We’re all doing what we can to stay safe, stay sane and stay busy through the COVID-19 pandemic. In every country around the world, working from home has become a reality for many employees.
While it can be comfortable and fun for many, some of us are discovering that it’s not just as easy as crashing on the couch and finding the wifi password. We’ve done our homework and surveyed some experienced Work-at-Home Warriors for some tips, advice and recommendations. Yes, it can be challenging to stay productive and engaged while avoiding the temptations of daytime TV, kitchen snacks and a hectic news cycle of global gloom. But, creating work in the comfort and security of you own familiar space, with bottomless good coffee and fewer interruptions can be enjoyable.
(re)Build your workspace
Lounges are for lounging not conference calls, and kitchen tables are for dining, not spreadsheets. The first best step in preparing to work from home is finding or making a suitable workspace. You’ll need a proper desk and task chair to protect your posture. You’ll need good lighting - either natural or artificial - to protect your eyesight. And you’ll need enough space for papers, laptop, screen and work materials, to protect your sanity. Ideally, your new workspace can also be a noise-reducing distance from the regular bustle of your household (think kids, pets, parents, partners etc.)
Consider investing in comfortable headphones or even some noise-cancelling headphones to create a truly productive oasis. Being able to focus on your work, without a world of cars, neighbours, and appliance noises will be invaluable.
Don’t forget to watch the clock, set yourself some defined workhours, and respect your personal time. It’s hugely beneficial to use the convenience of home to make some coffee, have a good lunch and grab some fresh air outside. Remember to ‘clock-out’ on time, whether it’s at 5pm, or your regular work day, and be careful not to let your work slide into family time or your own time.
Finally, a great benefit of home-working is easy access to your very own kitchen and grocery supplies. Take the time to prepare a healthy breakfast, good lunch and some tasty treats throughout the day.
Social distancing does not mean isolation.
Just because we have been told to practice social distancing doesn’t mean you can’t hang out. There are many mental and emotional benefits to staying connected to the people you work with everyday. Schedule team calls frequently to catchup and share what’s going on. There are many free and affordable team video chat services, like Zoom, Uberconference and Skype that make connecting easy. Bonus benefit - prepping for a video conference will give you an excuse to change out of your day pyjamas!
If you are planning to videoconference, here are some quick tips to keep it looking pro:
- Remove any distracting (or embarrassing!) content within the camera’s field of view
- Ensure you have enough good lighting
- Close the door behind you so pets, kids, partners or visitors don’t wander into the conversation
- Activate ‘Do Not Disturb’ on your laptop or PC, to avoid any distracting notifications
- Learn where the mute feature is, to silence your microphone when not participating.
Creating engagement in every workspace
With Power2Motivate, you can build a program that’s tailored to match your company size and culture, and directly link positive behavior and achievement to tangible, attractive rewards. Contact us today to find out how we can help keep your team members focused and motivated. We can set up a demo of our highly configurable engagement platform, so you can see for yourself just how impactful it can be.