Roadmap to Success: Work from Home Tips During COVID-19

Before we could prepare, the Coronavirus pandemic seemed to come out of nowhere and spread into every sector of the economy and every corner of our personal lives. As millions are working from home, we’ve noticed trends in the advantages and challenges of the home office environment. While most people report being more productive, adjustments must still be made to overcome the remaining obstacles. Whether you’re a business owner or an employee, these principles should help ensure that you and your team find your way to stay-at-home success.

Maintain Daily Routines

While maintaining your usual routine would be ideal, we understand that there’s nothing ideal about this situation. Life happens, but if you do your best to maintain some semblance of routine, it can help your brain focus and transition between tasks. Studies show that routines are better for productivity and mental health.

Create a morning routine, work routine, and nighttime routine that suit your situation. Design a daily schedule that balances work and home and allows for flexibility. It may take time, but when you find the right ones, everything can fall into place.

Set Clear Boundaries & Expectations

This one applies to everyone so let’s break it down by group.

Employers

Give clear expectations, detail available resources, and explain how you’re able to help.

Employees

Give your team a realistic understanding of your limitations, abilities, and schedule. Also, a dedicated workspace can help your mind create clear boundaries between work and home.

Family Members

Many are working from home with partners, children, and other family members. Explain what you need from them, when you’re working, and when it’s okay to interrupt. You may want to have a visual cue like a sign for when you shouldn’t be interrupted.

Also, everyone should create clear time boundaries for when they’re working and when they’re done for the day. Many people find it hard to stop working at the end of the day when work and home overlap, and they’re burning themselves out. If everyone is honest about their boundaries, needs and expectations things will go much more smoothly.

Prioritize Transparency, Communication, & Socialization

Business owners and managers can help in many ways. You can curb the stress and anxiety of uncertainty by making transparency a priority. Encourage employees to ask questions and be honest about the company’s plans moving forward. Speak to everyone on a regular basis to listen to questions, feedback, and concerns. Set up easy means of digital communication like a Slack account. Coworkers can’t just walk down the hall with questions, so communication is key.

Being isolated can cause a lot of emotional issues, too. Teams feel alone when they need support the most. It’s important to make time to connect as people rather than just workers. Many companies have instated team Slack channels for personal interests, communication, and support. Others have virtual birthday parties, team game nights, or scheduled time to socialize.

Patience & Understanding

Everyone is doing their best, but it’s a stressful and difficult time. Be aware of the challenges that others are facing with family members at home while trying to work, the new responsibility of guiding digital learning for children, and those who care for parents who can’t go outside. Come together as a team to support each other, be understanding of everyone’s limitations, and be patient as we all adjust to this new way of life.

Final Thoughts

Many of these challenges are things that nobody thought of until they arose. It’s important to adapt to changes and try to think of all the ways that these deviations can affect people and businesses. While this is a hectic time, make sure you check your insurance policy to determine if having employees working from home changes your coverage in any way. If you want to discuss your insurance plan or coverage needs with an expert, feel free to contact us today for help!