Working From Home During COVID-19?

April 9, 2020

Many employees are finding that picking up their office and setting up shop is a reality during COVID-19.

For some, working from home has always been something they’ve dreamed about. Others dread the thought. They can’t imagine trying to get work done with family members around and distractions such as laundry.

It’s hard to fathom being productive with no schedule, little or no in-person adult interaction and the familiarity of operating outside the normal workplace.

There’s little doubt that when this public health crisis is over, a new workplace will emerge where working from home will be increasingly normal. Up until now, many employers have been skeptical about allowing their staff the flexibility. They are likely to find that some people are actually able to get more accomplished in this new environment.

For those who’ve never done it before, the concerns are legitimate. It will be tempting to get that pile of dishes out of the way before settling into work. How will you work around kids interrupting? Spring has arrived, you may be tempted by the birds chirping and the sun shining.

In this blog, we provide resources that will help you make the most of your situation, including pitfalls to avoid, whether you’ve always wanted to try working from home or the idea has always scared you.

In either case, this necessary social distancing time will make you a more flexible human resource.

Here are some links to articles to help you work from home more effectively:

https://energynow.ca/2020/03/https-energynow-ca-2020-03-20-tips-for-working-from-home-being-covid-19-proactive/

https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/tips-on-how-to-successfully-work-from-home-1.4864382

https://www.informationweek.com/pitfalls-to-avoid-in-the-covid-19-rush-to-work-from-home/d/d-id/1337367

https://www.themuse.com/advice/4-ways-to-prove-your-productivity-when-working-from-home?

https://www.themuse.com/advice/take-it-from-someone-who-hates-productivity-hacksthe-pomodoro-technique-actually-works?

https://www.hcamag.com/ca/specialization/employee-engagement/covid-19-tips-for-successful-remote-working/217059

At The Work Place in Grande Prairie, we continue to provide service under a revised delivery model. The Province of Alberta has directed us not to have in-person meetings with clients during COVID-19. We can continue to provide job search and career advisement information via email, phone or video technology.

Call us at 780-539-5477 or email info@gpworkplace.com.

Our website is www.gpworkplace.ca

When you’re working from home, it will also be important to be mindful of your physical and mental wellbeing. Here are some resources that cover tips in these areas.

https://www.fastcompany.com/90479259/how-to-design-an-effective-schedule-during-stressful-times?

https://www.fastcompany.com/90479504/how-to-maintain-your-mental-health-while-working-from-home?

https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/digital-leaders/202003/5-tips-working-home-amid-covid-19

COVID-19 will mean many workplace changes and remote working will be an expected part of doing business in the future. For employees, the ability to show flexibility is another feather in their caps when it comes to employability.

We wish you the best in your adjusted work situation.