The Prime Minister appealed to the people to observe a self-imposed curfew and a large number of employees are are encouraged to telecommute, or Work from Home, to limit the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for the Covid-19 coronavirus epidemic. Here is some advice to working professionals better manage this situation.
Summary
- 1) Create a dedicated workspace
- 2) Keep your habits
- 3) Set goals and communicate
- 4) Learn to disconnect
- 5) Establish rules of life for the whole family
- 6) Parents and couples: share the load
This epidemic constitutes the most serious health crisis that the world has known for a century. And in exceptional situations we need exceptional measures. Thus, all employees whose function allows it are called to telework at home, in order to slow the spread of the virus .
Although this working method usually avoids the stress of public transport, traffic jams or other inconveniences in office life, it is not always easy to apply. Especially since the closure of nurseries, schools, colleges and high schools , parents must also manage their children at home. How best to organize to stay calm and efficient?
Create a dedicated workspace
Navigating between your bed, your sofa and your coffee table is not ideal for concentrating. The priority for working at home is to define a precise work area . This will allow you not only to better focus on your mission, but also to preserve the balance between your private and professional sphere. If you don’t have a home office , or don’t have enough space, a dining table corner will do. If possible, choose an isolated space to be able to escape the stresses of your children. You will thus have the impression of being able to let go psychologically by leaving this space, and vice versa.
Keep your habits
To limit the impact of working from home on your balance, it is essential to preserve certain rituals. Nothing prevents you from delaying your awakening for a few minutes or from working to music , but be sure to maintain certain morning habits. Parents, children… confinement should not encourage you to stay in your pajamas for two weeks. Get in motion : wash, dress, make-up if you feel the need.
Set goals and communicate
To stay motivated, nothing like setting goals and deadlines – realistic. There are many sources of distraction at home. Without a roadmap , you risk losing motivation and losing efficiency. The other downside to working from home is isolation . To remedy this, do not hesitate to rely on your colleagues: calls, videoconferencing, sms, emails … Many technical tools now make it possible to work in a team or manage projects remotely . Likewise, if you encounter scheduling difficulties, do not hesitate to share them with your colleagues to find the best organization.
Learn to disconnect
I can never repeat it enough: in telework as in the office you have to set limits and stick to them . Teleworking should not be synonymous with vacation or hard work. Fixed schedules will allow you to compartmentalize your activities. Take breaks, disconnect from social networks (also useful for fighting anxiety linked to the spread of information around the disease ), cuddle your cat or dog, and above all resist the temptation to throw yourself on episodes of series at noon … If necessary, configure alerts on your smartphone to respect your time slots.
Establish rules of life for the whole family
Who says confinement says proximity and cohabitation. Not always easy. Hence the importance of collectively establishing rules of life to prevent many situations. Children in particular must be made aware of the situation: establish play, homework and meal schedules so that they keep their bearings . Explain that you too need time to work and that there are certain things you need to follow, such as staying out of your workplace. And it is not this father who will say the opposite:
Parents and couples: share the load
Without school, the older children can exercise autonomy at home, but the smaller ones often require more attention. If you live as a couple, do not hesitate to share the roles with your other half. One can supervise the children while working, while the other isolates, then alternate. Naps, cartoons… Optimize all the moments available .
