1. Get Dressed!
I try to get dressed in what I would normally work in, although for me it’s just a work polo shirt, it does help to maintain a ‘work is work’ attitude, and no extra effort required for any quick video chats! (I don’t have to get my hair done ever though!)
2. Have a comfortable Workspace
It’s better if you have a dedicated ‘office’ workspace, but again this may be difficult for some. Separating as much as possible home and work does help me concentrate – if I’m in my office, I’m working, my family know & respect this. (As much as is possible with two young kids!)
3. Have a regular team video chat
Previously I home-worked so I could concentrate on a specific technical task or project without interruption. But even before this crisis, I often felt a little isolated working from home even for a day. I’ve found quick 5 minute team video chats do help a great deal in caching up with what everyone is doing. If you’re used to an open-plan area and the collaborative atmosphere that comes with it, I think this is vital.
4. Take a break from the screen
It’s been very busy for me over the last few weeks and I’ve been spending way too much time on the phone & staring at my monitors. If you have a garden, use it every so often!!
5. Make sure you have the right tech in place!
This is more for employers, but not being able to get suppliers on their regular phone numbers and dealing with mobile phones with poor quality is a real bugbear for me. We use Cisco systems in house so it’s not an issue for us, but there are many other solutions.
We can transition really any non-cloud-based PBX to routing calls through Microsoft Teams, for example and we can spring this up without any long-term contracts. Modern IT really does not stop at the office, and it shouldn’t hinder your work.
6. Zoom is great for large meetings
I’m sure everyone has tried a few Videoconferencing solutions over the last few weeks, my fave just now is Zoom for ease of use by far if there’s over 6 people. (Even though we sell & use Cisco & Microsoft). 365 Teams is great for our small ’Shiny Team’ meetings, though.
