6 tips for remote working during a pandemic
How to stay productive while working from home throughout the COVID-19 outbreak
In a matter of weeks, the state of the world has drastically changed. From stock markets plummeting to toilet paper wars, the reality of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is starting to hit. It’s the trending topic on every news outlet, memes are being made of it on social media, and the grocery store aisles seem a little more bare than usual. As a precaution, communities have been urged to social distance and self-isolate for a couple of weeks in an effort to prevent the spread of the virus. This social change can significantly impact our day-to-day lifestyle, including our methods of work and communication.
Major tech companies, including Facebook, Google, Twitter and Amazon, have announced a work from home policy for their employees if their job permits. Many other companies and startups in the tech scene have followed suit. At a time of crisis like this, having the tools available to be able to operate fully remotely is a privilege. That being said, here are some tips to help you adjust to working from home (and not at a coffee shop) during the Coronavirus outbreak.
1. Get ready for work
For some people, working from home means taking meetings from their bed without pants on. I get it. Not having to commute means more time to sleep in. But working in your bed isn’t the best way to be productive. Get out of your pajamas. Put on some pants and feel like you’re going to work. This way, you’ll be more focused in those meetings and maybe actually get some work done.
2. Create a dedicated workspace
If you have an office or extra room in your home, consider converting it into a dedicated workspace. Separating your work area from your bedroom is important in maintaining your productivity levels while working from home. However, if your space is limited, consider putting up a curtain or barrier in between your desk and bed to visually represent the boundary between your work and personal life.
3. Arrange for accommodations
Ask your employer if they can make accommodations for your workstation. They may be able to transfer your work monitor, keyboard, mouse, chair, and so forth to your home. Some companies, like Shopify, are offering a stipend for their employees to buy office supplies and equipment while working from home. Make use of the resources that you have to ensure that your workspace is comfortable and has the tools necessary for you to be productive at home.
4. Turn on your webcam
A strong wifi connection is key to working remotely, especially with meetings being hosted on video conferencing tools, such as Zoom, Webex or Slack. With this comes a cultural change, as many people refrain from turning on their cameras when conducting online meetings. In order to foster a more collaborative and engaging remote culture, perhaps comb your hair and turn on your webcam to feel more connected with your team.
Of course, nothing beats face-to-face communication, but when the only face you see around you is in the mirror, don’t hesitate to reach out to your team. Your manager may not be used to remotely managing a team, so it could help having short calls throughout the week to ensure alignment on expectations. A group call during lunch can also be helpful in keeping your sanity, as many remote workers experience loneliness from lack of human interaction. It’s especially important to keep morale high during these tough times by establishing a strong and positive connection with your team. Throw some emojis into your messages while you’re at it!
5. Minimize distractions
Keep a schedule and stay on top of it. Working from home can make it easy for you to take a longer break than usual. What starts off as checking for COVID-19 news updates can lead to binge-watching an entire season of Suits in one sitting. This is why it’s important to maintain self-control and remember, you are still technically at work.
If you have children around or a partner also working from home, figure out a way to share the space. Perhaps put up a sign on the door when you are in a meeting or need some heads-down time to get work done. Being able to minimize distractions, both in-person and online, can help you maintain work-level productivity outside the office and ensure that you don’t end up working later than you normally would.
6. Take care of yourself
Although your city may be on lockdown, it is important to maintain your physical and mental wellbeing as you adjust to a more sedentary lifestyle.
With the announcement of many gyms temporarily closing their doors, sports or weightlifting may not be an option for exercise anymore. Get some fresh air and sunlight by going for a short walk around the block, but try to avoid any crowded public spaces.
Take advantage of your kitchen and make yourself a healthy lunch. Try to avoid ordering in too often. Your body and your wallet will thank you later.
Be honest with yourself and take a sick day if you are not feeling well. Working from home makes it a lot easier to continue with your work even if you are feeling under the weather. Acknowledge that you are sick and take the day off. The sooner you rest up, the sooner you will recover and be able to work again.
As the Coronavirus continues to spread, many people will end up losing their jobs and main sources of income. Working in tech offers remote work options as a perk for many employees, which shouldn’t be taken for granted. I hope that everyone is able to make the transition to working from home a little easier with the tips in this article. Remember to stay safe, stay productive and wash your hands!
Thanks for reading!
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