Working from Home: In the time of Coronavirus

The first recorded pandemic occurred in 430 BC during the Peloponnesian War; centuries later we are facing the Covid-19 threat. We have had to learn how closely linked we all are, while isolating ourselves and adapting along the way. There are similarities in our response, in fact, if you were to read some of the diary entries from those isolated in their homes during the Spanish Flu (H1N1) lockdown, the panic, loneliness, gossiping and frenetic anxiety may resemble some of the posts we read on Twitter and Facebook and shared on Instagram and WhatsApp today. There is no disputing the devastating loss, 50 million died globally and 500 million or one third of the world’s population was infected in 1918. At the time of the outbreak, World War I was ending and there were few health protocols in place to deal with viral pandemics. However, in years to come the subsequent research led to profound improvements in public health.

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the way in which we live and interact with each other in just a few months. Unfortunately, we have crossed the grim milestone of having over one million people infected worldwide, with a death toll that grows exponentially. As the contagion continues to spread, our governments have prioritised public health by encouraging working from home. And for many it has been difficult, separated from colleagues, friends and family, managing tight work deadlines with playful children around.

In modern times, working from home is a growing trend. In 2016, 43% of Americans worked remotely at least part of the time, up from 39% in 2012, according to Gallup’s State of the American Workplace report. Now, we have, at a guess about 60% - 70% of our workforce working from home and with the right support, it may prove to be quite beneficial.

Here are some tips that you may find useful:

Create a functional workspace:
You may already have one, but for those of you who don’t – try to find a spot that’s quiet, comfortable, with good internet service, light and minimal distractions. Also ensure that you have a supportive ergonomic chair and that your desk and computer are correctly positioned. For some it might mean locating a desk in the bedroom, for others use of their dining room table if there are minimal distractions. Working from your kitchen or family/TV room might not be the best idea, unless you are alone at home or with family members who would not be frequenting those spaces. You might also need to be flexible and identify two separate spaces depending on your circumstances, alternating between the two are the needs arise.

Know the ground rules:
As early as possible, get clarity on your employer’s expectations with regards to office hours, daily meetings and project deadlines, as well as deliverables with regards to upcoming projects. Keep the lines of communication open with your colleagues to brainstorm, gain insight and timely feedback. It is useful to establish a daily or other regularly scheduled “touch base” meeting with your team or reporting manager. Working remotely does not mean working in isolation, so regular touch base meeting as important. They also help us to establish a sense of routine, which is critical to getting the work done and meeting deadlines.

Plan your day:
Create a schedule that may now have to accommodate other factors like cooking, cleaning, taking care of the family. Share your schedule with the family - be inclusive and flexible. For many, home schooling is an added pressure, so take this into account when you’re planning. There is also a growing need to ensure that your family feels safe and re-assured during this crisis. So have room to adjust your schedule, as you may realise that you work faster or even slower when you’re not in the office.

Develop a routine:
Everyone has a morning routine, and now the rush to get ready, perhaps pack lunch kits, and leave early to avoid the traffic, have been removed you need to adjust yours. While the extra hour or so saved in the morning does not have to be spent sleeping in, you should still ensure that you develop a manageable, healthy routine. So have a nutritious breakfast, change out of your pyjamas and get ready for the day. Try as best as possible to maintain a schedule like the one which you had in your office. Take a tea or coffee break, try to have lunch at the normal time. It is easy to work flat out and forget to eat – this happens to me quite often, so try to develop a workable timeline.

Switch off from the news:
I’d recommend that when you wake up, do not immediately turn to your phone or laptop to check email or get the latest breaking news, or jump on Instagram or Twitter. Instead, perhaps listen to music, meditate quietly for five to ten minutes before starting your day. It’s also a great opportunity to read - a novel, journal or maybe a work-related educational document. Perhaps this is how you might use part of the time that you are saving from your normal prep to get to the office.

Work hard, play harder: eat right and exercise daily
Being isolated has its benefits, so does working from home; but there are also undercurrents of uncertainty that can make you feel stressed and emotional. You need to stop working at a designated time and have lunch; and at the end of the day, perhaps read a good book, enjoy that Netflix series everyone’s talking about, garden, bake a delicious dessert, enjoy a glass of wine, WhatsApp friends or play a game with your kids. One of the best ways to stay healthy is to eat right and exercise. For the next couple of weeks, maybe more, we have to try and do this in our gardens or homes, but try and take at least 15-45 minutes each day to stay fit and proactive. There are so many other things that you can do if the gym or Savannah are no longer options. Walk around your house, play an outdoor game with the children, do jumping jacks in your garage or garden. You might even consider taking up Yoga, since there are many good Yoga programmes online which you can do in the comfort and privacy of your home. Get your children and spouse to join in. Make it fun to take away the element of chore.

Human beings are a resilient race, we have suffered gravely, survived and learnt from other pandemics : the Black Death (1347-1351), Smallpox (15-17th centuries) , Cholera (1817-1823), the Spanish Flu/H1N1 (1918-1920), Swine Flu/H1N1 (2009-2010) and now Covid-19. These are worrying times, but we also have to be patient and disciplined: we need to ensure we’re unselfish as well as safe. So stay calm, stay informed, stay at home as much as you can, wash your hands, clean your homes, look-out for each other and, rest assured, this too shall pass.