Millions of people around the world are now forced to work from home thanks to the global Coronavirus pandemic taking place. If you’re one of these people, you may be having a hard time with the adjustment to the quarantine. Below are 10 tips you can use when working from home that will hopefully help ease the transition.
#1 – Keep to Your Schedule
Perhaps the most important thing you can do when working from home during the virus outbreak is keep to your schedule. When you work from home it’s easier to procrastinate or shift your schedule around. Resist the urge and try to keep to the same schedule you had at the office.
#2 – Find a Space
Those that already work from home full-time understand that being effective requires a dedicated space t
o block out distractions. If you’ve been forced to work from home during the Coronavirus quarantine, an extremely import tip is to set aside a dedicate space at home where you can work. Make this space your temporary office and treat it as such. Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you should sit on your couch to do work. You’ll get a lot more done if you set up at your kitchen table or a spare desk.
#3 – Set Boundaries
For many of you, you’ll be working from home while the rest of your family is there. You must set some boundaries so that you can get some work done. For example, if you are working in your home office, let your family know that you aren’t to be disturbed when the door is closed. You’re all in tight quarters, for the time being, so make sure everyone respects work boundaries so that you can get things done.
#4 – Remove Distractions
Your family won’t be the only distraction though. Another tip to stay productive when working from home during Coronavirus (or any time for that matter) is to remove as many other distractions as possible. Turn off the television, put your cell phone in another room and get your household chores done the night before. The more distractions you can remove, the more productive you can make your day.
#5 – Get the Right Tech
Technology is essential if you want to work from home effectively. Now is the time to make sure you have a computer that can handle all your work needs, a strong internet connection and software to connect with your place of business. Trying to work through bad technology will only make this time more stressful, so get that sorted out as soon as possible.
#6 – Take Breaks
Just like at the office, you need to take the occasional break. Get away from your temporary workspace for a short period of time. Take your dog for a walk, or go for a walk yourself to clear your mind. Just remember that you’ll need to get back to work at some point, so don’t let your breaks extend too long.
#7 – Find Time to Socialize
If you’re used to working in offices with others, office socializing may be a big part of the workday. When you suddenly can’t chat with people at their desks or in the break room, you realize how big a part of your day it was. Finding other ways to socialize when you work from home can help you feel less isolated. Video chat with your coworkers during the day or with your friends after work. Or, take a few minutes to reach out and chat with a friend that is also working from home. Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you need to cut off all contact with the outside world.
#8 – Exercise
#9 – Stop Watching the News
During this time, it’s important to step away from the news occasionally. Yes, you need to know what’s going on, but not every minute of the day. Watching the news nonstop for Coronavirus updates is a huge distraction when working from home. During work hours, turn off the TV and avoid checking your phone for the latest updates if you can.
#10 – Stay Patient
Finally, stay patient. Everyone is still trying to adjust to this new way of working, so it might not run smoothly for a while. Your co-workers may have a harder time meeting deadlines or you may find yourself struggling with productivity. Just stay patient and eventually everyone will become better adjusted.
If you’re not used to the work-from-home concept, following these 10 tips for working from home during the Coronavirus pandemic will help you stay sane and be as effective and efficient as you were in your normal working environment.