Stores closing early or just closed, events cancelled, schools and restaurants closed. Some only open for take out or delivery. Running out of supplies such as hand sanitizer or toilet paper? Social distancing? It seems surreal. Unfortunately, coronavirus or COVID-19 is a serious and highly contagious virus and drastic measures are being taken to stop the spread of this terrible virus. Closings aren’t limited to stores and restaurants,many employers are also closing down their offices and are requiring that employees work from home.
Working from home isn't a novel concept. However, it may be new to you, it is certainly new to me. Especially if you are starting a new job. I am and my first day was online. It was nice not having to worry about traffic and getting to work on time. No commute? Sounds good to me. I get to wake up a little later? Awesome. But what will working from home be like and what can I do to have a productive day of work . Here are some things that I am implementing. My goal is to stay in as much of a work/professional mode as possible at home.
Set a schedule
The thought of waking up and working whenever sounds awesome. However I am going to try to keep a consistent schedule every day like I was at work.For example, I am at work by 9am, I take a coffee break at 11am and go for lunch at 2pm. I may modify it a bit. Maybe work from 8am-4pm or 10am-6pm. Have a lunch break at 1 or 3pm. There will definitely be a coffee break. Having a schedule reminds me that there is work no matter if I am home.
Dress code
Rolling out of bed and staying in my pajamas is tempting. However, I wouldn’t wear that to work and the goal is to stay in work mode. I'm not saying that I’m going to put on a suit or a full face of makeup. But maybe a pair of pants and a button down shirt or a blouse. The idea is to look professional which will help maintain the work mindset. Also, I want to look presentable in case there are meetings via Skype or Zoom and I need to be visible. No covering the webcam, I’m not the only one who occasionally does that right?
Create a workspace
I have a space that is designated for work. A desk with a comfortable chair with supplies such as pens, paper and a stapler. I’m also taking advantage of the natural light that comes in my place. It is certainly better than working under bright office lighting. One of the benefits of working from home is that you can create your office space to get you in work mode and at the same time be comfortable.
Take a break
Even though my goal is to stay in work mode while at home,I can’t forget to take a break. It is easy to get caught up in the work and forget to take one. Especially, when you don’t really have any interruptions. However, it is good to get up and stretch every hour. Look away from the computer screen and blink every twenty minutes. Take that coffee break. Have lunch away from the work area. No working while eating. I have gone for a little walk during my lunch break. A brief walk in the sun provides your body with vitamin D and it is rejuvenating.
I’ve been trying these ideas for a week and so far so good. Give these a try and see how they work. We don’t know how long we will have to shelter in place or work from home so we may as well do what we can to make the best of it.
Stay safe:)