The devastating Coronavirus outbreak looks set to deeply affect us all, in so many ways, over the coming weeks and months. For most, the immediate impact is being in lockdown – meaning many thousands of us used to the buzz of office life are working from home for the first time.
Some – likely those with more introverted preferences – may be in some ways delighted, while those with more extraverted tendencies may find isolation a complete nightmare.
I’ve worked from home for a while, and I think I’m getting there. I have my own habits – my own approach – and it works well for me. Here are a few hints and tips which might help to make home-working more effective and enjoyable for you during this challenging time:
Interaction Is Key
It sounds obvious – but it really is. You and your team members should avoid anyone becoming isolated by checking in regularly. It’s easy to underestimate how much casual interaction we have with our colleagues over the course of a working day. So making time to speak regularly will help support your well-being, whether it’s about work or what you caught on Netflix last night.
You Can Only Control The Controllable
Introverted thinkers might spend a lot of time analysing detail about the virus outbreak and what it means for them and their work. Try to look at the practical steps you can take in your life right now rather than fixating on unknowns.
Talk through any concerns with other members of your team so you don’t bottle it up. They are probably experiencing troubles of their own, so you can help one another.
Be Flexible
Working from home can be an opportunity! Maybe you can adopt a new approach, spend the time you’d usually take travelling into the office learning something new, or move your hours around a to suit your commitments.
Remember, this is a new arrangement for everyone and has to cut both ways. Your employer might need you to flex to suit business needs – a little give and take goes a long way.
Keep An Open Mind About Others’ Preferences
You’ll likely already have an idea of which of your colleagues will relish this opportunity and those who will hate it but try to keep an open mind. The individual you thought would be OK may actually really be struggling.
Try not to assume, rather ask your colleagues how they’re doing so you can understand what their needs. Being aware of both your needs, and the needs of others, can help smooth over any differences. Try to approach situations in a way which will suit the needs of all members of your team.
Innovate
Necessity is the mother of invention. Look for opportunities to change the way you work to suit your new circumstances. If your rambling three-hour managers’ meeting runs better as a strictly focused 45-minute video conference, then go with it.
Maybe you’ll never look back!
Work On Your Empathy
Our research into globally dispersed teams found that levels of understanding and empathy can be lower where team members do not share the same physical space. It’s easier to ignore a colleague’s needs if you can’t see them.
You and your team may need to work harder to be compassionate and meet the needs of others, especially during this crisis which is testing us all. Try not jumping to conclusions about others’ behaviour, instead always consider what might be going on for them right now.
Create An Effective Working Environment
One of the benefits of the current lockdown is that you can create your own workspace. If you work better with background noise you can select your radio station of choice, or if you’re someone who ‘speaks to think’ then call a colleague to talk through your ideas.
Make sure you have access to the technology you need – this should be a priority for your manager too – and a tidy, space which is conducive to your work.
Build A Routine
Try to get into a rhythm which suits you and prevent distraction by setting goals. If it helps to start your day with a coffee and a chat, then continue to do so. Try to allot periods of time during the day to an achievable list of tasks and stick to it if you possibly can.
Alleviate stress by checking in with your manager and other members of your team – be clear about what you’re working on and how you are progressing against your plan.
Stay Active
Perhaps you can set an alarm as a reminder to get up, stretch your legs and take a break? Research has shown that prolonged periods of sitting result in decreased blood flow to the brain and impaired cognition. You can counteract this by taking regular breaks to stretch and walk. Even try standing for some of your meetings – you’ll notice the difference in your posture and alertness.
Bio
Hannah Prince is the Business Psychologist at Insights Learning & Development. She has a passion for understanding the underlying psychological factors required for high performance in professional contexts. Insights has offices in 18 countries and a presence in over 90. Its solutions have been translated into 39 languages.
Everyone who works remotely has to figure out when to work, where to work, and how to create boundaries between work life and personal life. What about office equipment, career development and training opportunities, and building relationships with colleagues?
It’s much more than just the benefit of getting to work in your pajamas. Working from home means you’ll learn to rely on self-motivation, self-discipline, focus, and concentration.
Employees aren’t the only ones who benefit from working from home; a company can benefit just as greatly from a remote employee. “For employers telecommuting can limit absences, increase productivity, and save money.
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