Working from home has become common in Kenya. Success requires discipline, proper setup, and clear boundaries to maintain productivity and sanity.
Creating Your Workspace
Dedicated space even if small corner. Comfortable chair prevents back pain. Desk height matters for posture. Good lighting reduces eye strain. Away from TV and distractions. Door you can close ideal. Organized supplies within reach. Make space feel professional.
Internet Solutions
Fiber internet most reliable option. Backup mobile data essential. Multiple provider SIM cards for redundancy. Power bank for phone hotspot during outages. Know nearby coworking spaces with WiFi. Coffee shops as backup work spots. Negotiate employer paying internet costs. Download files when connected for offline work.
Power Backup Plans
Laptop fully charged each morning. Power bank for phone and small devices. Know outage patterns in your area. Gas cooker for tea during outages. Work offline tasks during cuts. Inverter investment if frequent outages. Generator for critical work. Communicate proactively about power issues.
Daily Routine Structure
Shower and dress like going to office. Start same time daily. Designated lunch break away from desk. End work at specific time. Physical separation of work and personal. Morning routine signals work mode. Evening ritual marks work end. Weekend no work unless absolutely necessary.
Managing Household Distractions
Communicate work hours to family. Headphones signal focus time. Closed door means don’t interrupt unless emergency. Children need clear rules. TV off during work hours. House help understands work importance. Sometimes work elsewhere for important tasks. Flexibility but not constant interruptions.
Staying Connected With Team
Regular video check-ins with colleagues. Over-communicate progress and updates. Respond promptly during work hours. Available during agreed core hours. Camera on for important meetings. Informal chats maintain team spirit. Ask questions don’t suffer in silence. Virtual coffee breaks occasionally.
Productivity Techniques
Pomodoro—25 minutes focus 5 minutes break. Time blocking for different tasks. To-do list reviewed each morning. Most important task first. Batch similar work together. Limit social media during work. Track time to understand patterns. End day planning tomorrow.
Avoiding Loneliness
Coworking space occasionally changes scenery. Coffee shop work sessions. Online communities for remote workers. Regular social plans outside work. Professional groups and meetups. Exercise classes for human interaction. Don’t isolate completely. Balance alone time and social.
Professional Development
Online courses during saved commute time. LinkedIn Learning or Coursera. Read industry blogs and articles. Virtual conferences and webinars. Network online professionally. Skill development makes you valuable. Set aside learning time weekly. Remote work allows flexible learning.
Communication Best Practices
Video on for meetings shows engagement. Clear written communication crucial. Confirm understanding of tasks. Update status regularly proactively. Time zone awareness if working internationally. Professional background for video calls. Good audio quality investment worthwhile. Response time expectations discussed.
Separating Work and Life
Physical workspace you can leave. Work phone separate if possible. After-hours boundaries clear to employer. Weekend truly off. Vacation time respected. Mental transition rituals help. Hobbies and interests outside work. Family time protected. Burnout prevention serious.
Exercise and Movement
Walk before work starts. Stretch every hour. Lunch break movement. Quick home workouts possible. Sitting all day unhealthy. Standing desk or improvise. Evening exercise routine. Physical health affects productivity.
Eating Well at Home
Prepare lunch like packing for office. Healthy snacks not junk food. Avoid constant snacking trap. Hydrate throughout day. Don’t eat at desk. Proper lunch break. Cook dinner as transition from work. Kitchen proximity both blessing and curse.
Managing Managers
Over-communicate what you’re working on. Results speak louder than hours. Document achievements regularly. Video calls show face and engagement. Deliver on deadlines consistently. Proactive problem communication. Regular check-ins even if not required. Build trust through performance.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Slow internet contact provider proactively. Power issues alternative workspace backup. Family interruptions clear boundaries discussion. Loneliness schedule social activities. Procrastination structure and accountability. Overworking set hard stop time. Distractions dedicated workspace and discipline.
Remote work in Kenya requires intentional systems and discipline, but offers flexibility and eliminates commute stress when managed properly.