The choice to work from home since the outbreak occurred has shifted from a perk at many businesses to a necessity in many cases given the severity and concern of the disease. A rising number of companies are still applying new policies to halt potential infections from spreading at work.
Some companies are implementing telework options to allow employees to work from home and perform their jobs while the coronavirus crisis continues.
“Given the latent demand for” the ability to work from home, Raj Choudhury, a Harvard Business School professor, told Market Watch Choudhury said remote work caused by the coronavirus “might be a game-changer.” He noted, “Many companies will be forced to do this and will discover the benefit of this, both for the company and the worker.”
Here are tips to make that process more efficient and productive:
Set an alarm and Start the Day
Set an alarm to wake up in the morning. When you wake up, be sure to have a routine, recommends Chelsea Rivera; head of content of Honest Paws (a 100% remote firm). Use that time to take care of yourself, whether it’s exercise, cooking a breakfast that you can sit down and enjoy, or meditation to get you focused for the day.
Act like you’re going to work
That might include taking a shower in the morning and putting on makeup or fixing your hair up your hair for the day. Anything that gives you the sense that you are not home in your pyjamas. This will help you stay focused.
Establish working hours and stick to them
Working from home can lead to longer hours than what you typically work in the office, limiting your personal and family time. This is not good especially at these times. So balance work and family.
Create a home office if you don’t have one Already
Develop a dedicated work area free from distraction and noises in your household. Make sure to look and see if the chair and desk you’ll be working from, are comfortable enough to use for multiple hours.
Connectivity
Use digital tools to reach out to colleagues. Consider scheduling group meetings by videoconference and setting up group chats via programs. If email messaging is causing a mix-up, have a phone conversation. Always keep in touch, within and outside office house
Childcare concerns
Many schools across the country have closed due to the coronavirus, meaning younger kids might be there with you while you’re working from home. One solution might be asking a family member to assist with watching the children, allowing you to get much of your work done.
If you have a spouse, take turns working and watching the kids. Also, be open to asking others with experience working from home how they juggle the demands of doing their jobs and watching their kids, to get their suggestions.
Stay in touch with your company’s IT staff
An extended period of telework will require more than just the laptop you bring home now and then. Check to see if you need to add other computer accessories as well. That might mean a headset for videoconferencing for example. Ask your company’s IT team in advance precisely what gadgets, cords and other equipment you will need at home. Find out from the IT team how to install software on your computer when you’re outside the office.
Check how to access your company’s virtual private network (VPN) if one exists. Be sure to learn if you have the correct laptops, access to key networks, passcodes, and instructions for remote login.
Don’t fall into the isolation trap
Working from home can get lonely and affect your mental health. You can counter that by calling someone on the phone or video chat. Be nice to yourself and take a moment to so something like exercise to split up the day. Some firms provide online resilience training to help tackle obstacles of working from home during the outbreak.