Working from Home - 5 Tips to Perform

So, here we are amidst a viral outbreak called Coronavirus, or Covid-19, and it's starting to impact the USA. After the president's speech last night, and the recent cancelations of college semesters and other events, folks are finally taking this Covid-19 issue seriously, as they should.

One of the methods to avoid and also to minimize Covid-19's impact is to work from home (WFH). Most large companies have existing WFH policies, but have they been adapted for large viral outbreaks or a sudden upswing in requests? Are folks that are not used to WFH able to perform through tech? One of the best things to do for companies is to stress-test their WFH policies against a more substantial population working from home than planned for, and also, their infrastructure. As for workers, get in touch with HR, and find out what is available to you amidst the Covid-19 issue, and if WFH is an option. As for employers, get ready for the influx of inquiries around self-quarantine, WFH arrangements, and ultimately, a rather large disruption to the SOP of daily business.

If you get to work from home, here are 5 pro-tips to help you perform.

1. Wake up and Get Up: Sounds simple, but one of the biggest traps WFH employees experience is the start-time slip. It's easy to think, "wow, I don't have to commute today," and to pulls the covers back on and hit snooze inadvertently. Just because you can WFH doesn't mean you should force your body to adapt to this new schedule allowing waking and starting to get closer together.
2. Get Up and Do Something: Now that you are out of bed with an additional hour or so (commuting time) on your side, what can you do to improve your day and be a better you? Hop on the treadmill? Yoga? Weights? Meditate? Think about something that will benefit YOU, and as such, impact performance while WFH is being utilized. By waking up and doing something, you get to enjoy the saved commute time in a new way, while investing in yourself, and this impacts performance on the job and happiness.
3. Take Breaks: One of the WFH traps is not stopping. It's easy to get so caught up in what you are doing that you look at the clock, and it's 2 pm already, and you haven't had lunch yet (did I even have breakfast?). Setting strategic breaks and transitioning away from the monitor is akin to the water cooler or coffee break you may take at work. When you break, hop on that treadmill, or if for lunch, enjoy your time at home and a home-cooked meal. A break is akin to the time between meetings, offices, and that lunch break folks take during the week.
4. Break Free of Loneliness: The comradery found in the office is a great thing. Being around other people and enjoying one another's company is as human as it gets. So, if you have a break scheduled, call or Skype someone you love, or plan an opportunity to have a human, non-work-related discussion. Connecting with others is key to WFH's happiness and inclusion. As more and more folks WFH, connecting for personal dialogue will keep the sanity.
5. Use Video: Most webinar tools will have video availability. Many of the folks you usually meet will be in a similar situation. Seeing familiar faces is an excellent way to connect, and feel human, even when technology is wagging the dog.

In all, think about the extra time you will have, and how that can benefit both you and your employer. WFH is an excellent opportunity to get grounded in new skills and to be part of a larger cure to help minimize the impact of Covid-19.

Good luck to everyone throughout this period of time.