As we’ve transitioned into working and going to school from the comfort of our homes to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s never been more important to ensure that we’re working efficiently and effectively from this new environment. HCVT’s Training team has put together a list of tips for ensuring you are successful while working remotely.
Make Your Environment Work for You
- Customize your space to your specific needs. This is one perk of working from home – the space is yours to work with. Your work from home tools may be different from your office tools. Identify what works best for you, and that will contribute to your productivity.
- As always, watch your posture – sit or stand up straight. This might be tricky to do if you’re logging on from a couch.
- Find the best workspace for you: some people are most productive in the kitchen or living room, and others need the peace and quiet of a private space, like a bedroom or office.
- Minimize distractions to allow you to focus on the task at hand. If you can, close your door or share your schedule with your family or roommates so they know when you are busy or free.
- Treat your new workspace like an office and go through your usual morning routine before you log on. Though life is definitely not normal right now, following through on your usual routines will bring a sense of normalcy.
Maintain Work Quality and Quantity
- Enforce boundaries with family, roommates, and pets. Just because you’re physically in the same place doesn’t mean you do not have work or school obligations.
- There may be fewer trips to the water cooler or the student union these days, but it’s still incredibly important to practice time management. Avoid working around the clock by creating a to-do list.
- Keep up your social connections by interacting with co-workers, friends, and family via Zoom or phone.
- Take care of yourself and put yourself first. These are unprecedented times that can be overwhelming.
Bring the Same Level of Professionalism
- Know and meet your expectations in work, school, and life. If you’re unsure, ask a manager or professor.
- Be available and responsive during core working or school hours. You should be accessible and attentive during the workday and class times.
- Communicate regularly and often and check-in more than you think you need to. It’s better to over-communicate than have managers and colleagues unsure of what is going on.
- Maintain the same level of professionalism on your video and audio calls as you would in an in-person meeting or class.
- Be accountable, self-motivated, and responsible for your work, and make sure your completed projects are consistently high quality and professional.
