter Spotlight - Meet Bike Commuter Chris Dimitri

17 Oct, 2023
The Alewife TMA recently began an effort to get to know the commuters behind the programs and services that we provide. We recently sat down with Chris Dimitri , a bicycle commuter who regularly participates in the TMA’s monthly commuter challenges, to learn more about him and his commute.

Car-Free Day 2023

28 Aug, 2023
Car Free, way to be! Now, we know that completely ditching your car may not be the way to go for most people, but how about pledging to keep your car at home for one day this month? That’s right, September 22nd is World Car Free Day and cities, towns, and organizations around the world are planning creative programs to commemorate it. Why? Because they all share the same goal of reducing the number of cars on the roads to realize the benefits of reduced congestion where we work, live and play. In the Washington, DC metro area, Commuter Connections is hosting an area-wide Car Free Day pledge , where commuters from counties spanning north of Silver Spring, MD to south of Alexandria, VA can take a pledge to leave their car at home on September 22, 2023 and choose to commute a different way either via transit, walking, biking, carpooling or shuttle; or by choosing to telecommute and not commute at all. In Tampa, FL, the city will celebrate Car Free Day for the first time this year by closing off car traffic in three neighborhoods and hosting street hockey tournaments, farmers markets, food trucks and public art installations in those areas instead. Similar events will take place in Vancouver, Seattle, and Jakarta to name a few. 

The Benefits of a Walking Commute

10 Jul, 2023
Incorporating walking into your commuting schedule will have a positive impact on your personal well-being. According to prevention , the health benefits of walking are endless, and experts agree that by adding walking to your daily routine, you can greatly improve your physical and mental health.

Alewife TMA's Member Spotlight - The Bulfinch Companies, Inc.

27 Jun, 2023
Alewife TMA's Member Spotlight Property - Cambridge Discovery Park Real Estate Developer & Operator - The Bulfinch Companies, Inc. Interview with George Kassas, Senior Associate and Property Manager June 2023 
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