Tips to Work from Home During Coronavirus Outbreak
Coronavirus – an epidemic outbreak has put the entire world upside down. This highly contagious virus spreads person to person very quickly. Since this virus has no vaccine available in the market, many countries are planning to decrease the spread. Social distance is one top option to stop spreading this virus.
Staying back at home, not stepping out of your houses for any reason can stop spreading this virus. Many country leaders are urging their people to avoid coming out of their houses for any reason unless it is a medical emergency.
To survive in these critical Coronavirus times, many employers are asking their employees to work from home. As part of social responsibility, all employees are opting to work from home. This option, working from home isn’t an easy task; you cannot enjoy its benefits without perfect planning and execution.
Work-from-home has several advantages, but only when you acquire full knowledge before implementing this idea. To gain maximum productivity, one should follow the below-mentioned tips. A perfect idea can always lead to a perfect and favorable outcome, which is indeed important for you and your employer.
1. Make up your mind
You need to set your mind that you are working from home, don’t treat it like a child’s play. More serious you take it; the better will be the productivity. Set timings and work with dedication, walking around your house for simple things can deviate your mind, you will miss the track and ultimately your productivity decreases. Mental ability plays a vital role when you opt to work from home options.
2. An office like environment
It may be a difficult task concentrating on your work when your kids around you. So it is advisable to create an office-like environment at home, for this you need to sit with your laptop in a room by locking the door, to avoid disturbance your kids cause you when you are busy attending a call or a video conference. Also, please make sure you place your laptop on a table instead of your lap or bed. More comfort you choose more difficulty you will face. So brace up yourself and face the difficulties.
3. Break timings
Like you have tea breaks in your office for relaxation; allot some time at home too. Try to relax, sip your favorite coffee. Try not to spend too much of your valuable time relaxing. Make the schedule and follow it strictly. Eat your lunch during your break time and head back to your laptop and continuing with your work. By following the schedule you improve your concentration levels ultimately you manage to achieve better output.
4. Distractions
You may get distracted in many ways when you work from home. Repeated phone calls, your parents calling you, or your spouse complaining about kids, all this can disrupt your focus. So it is advisable you attend all their needs once at a time and ask them not to disturb you. Sometimes power cut can also distract your work. So make sure you keep your laptop charged all the time.
5. Avoid entertainment
Some people play movies, music while they work at home. This may be relaxing but this hinders your productivity in most cases it can ruin all your work from home benefits. Your single mistake can affect your entire effort and ultimately your manager expresses unhappiness. This will surely make you disappointing. So avoid unnecessary entertainment while you work at home, do whatever you want but only in break time.
6. Opting free time
when you really need a long break, you better inform your concerned manager about it, and share the time schedule you will not be available. If you really need a break with health issues, you better not work, make sure you express all your mental difficulties and problems with your manager. If you still work with a distressed mind you are not only putting yourselves in trouble but your entire team has to face the consequences, it would be like a chain reaction. Your manager may address all your concerns; else he will replace you with another guy for time being.
7. Update your manager
You need to update your manager pertaining to your availability for scheduled meetings or call. In case, if you have any family related emergencies you need to inform your manager, by doing this you are saving your time and theirs. In case if you are not available for a meeting then you must ask your manager to reschedule the meeting.
You should also handover your work to others by informing your project manager, another guy will take over your work in your absence and fill the gap by doing this you are ultimately saving entire project work.
8. Project-related issues
If you have any issues or doubts related to project you may usually call your team leader or colleague for assistance, this is the scenario when you are in the office, but when you work from home you need to request for help by calling them or share your live screen, you need to use the technology to a maximum in order to resolve issues instantly.
Always, make sure you rely on video sharing, Skype and other communicating software to get in touch with your team lead or manager.
9. High-speed Internet
Some of you many have to rely on sever to access some files, this may need high-speed internet connection, make sure you have high-speed internet connectivity at home. Downloading files and uploading given work to server would be easy only if you have high-speed internet.
Even video calling also need high-speed internet to avoid lagging. Communication plays very important role when you work remotely. Remember, perfect and flawless communication is very important when you work remotely.
By following above tips you will successfully enjoy the benefits of work-from-home especially during these difficult times. Let’s not get disappointed, follow the tips and enjoy the work and make much out of it.
FAQs
The stay at home order length varies from state to state, but the general recommendation from the CDC is to not leave the house for 14 days.
Depending on the type of work you need to complete, the best way to work from home can vary. Generally, creating a separate area to work, setting daily goals and taking regular breaks are recommended.
Working from home can bring a variety of benefits. Some of these include a reduction in costs (no commuting, less workplace distractions) more flexible hours, more family time, and improved work/life balance.
You will need a reliable computer and internet access. A laptop with a wireless connection is optimal, but a desktop computer can also be used. You may also need special software, a headset and other peripherals.
Safety protocols such as setting up a separate workspace (preferably in a well-ventilated area) and making sure to practice good hygiene are suggested for those working from home during the coronavirus outbreak.
Generally, you will need to contact your employer or supervisor if you need assistance. Some companies may also provide additional resources, like a designated helpdesk.
Systems such as data encryption and a VPN should be in place to ensure a secure remote working environment. Strong passwords should also be used to access file shares and other network resources.
Yes, some tax implications can occur when working from home. You may be entitled to a tax deduction for expenses such as office furniture and equipment. It’s important to speak to an accountant or tax professional to understand your particular situation.
Working from home can bring its own challenges. These include a lack of human contact, distractions at home, feelings of isolation, difficulty managing time and energy levels, managing technology, and difficulty separating work and home life.
Staying productive when working from home can be difficult. Tips include setting daily goals and tasks, staying organized, establishing a working area, taking breaks and managing technology. Prioritizing tasks and establishing a designated time to log off can help you stay productive.
