Working from home - 7 tips
Recently in response to COVID-19, companies across the US and the world shifted thousands of office based employees to work from home. Before joining Highmark Health in one of those office based jobs (which just sent 8,000 home), I worked for a global management consulting firm. There, I had the privilege of working from home full time for over a decade, when I wasn’t traveling on planes to hospitals and health systems across the US. It was a transition at first, as all changes are. Thought it was worth sharing a few key tips that helped me stay productive AND enjoy the experience.
#1 – Know your priorities – As you shift to home, take a moment to reflect on your priorities. Has your work or focus changed at all due to COVID-19? Make sure you talk with your manager and your team to ensure your clear on what success looks like.
#2 – Set a work schedule – Just like getting in the office at 8 and leaving at 5 (or whenever you start and end your day), set a similar schedule at home.
#3 Communication – Communication is one of the most important components of successfully working from home. Set and discuss the right expectations. When should you be available real time by phone, chat, video and email to produce a similar engagement strategy to when you are in the office? Or do you want to set a different expectation? That’s fine to, just discuss it.
#4 – Create a work space – Some folks may be fortunate to have an office in their home. Many do not. Think creatively – can you use a space in your bedroom or living room? Also make sure you think about ergonomics. And if you can, when you’re done for the day – leave your work in your work space!
#5 – Distractions – be aware of potential distractions. Try to remove them where possible or at least anticipate them. For me, it was always around 11am when the mailman came I could sure expect my warrior Dachshund (aka wiener dog), Moe to bark ferociously.
#6 – Mind the family – Working from home for many is not just a change for you, but for your loved ones, pets, etc. If you have kids they may not understand why you can’t play all day. If you talk really, really loud or ask everyone to be quiet for calls, it can create additional stress. Work with your family to find the right balance
#7 – Take breaks - Just like in an office job where you have an opportunity to walk away to grab a cup of coffee or go to buy lunch, it’s important to program in those similar breaks at home. Take a walk outside to get some fresh air, just be sure to come back!
Which of these tips have worked best for you? Feel free to also add to the list.