COVID-19 has forced event cancellations, school closures,
and a consideration for remote work where possible. As more companies are
sending their employees home to work, we compiled this list of tips to be
successful away from the office.
- Reliable Internet: Nothing is more frustrating than having spotty Internet, especially when you’re trying to work on a big project through a remote access connection to your work computer. Most Internet packages available today will be fine. However, you might need to curb ancillary access of the Internet, like streaming and gaming if you’re trying to do something more than upload and download documents. If your Internet seems slow, shut down and restart your router/modem. This can sometimes speed things up for a while.
- Good
Computer Hygiene: You know that “It’s time to update” pop-up that you’ve
been avoiding for weeks? Take the time to update. This is most likely handled
automatically by your IT team at the office, but your home system may be
woefully behind, curbing your speed, as well as opening up unnecessary security
holes. We recommend applying security patches as they are released to keep your
computer up to date. Not sure if there are updates available? You can check
your computer’s control panel for notifications. You can also try simply
restarting your system. Often, the updates will kick into gear.
To maximize effectiveness, watch the number
of programs you’re attempting to run and browser windows you have open at any
given time. Computers are not great multi-taskers; they will regularly switch
between a multitude of processes (the instructions behind your applications) to
complete commands. In fact, the number of processors in your system is the
maximum number of things your computer can be “working” on at once, so if
you’re seeing a drop-off in performance, take a moment to close a few programs
that are not actively in use.
- Connect Securely: In order to protect your business, connect through remote access
software or VPN. This will allow you to use your regular work desktop without
risking business data in an open atmosphere. Consult with your IT team to
review their plan for remote access as well as enterprise-grade antivirus
before beginning remote work.
- Establish
a Routine: When you go into the office, you have a clear routine. You come
in, grab a cup of coffee, banter with your co-workers for a few minutes, sit
down at your desk, and get to business. While it may be appealing to work in
your pajamas, try to maintain as much normalcy as possible. Stick with a clear
starting time and work schedule. Create an office space so that you’re not just
piled up on the couch. Plan to get dressed and ready for the day, just like
you’re going into the office. In essence, act like it’s just another day at the
office.
- Over-communicate:
You may find yourself feeling isolated pretty quickly when working from
home. This is likely because you’re missing out on the short interactions and
general banter with your colleagues. We highly recommend setting up a daily
touch-base with your team in order to discuss priorities, work through sticking
points, and to simply connect with other human beings.
Don’t be afraid to send more progress emails than
normal. Utilize messaging apps liberally, and don’t underestimate the power of
a video chat or meeting. If an email exchange is getting too long (more than
three replies back and forth without solving the problem) pick up the phone.
Working from home can be an efficient way to keep a business
running. When done right, you can be just as productive, if not more so, than
at the office. Enjoy the opportunity presented by COVID-19 concerns to
establish a new work normal, at least for a short period of time.
