With the COVID-19 pandemic, many of you have probably been instructed to work from home. If this is something that you are not used to, the transition could be a bit challenging. Luckily for you, this article is filled with tips on how to work from home effectively.
Adopting an Attitude of ‘How Fascinating’ rather than ‘How Frustrating’
While you start out in this new way of working, you might hit some technological, as well as human bumps and wrinkles. Even though these may be frustrating, try to be curious about the obstacles and view it as an opportunity to learn something new, rather than be confounded by them. Check out this quote from a current professor at the University of Cambridge on how Isaac Newton made the most of his time working from home. Imagine how you’ll be able to use this time productively.
Video Conferencing
It is recommended that video conferences with more than 3 or 4 people should be no more than 30 to 45 minutes long. The cognitive effort of staying creative and engaged after 30 minutes with 12 people on the same call is too draining to be sustainable day after day.
If it is necessary to have a larger group for a meeting, employ the ‘fishbowl’ or interview model. In this model a smaller group of speakers from a larger group are observed by their peers who are actively listening. This document contains information on fishbowl discussions. Although it is specifically speaking to in-person meetings, you can use some of these techniques in your video conferences.
Make Use of Digital Tools
There are great digital tools out there like Miro.com, Trello, Skype, SmartSheet, Teamwork and more that make it easy to connect with your team and work collaboratively, even though you may be in different locations. Here’s another article that has some great working from home tools.
Have a dance party
If you feel like you’re in a rut, get up from your workspace and have a dance party (even if it’s by yourself). Moving your body can help rid negative thoughts and keep you focused. Sites like Popsugar Fitness also have great free videos of various workouts for you to get active from home. Try one of these out during your lunch hour or in the morning before you start work.
Hope these tools have been helpful as you get started working from home or social distancing. Check out this video for even more great working from home tips. Best of luck in your new working situation and stay safe.
