The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has officially been categorized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a pandemic, meaning infection is accelerating in multiple countries concurrently. It is our moral and social responsibility to help flatten the curve by practicing social distancing and self-isolation. All of us at Ignatiuz have adopted a Work from Home policy to play our part in overcoming this crisis.
This can be challenging for those accustomed to working in an office. With that in mind, here is a list of tools and tips that can help you stay connected and effective at work.
Also, your contribution in the same is of high importance:
- Setup a dedicated workspace –It is very important to designate an area of your home, specifically for getting work done. It could be an extra room that can be converted to Home office or just a desk for your computer in a corner of your home. This also serves as an important signal to those who live with you that you’re ‘at work’.
- Treat it like a real job –Working remotely is a full-time obligation so let’s continue with the usual routine of getting ready on time and adhering to the work schedule that you follow while working from office.
- Update your to-do list every morning – When working from home and you don’t have lead breathing down your neck, it can be challenging to keep track of what you have to do throughout your workday. It’s easy to lose sight on priorities, tasks, and deadlines. Try to create a to-do list every morning before starting work and make sure to prioritize it to stay on top of your task.
- Accountability – After agreeing on how to work with each other remotely – keep each other accountable to this communication process. Leverage tools and technology to keep the work visible. Keep track of the ownership of specific action items so everyone is honest about meeting their obligations to the team. Remember, the number one way to build trust is to do what you said you would do.
- Set Boundaries – It’s best to set some clear boundaries with your family while you work. With schools being closed and everyone is at home, it may get challenging to have an effective work environment.
- Update your calendar – It is very important to keep your calendar updated so that your colleagues have an insight on your availability and book meetings accordingly. Keep your team informed if you are stepping away for any errands or appointments during work hours just like you would do when working
- Keep your spirits up – This is a stressful time with a lot of uncertainty. Negative headlines and misinformation on Social media make it even more challenging. Please try to have a positive outlook, keep checking on each other especially the ones who live alone. Remember social distancing does not mean loneliness.
Remember this period of difficulty will not last forever. This is also a time to support and take care of each other.
