Tips to Successfully Work Remote – It’s Not All PJ’s and Mimosas, Folks! 

It goes without saying, the Coronavirus pandemic is unprecedented. As the government, schools, and professional sports teams close their doors for the foreseeable future, companies are scrambling to determine how to handle the situation and how to best serve their employees in uncertain times. Many companies are moving to a remote (work from home) model. While incredibly effective in limiting social interaction and therefore, the spread of the virus, for those who are not accustomed to working in such a setting, there can be some growing pains. Like with most things, the key to success is preparedness. 

As someone who works from home on a regular basis, I thought it was the perfect time to share some quick tips to set yourself up for success while working from home: 

Set an alarm and a schedule. When working from home, I like to get up early, have my coffee and breakfast and get in a quick workout before my work day starts. I use the time I would spend commuting to be productive instead of rolling out of bed 5 minutes before work starts. I also start working at the same time every day, whether I’m in the office or remote – this creates a sense of continuity. 

Create a dedicated work station. I have a home office which is incredibly helpful it minimizing distractions. If that isn’t a possibility, make sure to set up a comfortable place to work in the morning that has everything you need to be productive, i.e. your computer, notebook, pen, phone, etc. all at your fingertips. If your company is equipped to do so, remoting into your work desktop is key – having access to everything you have at the office ensures you have no limitations when you’re at home. 

If you can limit outside distractions in your space – i.e. the tv, family members/roommates, pets (how dare I, right? I know), LIMIT THEM. Know what you can handle.  If you feel one of these things will be hard to ignore, remove yourself from the situation so you can get to work. 

Take breaks like you would if you were in the office. Get up to get water, take a lunch break – you’re not glued to your seat, but don’t take advantage of the fact you are home to do things you wouldn’t be able to at work. “Well, I was working but then I decided to try out Ina Garten’s souffle recipe at 10:00am, had to watch the oven for 2 hours.” Not cool, we all love Ina, but she can wait until you’re off the clock.

Stay in touch with your teammates. Don’t work in a bubble. Most roles require a lot of collaboration and communication – just because you’re working from home, doesn’t mean that should end. Email, call, Skype, text (whatever method you’re comfortable with) your team to ensure projects are moving forward and to let them know you are accessible. 

Finally, and this should go without saying but I’ll say it, work hard. At the end of the day, be ready to show your team what you’ve been working on and what you’re accountable for. If you’re in staffing (like us), how many phone calls did you make? How many messages did you send out? What were you tasked with and what did you get done? Yes, your boss should trust you to get your work done, but there are two sides to that coin. If you can’t show your productivity, you’re not doing it right. 

So, with that, good luck. If you’re working from home, don’t take advantage of the situation to eat Fritos and watch The Office all day (as tempting as that sounds), use it as an opportunity to show your boss that you’re an adaptable, superstar team member – you’ll cement yourself as indispensable to the team.

For more information on the Coronavirus, please visit the CDC's website.

This blog article was written by Danielle Larson, Talent Acquisition and Engagement Specialist

About Whitridge Associates
Whitridge Associates provides expert talent to a diverse group of technology companies, financial services, defense contractors and healthcare providers throughout the country. With a history of 25 plus years of unparalleled service to both our clients and consultants, Whitridge is one of the most highly regarded staffing companies in New England. Whitridge was recently recognized as an Inavero’s Best of Staffing® Client and Talent Awards winner for the fifth year in a row, one of the top 100 fastest growing staffing companies in the United States and was presented with The Excellence Award from TechServe Alliance the industry’s leading trade association.
Whitridge helps our clients and candidates achieve business success.  Think Whitridge. Think Success. www.whitridge.com