We are now living our new normal, hopefully only for a short time, which for many of us means we are working from home. COVID-19 has led us to make many changes to our daily routines. Routines we worked hard to create. Let’s face it. Change is often difficult. Adapting to change takes time. Unfortunately, COVID-19 is spreading quickly, which has caused us to quickly adjust our lives in order to protect ourselves and those we love. 

If you are new to working from home, or it’s not your normal routine, these tips will help make working from home work for you. 

Establish “on” times

• As much as possible stay with your regular routine.
• Get out of bed at your normal time (remember, we will eventually go back to the office so don’t make that hard on yourself when the time comes).
• Start and end your work day around the same time you did in the office.
• Routines can help us stay focused on what we need to accomplish during our “work day” so follow your normal routine when getting dressed for the office – be video ready for those conference calls and FaceTime chats.
  • Casual attire including yoga clothes are OK – your pajamas are not OK for video conference
  • No shoes, no problem

Embrace daytime multitasking ... a little

• Identify some perks you can enjoy while you are working from home.
• On a conference call:
  • Stand up and stretch.
  • Lift light weights (use a couple of can goods if that’s what you have available).
  • Take your smart phone and ear buds and take a walk with your favorite tunes. Bring a pad and pen to take notes.
• Take breaks:
  • Throw in a load of laundry.
  • Put on your InstaPot dinner. 
  • Play with your pet.
  • Wash dishes.
  • Read a book to your children.
  • Do a quick craft project with your children.
  • Check-in your family.

Carve out your workspace

• Create a dedicated, comfortable space in your home where you will work.
• If the first space doesn’t work for you, move to another.
• Create a workspace that promotes calm and focus.
• Play your favorite music.
• Put out your favorite aromatherapy.

Self care

• Stay hydrated and nourished.
• Try to eat healthy foods.
• Try not to graze through the pantry or refrigerator.
• Stay connected with friends by organizing lunch or happy hour using FaceTime or other media or share pictures of your new workspace.
• Roll out your yoga mat for your afternoon break.
• Make sure you have the equipment and supplies you need on hand.
• Utilize available resources: talk to colleagues, search online for tips on effective remote work practices.
• Take coffee or tea breaks and use your special creamers and syrups to make it feel like a “moment” just for you.
• Take time to sit outside or work outside when possible.
• Follow these best practices:
  • Avoid working “after hours” unless needed.
  • Make family time a priority.
  • Stay tuned into current events enough to be aware but not to the point of being overwhelmed.

Share responsibility 

• Embrace the virtual experience and support meaningful connections through video participation.
• Use Microsoft Teams to stay connected.
• Be dependable and prepared for check-ins with clients and your team.
• Support collaboration and team building through thoughtful engagement during discussions.
• Be intentional about creating virtual hallways. Many conversations happen in the hallway and break rooms of the office space. Find ways to re-create these experiences (i.e. virtual coffee breaks, group chats by text or video).
• Don’t be afraid to overcommunicate with team members and your leader. Reflect and make sure everyone has clarity especially when dealing with a complex matter.
• Let your leader know what is and is not working for you and your team members in the virtual space or remote work experience.
• Initiate and support team agreements for how virtual meetings will be conducted and honor the agreement.
• Watch for disengagement with team members and check in with each other.

Written by Karen Houston, senior people operations consultant for Buckner International.