Often overlooked is the adjustment needed when making the transition to working from home; It’s not as straightforward as many might think

Filipino workers may soon find some reprieve from rigors of their daily commute as House Bill (HB) No. 7402 or the Telecommuting Act passed its third and final reading. The Senate also approved its version unanimously last May, meaning the bill is just the president’s signature away from becoming a national law.

With poor roads and bad public transportation especially in the National Capital Region, workers often have to endure several hours each day stuck in traffic. Some people who live just ten to fifteen kilometers from their workplaces can spend around three to four hours on the road commuting to and from work. This daily experience has been known to affect their productivity at work and even put strain on their personal lives.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) estimated that the dismal traffic conditions of Metro Manila are costing the Philippine economy P3.5 billion a day. This is even expected to balloon to P5.4 billion a day by 2035.

The proposed law would allow workers in the private sector to telecommute and avail of flexible work arrangements from their employers. Telecommuting workers are also afforded the same labor standards as defined by law including number of work hours, overtime, rest days, and benefits.

Many workers would surely think that this would be a most welcome development. However, what’s often overlooked is the adjustment needed when making the transition to working from home. It’s not as straightforward as many might think.

Here are some key pointers on how workers can make working from home actually work.

1. Clarify the arrangements with your employer

Discuss with your employer how the law would apply to your role. If your work requires physical presence in the office, chances are your work-from-home options may be limited. If you would be afforded the opportunity to telecommute, make sure that you clarify all the conditions including your work schedule, processes, software, and tools that you need to coordinate and collaborate with your team.

2. Set up a workspace

You need to have a space that’s conducive to work. Ideally, this would be somewhere quiet where you wouldn’t be exposed to the many distractions found at home. Most Filipino homes aren’t exactly spacious, but try to find a private or isolated spot. You may need to take calls so a quiet space would be ideal too. Some neighbors may be used to have blaring music or karaoke machines on weekdays.

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If you find your home too distracting, you could also go out and work at the nearest cafe. Coffee places are now quite plentiful and most have spaces where you can work with a laptop. Just be mindful of the costs of visiting these places since most would require you to purchase something to use their Wi-Fi or plug a charger.

Some companies may be generous enough to provide you with resources such as a laptop or internet connection allowance, so check with your company if they could provide this for you. Otherwise, you may have to use your own computer or devices.

3. Get speedy internet

A steady and reliable internet connection is essential for telecommuting to work. In lieu of face-to-face meetings, you may have to regularly attend video or audio calls which rely on having a stable connection.

Fortunately, internet providers have been quite aggressive in setting up fiber optic connectivity in residential areas recently. Getting a speedier connection should be easier. Upgrade to a faster connection if you can. You wouldn’t want to compete for bandwidth with other users at home and get dropped in those important work-related calls.

Keeping a backup internet connection would also be handy. For example, if you are using Globe as your home internet, keeping a Smart mobile internet accessible through a personal hotspot would allow you to be always online just in case one telco conks out.

4. Keep a routine

Flexible working arrangements don’t necessarily mean that you’d be working whenever you want. Your employer would probably still require you to render a minimum number of work hours as mandated by law so you may still have to work according to schedule.

Set a daily pre-work routine just like a typical workday. Have breakfast, take a shower, and dress up before logging in to your workstation. This would allow your brain to switch to a work mindset even if you don’t actually go to the office.

Don’t make a habit of working in your “pambahay” or home attire. While working from home gives you the option to wear more comfortable clothes, working in your home clothes may encourage you to just relax and do sloppy work. Besides, you may be invited to impromptu video calls with your bosses or clients. You wouldn’t want to be shabbily dressed in case they happen.

5. Mind your deliverables

One of the biggest challenges in working from home is making yourself productive. There are just too many distractions at home — kids, house chores, unmonitored and unrestricted internet, and your bed. You must resist the temptation to fiddle with these others things.

Focus on working on your deliverables. Explicitly ask for assignments and commit to your deadlines. You can also use time logging and blocking software like FocusMe to keep you away from non-work related websites and applications.

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Some diligent workers may even sense of a bit of a guilty feeling that they aren’t really performing since they’re not in the office. This is why you have to be clear with your employer’s expectations so you’d always know what to deliver. Keep in mind that you also have to manage perception. Since your managers don’t get to see you physically, your work and output must be able to showcase your performance especially if you’re working remotely.

6. Enjoy your spare time

Working from home can also make “switching off” difficult. Sometimes, you may be in the zone so much that you don’t stand up from work anymore. Since you don’t have to travel, it’s easy to just keep on working.

Stick to your schedule. If it’s time to log off, then do so as long as you’ve accomplished your assignments and complied with whatever reporting process your employer requires. You may be asked to submit timesheets and daily status reports when working remotely.

Keep in mind that one of the biggest benefits telecommuting gives you is time. It’s a big difference having to regain use of the hours you lose from travel. Use the time you get back for yourself and your family. Family meals have become a lost tradition these days. Why not share a meal with people at home for a change?

7. Save your money

One other benefit working from home brings is the money you can save by not having to go out. Not having to commute already saves you from travel expenses which may include your fare budget, gas money, or even car payments. Meals also tend to be cheaper at home so you may find an opportunity to save up on meal expenses especially if you eat at restaurants or the cafeteria. Put the money away as savings.

Remember that you may incur other expenses as well if you decide to work remotely. You may have to spend on electricity, faster internet, or even your workstation. So do the math and check if you might actually lose money opting for a work-from-home arrangement.

Discipline is key

What’s essentially needed to make working from home successful is discipline. Let’s be honest. Filipinos may be among the hardest working people in the world but we aren’t exactly known for our discipline. This would be a good opportunity to show that we can be. Working remotely could allow you to enjoy a good number of benefits. Just be disciplined enough to actually perform.

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