Working from Home
Working from home and going fully remote is a concept that may be new to both you and your employer. We've outlined below some guidelines and protocol to help ensure that your WFH experience is successful.
ATTITUDE
Remember, WFH is not an opportunity to be at home “relaxing.”
WFH is an opportunity to utilize technology in order to succeed despite current circumstances.
Think of it as an opportunity to better communication channels and increase resourcefulness, as you carry out day-to-day responsibilities.
CREATE SPACE
Create an office-like environment: separate and distinct from your “home space” and conducive to working effectively without interruptions.
Design your work space for efficiency, with all the documents and materials you need.
Create a healthy workspace – good light, comfortable temperature, computer keyboard and mouse suited to your needs, etc.
Set boundaries with your roommates and friends – although you are home, you’re working.
Establish ground rules for work hours, interruptions, noise, etc.
WORKING HOURS
Working hours are the same as your typical office hours, unless specified otherwise. Follow your company’s protocol for clocking “in” and “out” as well as scheduling time off – sick time, personal days, etc.
Don’t be hesitant to take your lunch break or 15 minute breaks just because you are at home, but make sure to communicate with your manager or supervisor if you’re leaving your “desk.”
CHECKING IN
Create a system with your manager or supervisor for the most efficient check-ins to ensure a successful work day.
Manage expectations: ask your manager what the priorities are, and discuss how tasks will get done.
Ensure that your accomplishments, project statuses, outcomes and deliverables are visible to your manager and co-workers as appropriate – avoid being out of sight, out of mind.
Ongoing communication is key – working fully remote may be a new concept for both you and your employer. It’s important to communicate not only success, but also roadblocks.
SET UP BOUNDARIES
It is important to find ways to “disengage” from work and have quality personal time when traditional boundaries between work and home life are no longer clear.
Set reasonable limits to your work hours and determine how to meet work requirements and still preserve personal time.
Build in short breaks and work during periods of peak energy.
Try to maintain normal work hours, and shut things down when you would normally leave the “office.”
FEELING SICK?
If you are feeling sick, or think you may have symptoms of COVID-19, please do the following:
Contact your HR manager or the appropriate point person – inform them. This is confidential information and should not be shared with anyone besides your direct manager or supervisor.
Refer to the CDC COVID-19 Safety Guidelines and follow the appropriate medical steps or contact a helpline.
- Alexa Scull, ArtBound Initiative Team
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