8 Work From Home Tips That Bring Success During Covid-19 Crisis

Given the current Covid-19 pandemic and the mandate from the Government, companies are left scrambling to ensure their businesses stay intact. As a result, many organizations have opted to have their employees work remotely as opposed to shutting the company down. Kudos to these companies for being innovative and tackling this crisis head-on.

Working from home comes with its own set of benefits, distractions, and frustrations that are quite different from those you may find in the regular workplace.

Can you really work at home and achieve your career goals? The answer is absolutely!

These thoughtful questions and informative tips can guide you toward successfully working remote:

1. Where can you devote space in your home to your work? Although it doesn’t have to be a whole room, you’ll need a desk and a couple of drawers designated for your work. Keep in mind, the more organized your space is, the easier the transition will be for you.

• • A small storage cabinet or filing container will also come in handy for supplies and work-related documents.
  • Consider the spaces in your home that are currently not often used. Maybe a guest bedroom, that hidden nook, or den could double as your place to work if you make a few changes.

2. Do you possess a strong work ethic and personal responsibility? If you’re able to set a time to start working in your home office and follow through with it, then you’re one more step closer to being successful in working remote.

• • When you work from home, no one is watching over you.
  • You don’t have someone 10 feet from you whom you can consult with or ask a question.
  • However, if you’re responsible and self-motivated, you can do it.

3. Are others in your home during the workday that might cause distractions? Talking with your loved ones about working from home is important to your success. Get a commitment from them to support you during this time to help reduce interruptions while you’re working.
4. Can you screen out other distractions? Neighborhood kids playing outdoors, noisy cars passing by, barking dogs, and telephones ringing could all serve to sabotage your work success. If you can close your door, silence your phone, and ignore these events, success will come easier for you.
5. Can you stay focused and on task while working at home? Due to the remarkable technology we all have available to us, it’s easier to lose your concentration on work-related tasks.

• • You can waste valuable work time through repeated checking of email, social networking sites, and text messages during the day. For better concentration and greater productivity, refrain from these activities while working (unless you need to check emails for your work).

6. Consider drawing up a structured schedule. Depending on the type of work you do, it’s helpful to have a schedule that reflects what you’re working on and how long you want to spend on each task. Implementing a system is the quickest path to success when remote.
7. In the event your work involves prolonged sitting, build time for daily scheduled exercise. A healthy body and mind are also important to success. It’s wise to get some physical activity each day.

• • A 30-minute time slot before lunch, for example, is a great time to take a walk, do some calisthenics, or complete an exercise DVD.
  • If you’re an early riser, consider getting your exercise out of the way first thing in the morning. You’ll begin your work-at-home day with enthusiasm and be truly ready to sit down and focus.

8. Know the difference between physical distancing and social distancing. Mental health is equally as important as your physical health. Continue to stay engaged with your teams and other people that you would normally speak with. Sure physical distance is extremely important, but you can get creative and interact virtually.

• • Participate in webinars with your camera on. Yes, WITH YOUR CAMERA ON. This will mean you need to get dressed and maintain your normal routine.
  • Schedule virtual meetups, coffee breaks, or happy hours to ensure you are checking in on those that are most important to you. This also ensures you are being social as much as possible, even the most extreme introvert requires a level of interaction.

People just like you all over the world accomplish working remote successfully. With careful planning, personal responsibility, and the ability to screen out distractions, you’ll find working remote to be rewarding and liberating.

If you are interested in any of our virtual workshops and webinars for your remote staff, please feel free to contact us at info@israelgreene.com or 855-487-0055.