Working Remotely

Daily routines have been affected by COVID-19 in one way or another - including how you work. For many, this has meant making the change from commuting to work each day to working from home.

The routine of going into work provides structure; it feels “normal” to leave where you live and go somewhere else to do your job. At first, working from home can feel a little strange. However, there are a few things you can do to help make it easier.

Set a routine
Create a routine for yourself — even if you live in a studio apartment and your commute is two feet from your bed to your table. Set an alarm and get up at the same time each day. Shower and get dressed. Get a coffee or a glass of water and sit down at your workspace on time, like you would if you were in the office. A routine helps your brain prepare for the workday by getting you into the “at-work” mindset — even if you’re not there physically.

Make a to-do list
Make a weekly and/or daily to-do list to help you keep track of all your tasks — especially if you are having a hard time switching into “work” mode. Just remember to be kind to yourself if you don’t finish everything on your list — everyone dealing with additional stress due to the pandemic — and remind yourself that you’re doing your best. The Pomodoro Technique is a useful method that can help you tackle your to-do list in actionable sections (you work for 25 minutes at a time with 5-minute breaks in between).

Set up your workspace
If you can, set up an area in your home just for work. Perhaps you are lucky enough to have a separate room that you can work in (This is especially important if you have kids at home!). If you live in a small space, find a spot to think of as your workplace and set it up as best you can. Use a drawer or a box to store all of your work items at the end of the day; this will help to keep your work and home space tidy.

Set your work hours
It’s easy for work hours and personal hours to blend when you work from home. While there might be times when you need to work outside of regular office hours, try not to do it too often. When the workday is over, it may be helpful to do something to signify you are done for the day. Put your laptop and other work items away, go for a walk or even wash your coffee mug. Small actions like these can help you feel like the workday is over, so you can move on to your personal time.

Set some rules for your family or roommate
If you have a partner, children or a roommate, it’s helpful to negotiate what will work best for each of you with this new way of doing things. You might ask your children not to come into your office when the door is shut, indicating that you are on a video or conference call. If you have a partner or a roommate who is also working from home, create a schedule of when to take breaks, eat lunch and make important video calls. Working out some rules that make sense for everyone in advance will help.

It’s also important to remember that if your child comes into the room while you are on a video call, it’s not the end of the world. This can happen to anyone — today might be your turn. After all, everyone knows that sometimes your five-year-old can’t wait to tell you about the bird they saw!

Connect with co-workers
Make a point to connect with your co-workers outside of formal meetings. Set up a time and take a coffee break with one of them over a video call and chat like you would if you were to meet in the breakroom at your office. It’s important to stay connected with people — and not just about work. It’ll help brighten your co-worker’s day too!

Give yourself a break
Accepting that things may not be as easy while you work from home can reduce a lot of stress. It is an adjustment — especially during a global pandemic. It’s important to keep in mind that your emotions during this time are valid and that it’s okay to feel what you are feeling. Accept that some days will likely be more productive than others — for you and for your co-workers.

Last but not least, listen to the advice of B.C. Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry: “Be kind, be calm and be safe.” Make sure to take time to check in with yourself. And reading the How Are You? Seriously post is just one place to help you start!