8 Tips for Working From Home During the Coronavirus Outbreak

Here are a few tips to help you find some peace of mind while working from home.

1. Morning routine:

Follow the same routine as if you are working at an office. If you used to get up at 6:00 AM and start working at 8:00 AM, don’t get up at 7:45 AM because you will not leave your home. Get up early and get dressed as if you are heading to your office – probably not a suit, but certainly not pajamas. Look on the bright side: You don’t need to commute. So, use that time for yourself, take a walk if you can, workout, spend time with your pets or family, or start your workday early.

2. Don’t get distracted:

You can have several distractions at home. If you have the chance, have a dedicated workspace away from family members. Unfortunately, not everyone is lucky enough to have a spare room to use as an office. If that’s the case, find a comfortable, separate spot to continue your work.

3. Set expectations:

Sometimes family members can think that you are available since you are working from home. Well, not really! Set clear expectations on your work schedule and let them know that you are simply not available during work hours.

4. Take breaks:

Working at an office, you would take several breaks like 10-minute coffee breaks or 30-45 minute lunch breaks, wouldn’t you? Do the same thing. Don’t be afraid to take breaks, don’t burn out.

5. Work-life balance:

You would think this is the easiest one, but the lines can become blurry when you are working from where you live. When your day is over, make sure to sign off. You will need time for your home responsibilities and to rest your mind so that you are ready for the next day.

6. Plan your day:

Working from home requires self-discipline. Plan your day or even week ahead of time. Make sure you complete what you planned. If you have access to a project management/task management tool, use it to prioritize your tasks. If not, simply use an Excel sheet to note down your tasks and priorities.

7. After-work treat:

Socializing is not an option now, but do something you’ve wanted to do for a long time. Start an online course, learn something new, dive into a new book, set a virtual party with friends and/or family. Be creative and give yourself something to look forward to after a workday.

8. Stay positive:

It’s a really tough time to focus on work or anything right now. We are all in fear. Some days, you may have less productivity compared to others. Don’t beat yourself up. Make sure to do the best you can and try to stay positive and healthy.

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• If you are an employer and looking to hire contingent IT resources, we can help you! Most IT projects require highly specialized skill sets that may not be readily available within your existing staff. During a global pandemic, investing in a full-time hire can be challenging.

CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 RESOURCES:

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