The virus which is believed to have originated in Wuhan, China has now transformed Europe into a new epicentre, with rising numbers of infected by the hour. This has led to businesses rethinking their operations, with more and more organisations forced to introduce remote working and work from home policies, in line with new health and safety measures preventing interaction between people, also known as ‘social distancing’.
Remote working and working from home are both becoming increasingly popular, and there are some essential ground rules which need to be respected to make them part of efficient operations. Distractions can be rife when you are working from home. You have to ensure you have a comfortable space with reduced distractions to ensure you can work properly. You also need to ensure that you have the right tools. These will include a proper desk with an appropriate chair, the right lighting, and aeration.
It is also important to have a routine. Working from home can be challenging, not only because of distractions but also because you may think you have time. It is important to devise a routine and stick to the routine. It can prove difficult in the beginning, but it is important to keep the consistency, whether you have work coming in or not. Wake up at a certain time, plan your breaks, and keep your focus. It can also be a good idea to dress up for work even though you will not be at the office. It is important to take your breaks, which should be about you and taking care of yourself. Refuel with a good meal and make sure you are properly hydrated. Most importantly, when you shut down, you need to shut down. Working from home should not become working all day and all night.
The current conditions are making work from home compulsory in some circumstances. If you prepare well, you can work safely and productively from home.
#BeSafe