Working from home and checking in with others

What to do/ not to do when working from home and Checking in with others

I think I can safely say, the last month has been- well surreal ! At times, I have felt like I am just in a bad dream and that I will wake up and it will all be over ! and I have a football match to look forward to at the weekend;  followed by my favourite tipple in the local with my good wife- but that is obviously not the case ! It is very easy to feel sorry for oneself ( and also dream like above !) but I did read an interesting quote from someone that popped up online “that we can’t control the situation; but that we can control how we react” and that got me thinking in relation to working from home. We can’t control how long we will be working from home from; but we can control how we react to the situation.

Keep in touch with your Clients and fellow co- workers

The Covid 19 situation is obviously an unexpected; unprecedented event of significant magnitude- recognise this is not solely a challenge for your Business but also your Customers too. There is a high probability that they will be affected just as much as you are, and some can be going through a really tough time so being able to empathise with them is important whilst maintaining strong relationships. Recently, I had a new starter with a close client of mine and her first week instead of being in the new offices ; mixing with fellow employees was a 2 week induction programme working from home- and she really appreciated when I reached out to her to see how she was getting on. Also some of my clients have really been impacted by this situation; being able to empathise and understand how your Customers/clients feel is important to keeping in touch- it’s a tough time for many people out there and some; although maybe not saying it; will really appreciate the contact.

Also working from home; can be lonely for some people. You may be accustomed to working in an office with fellow colleagues so although it is imperative that we are all safe; it’s important from a mental health point of view to check in with fellow co- workers- to check in with them; by mail but ideally by a Skype call- its very easy to feel helpless – but others will appreciate the call/connection. A call to someone else; a “check in” can really improve a fellow colleague’s morale .

Working from home and Work Environment

Undoubtedly, the past fortnight has probably the most rapid change in how Businesses undertake their work and operations- for some it may change forever ! who knows? But working from home can be difficult especially if you are not used to it on a daily/ weekly basis. So how do you set yourself up for it? It is important first and foremost that you designate a workplace and you create some kind of boundary – mentally it will help. If you have the fortune of having a spare room ; maybe that could be the best place for you- but then again some people work better with some noise in the background but if you have a young family better not to have kids jumping on you- not fair to you or them. It is important that your workspace is clear ( i.e so not to have a pile of ironing in front of you or have 10 empty cups of coffee on top of a breakfast bowl )- ask yourself; would you have that in the workplace?

Routine is also important and sticking to it if possible and also to get some fresh air . Some people find by going for a walk as well in the middle of the day can help. ( last week I was giving myself an excuse – one day it was a short cycle ; another day a walk to the shop) – but it is vital to get some fresh air and you will be able to think more clearer on your return.. During the work day; switch off social notifications- most companies don’t allow it in the workplace so then don’t go on them when working from home.

Also at the end of the day ; if possible; to put your laptop away as it can be a reminder of work. When you have finished your day’s work ; you have finished your day’s work and by putting away the laptop; you are putting away “the work reminder” ; you will be able to relax for the evening.

As mentioned; we do live in unprecedented times. I will be the first one to admit; I was a little down last week and thinking about what could happen and then I realised ; I was reading too many app’s and getting a little disheartened and over- thinking everything ! so now I purposely read an article in the morning but the next time is the 9 o; clock news- and that is the truth and it has greatly helped . As humans ; we spend too much time over- thinking what may; could happen? So always remember you can only control your own situation- easy to say but when working from home; I hope; the above advice will help.

Good luck and most importantly of all; be safe !

Denis Mac Sweeney- Associate Director at Amicus Recruitment denis@amicus.ie