Reducing the spread of COVID-19 means many people will have to work from home. Here are my top tips for those new to remote work after my 8+ years of remote working.
1 Get Dressed
However tempting it might be to stay in pyjamas, put on your usual work clothes, with shoes, to get you in a workplace frame of mind.
2 Set Up A Dedicated Workspace
Get your, laptop, chargers, phone, headset, stationary, together in one place. Ideally this should not be your bedroom, you don’t want to wake up next to your desk. Use a comfortable chair at the appropriate height for your work space.
3 Stay Connected
Stay in touch with your Manager and the rest of your team. Ensure you have secure remote access your company Intranet if required. Utilise all of the great tools that support remote working like Zoom, Skype, Slack, etc.
4 Establish A Work Schedule and Stick To It
Have set start and finish times to your workday, as you would in the office. Make sure to take breaks and get out if possible. Go for a walk or run, meet a friend for lunch, unless you are required to self-isolate.
5 Make Good Use Of The Time You Save Commuting
Allocate the time you would have spent commuting to something that benefits you. Take an online course, cook at home more, read a book, call a friend.