COVID-19 Working Remotely

The unimaginable global Covid-19 health crisis has interrupted the structure of what was once ‘business as usual’ little time ago.

These challenging times have highlighted the importance of staying connected and maintaining communication while adapting to our new ways of working and living. With social distancing measures in place, remote work or working from home has become the norm for many. Despite the lack of physical interactions, it is crucial that we remain connected, productive, and inspired, and learn to leverage the power of digital technology during this critical period of change.

The significant alterations to our daily routine and work environment can present challenges for everyone. To help navigate these changes and maintain productivity, motivation, and a positive outlook during these testing times, here are some universal recommendations to consider.

"The beautiful gift of being human is that we’re resilient as a species. We’re adaptable by nature." - Tony Robbins

Workspace

It's important to establish a workspace that is conducive to your work style and needs. Having a dedicated, quiet, and organized workspace can help you maintain a clear state of mind, stay focused, and make better work-related decisions. Consider positioning your workspace near a window or in a well-lit room to feel more connected to your external environment and avoid feelings of isolation. Additionally, working in different locations, such as another room or outdoor space, once a week can help keep things fresh and interesting.

Who says you can't have fun while working from home? Put on your favourite playlist or choose from one of the many "Work from Home" playlists available on Spotify and other apps to get you energized and in the work mode.

"Having a clear mind and clear space allows you to think and act with purpose." - Erika Oppenheimer

Mindset

Although it may be tempting to work in your pyjamas while working from home, research suggests that dressing in work clothes can have a positive impact on your productivity and mindset. By taking the time to dress professionally, you can signal to your brain that it's time to get to work and approach your tasks with a more focused and determined mindset. So, consider dressing in work-appropriate attire even when you're working from home to maximise your productivity and achieve your goals.

Dressing up can influence our mindset and performance. It can help create a distinction between work time and personal time, which is crucial when working from home to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Plus, looking professional during virtual meetings can help you feel more confident and make a good impression on your colleagues and clients.

"Dress how you want to be addressed." - Heels Agency

Prioritise

Time management is crucial when working from home. It is essential to create a schedule and stick to it, including regular breaks to avoid burnout. You should also establish clear boundaries between work and personal time to avoid overworking and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Moreover, try to prioritise your tasks and focus on the most important ones to ensure that you meet your deadlines and achieve your goals.

Manage

Using task management apps can be very helpful in staying organised and productive. In addition to "Monday," there are several other popular task management apps available, such as Trello, Asana, and Todoist. These apps allow you to create and organize tasks, set deadlines, and collaborate with team members in real-time. They also offer features like reminders, progress tracking, and integration with other productivity tools, such as calendars and email.

Connect

Staying connected through digital communication also provides an opportunity to check-in with your team members, see how they're coping with the changes, and offer support and guidance where needed. It's important to maintain a sense of community and collaboration, even when physically apart. Regular virtual team meetings can also provide a forum for discussing any challenges, brainstorming solutions, and celebrating successes.

Balance

It's important to remember that self-care is crucial in maintaining a healthy work-life balance, especially when working from home. By taking regular breaks and dedicating some time for self-care, you can prevent burnout and boost your productivity. Additionally, setting clear boundaries between work and personal time will help you stay focused during work hours and avoid overworking. By creating a healthy routine that works for you, you can successfully navigate the challenges of working from home.

Mentors

Connecting with a mentor or like-minded individuals is a great way to stay motivated and continue growing professionally. It allows you to gain new insights and perspectives, learn from someone with more experience, and build a valuable network. Social media platforms like LinkedIn can be a great resource for finding mentors and networking with professionals in your field. Additionally, there are many online courses and webinars available that can help you learn new skills and expand your knowledge base.

"Surround yourself with other supportive women that encourage you, share ideas & get you motivated." - Jessica Alba

Support

Small businesses play a vital role in our communities, and they have been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. As individuals, we can support them by ordering takeout or delivery from local restaurants, buying gift cards for future use, shopping at local stores or online marketplaces, and sharing their social media posts with our networks. We can also encourage our friends and family to support local businesses and help spread the word about their products and services. Together, we can make a difference and help small businesses survive this crisis.

Supporting local businesses can have a significant impact on the local economy and community. By buying local, you are helping to keep money within the community, creating jobs and supporting families. Additionally, small businesses often offer unique and personalised services that larger chains cannot. It's important to remember that the effects of COVID-19 will be long-lasting and supporting local businesses now can help ensure they survive and thrive in the future.

"We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone." - Ronald Reagan

Inspirational Quotes