Tips for Working Remotely

By: Sydney Grierson

From wearing a mask in public to working remotely, COVID-19 has undoubtfully changed a lot about how we go about our daily lives. According to Stanford economist, Nicholas Bloom, “42 percent of the U.S. labor force [is] now working from home full-time.” And while one might think that the jump from office to home would be a breeze, it is not always the easiest transition to make. If you have found yourself struggling with this change or are considering switching to a remote opportunity, here are four tips that will help make your time working from home more productive and healthier.

• Create a schedule… put it to action… and stick with it: By making and sticking with your schedule, you are setting yourself up to have a more productive day. Your schedule will allow you to keep track of how much time you are spending on a certain task and will outline what specifically to focus on. But also know it is okay to make alterations as needed and change what is not working for you. One personal tip that I have is to leave some time at the end of the workday to acknowledge what you have accomplished and what needs to get done tomorrow. Create a plan of attack from there
• Establish a workspace that encourages productivity: While it might be tempting to lay across your bed for the day with your laptop, a bedroom or office space with a desk and door is likely a better bet. Pick a spot in your home that allows you to be comfortable but also productive, is away from high-noise areas, and provides space to stay organized. Also be sure that the area you have chosen has a strong internet connection. This will help prevent dropped calls, fuzzy video conferences, and slow send outs for emails and messages communication and interaction – set up a video lunch call, send out a motivational email, or move your face-to-face meetings to a platform like ZOOM. And if you ever feel like you are struggling, reach out to a trusted co-worker, a professional, or human resources for advice and support.
• Make time for physical activity and break: Although it might be tempting to work from the start to the end of the day without any breaks to get as much work as possible done, be sure to give yourself breaks of 10 or so minutes every now and then. You can use this time to play with a pet, go for a quick walk, or grab a healthy snack and drink. This time away will allow you to stretch your legs, take your eyes off the screen, and come back to work with a focused and clear mind. Who knows? You might even come back to your work with a new idea in mind!
• Stay connected with colleagues: As stated earlier, the transition to remote work can be different for everyone, which can result in different effects on mental health. Be sure to check in with your co-workers every so often and encourage continuous