Working From Home: Is It Working??

It has been an interesting start to 2020, with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) being the most memorable and ongoing worry. For the first time, we have had to adapt to a new normal, one that restricts us to our homes, or limited places like pharmacies, medical visits or the supermarket. Regular errands that we thought almost nothing of, presents an opportunity to go outside.

Activities like dining in a restaurant, our work routine, hanging with friends and having good public fun, are now memories that we scroll through in our camera roll or on social media. I mean, it’s for a good cause when we stay at home, we are keeping ourselves, loved ones and others safe and helping to flatten the curve of this new virus. The more we adhere to the orders of the Government and health officials, the sooner we can get back to normal.

With that said, let’s talk about the non -essential workers who are now working from home. It might be hard to be productive at home, seeing that you do not have direct supervision, the kitchen is stocked and calling your name, or you can finally binge watch a series on Netflix. It is probably even more difficult for parents who may have hyperactive, curious toddlers with zero attention span or older children who may need assistance with online school. This makes working from home even more interesting. You may have thrown out your hourly schedules and have exhausted google searches trying to figure how to juggle home and parenting.

Websites like Nextiva.com has some 32 ways to organize yourself to juggle homework and work from home. Here are some of the main tips folks; I hope it helps all those who find it hard to be productive at home or the mommas and daddas from pulling out their hair:

1. Create a workspace: Select a space in your home to work. If you already have an office space, that’s a given, you should work there. Otherwise, select a space that is well ventilated, brightly lit (to keep you awake and alert) with comfortable seating. Please don’t get too comfortable and go in your bed or couch. That my friends, is a recipe for disaster.
2. Get dressed: Seriously, get up and get out of your sleep clothes. Your outfit does not have to be office attire, it can be a casual t-shirt and slacks. Remember to also brush your hair and your teeth, because if you look good, you feel good and you get things done!
3. Create a schedule: it doesn’t have to be an hourly schedule, just ensure that you have blocks of times that you do certain tasks. Independent play will give you a chance to do just that if you have children. Have them engage in art and craft activities or watch an educational, entertaining video. If you are child free, ensure that you carve out rest times, lunch, break and a time to stop working. You are not keeping safe from COVID-19 to develop ulcers or hypertension.
4. Create a to do list: This is different from a schedule which indicates what times you are doing specific tasks. A to do list outlines all your deliverables and when you plan to achieve them. My tip is to create one every day, so you don’t overwhelm yourself with a long list of monthly deliverables. A suggestion for parents is to create separate lists for home tasks and office work.

That’s it, guys! Four easy tips but be mindful that it takes discipline to not lie in bed all day even if you get dressed, create a schedule and a to do list. Its still work, you will still be graded on your performance, so get up and get it done. As for those moms and dads, hang in there and treasure these moments to spend extra time with your children, it doesn’t come along too often.

And most important, stay safe and stay home. You might be saving a life which may be very well your own or that of loved ones.