Tips for working at home

By Camden Mondeaux on March 17, 2020
working from home
Cropped shot of technology and a notebook on a desk in an empty home office during the day

Working from home can be a difficult transition. Check out these simple tips to help you stay focused. 

By: Cami Mondeaux

The spread of the coronavirus across the globe has caused several companies to send their employees to work from home. While this can be a weird transition, there are several things you can do to ease this transition.

1. Maintain regular hours

As best you can, set up a schedule for yourself. Set clear guidelines and goals for yourself while you work.

Working for home provides flexibility, like extending your day or starting early to accommodate special projects. But as best you can, make a schedule and stick to it.

2. Set ground rules for the people in your space

Odds are, if you’re working from home you are also dealing with a brand-new environment. New workspace and new coworkers — okay, more like your family.

It’s good to set some clear ground rules with family members who may also be working from home. Make sure to let them know what your designated workspace will be, and what you expect from each other while you’re working in close quarters.

3. Leave when you can

You know what they say: “Don’t take work home with you.”

Well, in this case you can’t really do that. So make sure to walk away from your work and take breaks.

Walk away from your desk, take a walk around, leave your house if you need to. But, if you do that make sure you practice good social distancing techniques when you go outside.

4. Communicate expectations with your boss

Make sure you clearly discuss with your boss what your expectations are and how they can be accomplished. Ask your manager what the priorities are and discuss game plans for how you’ll get these things done.

This should be an ongoing conversation with your manager and coworkers. Overcommunicate rather than undercommunicate.

5. Don’t multitask

This might seem like a convenient time to catch up on all those house chores you’ve been putting off for months. But, don’t get distracted.

Now is not the time to get that extra load of laundry done or finish that round of dishes.

If you meal prep before going to work, continue that routine so you don’t get preoccupied in the kitchen.

We’re assuming you don’t watch TV while you’re at work… so don’t make that a habit while you’re working from home.

6. Embrace the webcam

Chances are, you may need to still connect with coworkers and attend meetings. These will all be done via online social services, of course.

Make sure you’re up to date on all the social platforms you’ll need to keep in communication with your workplace while working remotely.

And embrace the webcam look. It makes you look great.

7. Be positive

You’ll make it through this! Best of luck, stay safe and wash your hands.

 

How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus 

COVID-19 coronavirus is transmitted from person to person. It is a virus that is similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading: 

  • Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.  
  • Don’t touch your face. 
  • Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet) 
  • If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities.) 
  • Get a flu shot. 

Resources for more information: 

LOCAL: 

State of Utah:  https://coronavirus.utah.gov/ 

Utah State Board of Education 

Utah Hospital Association 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 

Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707 

National Links 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

Commonly asked questions, World Health Organization 

Cases in the United States 

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