In recent years, working from home has become completely normalized in IT companies. However, the changed circumstances have posed challenges for both software testers and developers. They have had to find new methods for collaboration and meeting deadlines, while ensuring time for relaxation remains uncompromised.
Transitioning to working from home is never seamless. However, with the right tools, structure, and communication, software testers can find a balance between work and personal life that ensures tasks are completed without leading to burnout.
In this article, we offer practical tips to help testers who work from home.
Challenges of home-based software testing
When QA professionals, software developers, or testers finish their work in an office environment, the commute home provides a kind of mental unwind that prepares them for family time. However, when working from home, maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life becomes more challenging, which can easily lead to burnout.
Moreover, working from home offers fewer opportunities for team building and maintaining smooth communication among colleagues. If companies do not pay enough attention to allowing team members to get to know each other, it can easily lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, or poorly directed work.
Tips for balanced home working
Here are some practical tips to help maintain a harmonious balance between work and personal life!
Setting boundaries
It may be difficult at first, but it's important to establish boundaries regarding when to allocate time for testing tasks and when to engage in recreational activities. A helpful method can be scheduling our workouts or family and friends' time in our calendar alongside work tasks.
As test managers, in addition to coordinating our team's professional activities, we must support our colleagues in taking breaks from work and dedicating time to rest and recharge. Well-balanced employees can perform their tasks much more efficiently, thereby aiding the success of the project.
Using software testing programs
The increasing market competition necessitates the use of tools that make work processes more efficient and effective. Such software includes TestNavigator, which aids software testers by ranking test cases to ensure the most critical parts of the system are thoroughly tested.
Additionally, for effective work performance from home, it's advisable to use software that helps organize and track emerging tasks. Don't forget applications that support effective communication within the team.
Setting up a software testing workspace
Working from home often requires that we dedicate a part of our home for uninterrupted work. Many may not have a separate room for this purpose, thus converting the living room, dining table, or bedroom into a workstation. While this solution does not create ideal conditions, with thoughtful setup, we can gain a usable space that can set physical boundaries between work and personal life.
The challenges of working from home test everyone, but it's especially important for software testers to be meticulous and focused while performing their tasks. Using the tips presented in our article not only boosts productivity but also contributes to long-term job satisfaction and personal well-being. Keep in mind that home office is an opportunity, not a limitation, as today's surrounding technology and methodologies support us in bringing out our best.