As the stock markets take a tumble because of the coronavirus or COVID-19, businesses across the world are carefully restructuring the daily work routine to prevent the rapid spread of this highly contagious virus. Companies are reducing risks by limiting face-to-face contact and implementing plans which require employees working from home.
The change may come as a disruption for many in-office employees who are used to working in a cubicle setup, and this new routine will require lifestyle changes within an employee’s home. Although it may be a welcomed change for many, employees will need to consider how to bring their work home and continue their productivity in their home environment. Here are a few tips to help with the process.
1. Continue or Establish a Routine
Whether or not your company offers a flexible work schedule or one that is as synced as before, it’s important for employees to continue or establish a routine while working from home. The routine allows employees to manage their time accordingly as well as lessen the effects of the disruptive changes that hinder employee performance.
For example, if you are working from home and you are used to waking up at 7 am to drive to work, but now will have an extra hour due to the lack of a commute, resist any temptations to change your sleeping or working patterns. Brian Tremar, the co-founder of Opportunity Business Loans, says “ Keeping the same schedule will reduce disruptions in your overall workflow and habits.
Small changes such as sleeping in can affect and change your productivity levels, so stick to a schedule.” Use the extra time you have to build strong morning routines (this can include meditating, reading, drinking coffee or tea) that can enable you to be prepared for focused work.
2. Create an Optimal Workspace At Home
Another rule of thumb to follow is to create an optimal workspace at home. It’s easy to settle by using your living room space or working in your dining room, or wherever there is a flat surface available. However, instead of using whatever is around you, take time to design your workspace to ensure the best long-term work performance.
Dining room furniture such as chairs and tables are temporary solutions, but when you consider the number of hours you will be working at home, prioritize long-term health and comfort. Sitting 8 hours a day in an ill-suited dining room chair may increase your chances of lower back pain and neck strain.
Greg Dodson of Alabrava suggests, “Invest in ergonomic pieces such as good working chairs and standing desks. This will help you immensely as you prepare to bunker down for work at home.”
3. Communication is Key
There are several ways employees will benefit from working remotely. However, one large downside to this environment change is communication. Face-to-face interaction is one of the easiest ways managers and employees can clarify needs and expectations from each party.
But when your company is cutting-down on face-to-face contact to reduce viral transmission, this can spell disaster if there is a lack of information flowing back and forth between teams and management. Less face time also means more self-management, and without the right tools to set up employees for success, communication gaps will be exacerbated.
Jacklyn Vasques of Star Credit Repair says, “I like to have my team touch base at scheduled times throughout the day. This help gets everyone on the same page and keep frustration at bay. We also like to use applications such as Zoom and Slack to keep communication lines open in case something needs to be addressed on the spot.“
4. Socializing Over The Net
Although it is advised to avoid large gatherings, socializing and being in touch with others is still an important need. If your office has asked you and your coworkers to work from home, you’ll need to do all you can to prepare for the effects of this change. This includes finding ways to socialize with coworkers in a different context. If you’re used to brief chats with a coworker while passing through the hall, you’ll have to be more intentional about your chat sessions from home.
Working from your home without anyone around you for long periods of time can be lonely. To ameliorate this, coworkers can keep in touch through online chats, texting, or even video chats. If possible, coworking in small groups together can reduce the loneliness and frustration that come from lack of communication. Whatever the situation, utilize the technology and applications available to you.
Final Thoughts
Working from home has its own pros and cons. Some of these pros, such as saving gas and time, may outweigh the more minor inconveniences of commuting to work. However, as employees prepare themselves to make this change, they should keep the tips above in mind to create a smoother transition into the home office.
