Humanity is experiencing exceptional and desperate times together. We are all doing our best in a less-than-ideal situation. With patience, a positive attitude, and a lot of understanding, we will get through this. My name is Kathleen Ciolli, and I’m a Solutions Engineer at Otus! I’ve been working from home for nearly nine years, and I know how difficult this transition is. I wanted to share a few tips to help ease your nerves during this uncertain time:
1. Establish Workspaces
It’s important each person in your home has their own space dedicated to quiet learning or working. This may be difficult if you have small children or small spaces, but with a little creativity, it is possible! If everyone knows where they are working in the morning, it’s much easier to face the day.
2. Commit to Routine
Showering and putting on clean clothes (dare I say it, jeans?) can help put you in the right mindset for the day. Your hair may be pulled back most of the time, but it still deserves a good wash. All of that being said, we all have an off day (or two), so be kind to yourself and give yourself permission to wear sweatpants now and again. Or every day if that’s your routine.
3. Cameras On!
There’s no denying that video conferencing is a way of life now, so turn your camera on so you still feel connected to your coworkers. With video on, your attention will be laser-focused, reducing the temptation to multi-task. Even though we cannot be together, we can do our best to create some normalcy.
4. Set Your Schedule
At home, it’s easy to fall into a trap of working constantly because you don’t physically leave when you’re done. When the clock strikes 5 (or whatever your set schedule is), close your computer and take time to do something you love. If you can pry your families from their devices, maybe try to have a family game night!
5. Give Yourself a Break
If your child is getting more screen time than usual, it will be okay. If meetings are being interrupted by your home life, work will still get done. When a coworker’s child pops into a meeting, say hello and ask them about their day if you can. Refrain from judging others and their actions based on your reality or what you think is theirs.
Most importantly, stay safe and healthy. I hope these tips help!
Want to take a deeper dive into the psychology of working from home? Check out this really interesting article by @RaniMolla.
