Working from home because of Coronavirus? Here are 5 tips to make it work.

As someone who’s been running a business out of my home office since 2004, I know a few things about the challenges – and benefits – of a 30-second commute. 

So, if you find yourself suddenly working from home because of the Coronavirus outbreak, here are a few simple strategies to help you stay on track. 

The biggest pitfall of working from home is allowing your work to dominate your home. If you hope to achieve any kind of efficient work-flow, enjoy a decent work-life balance, and avoid having sticky fingerprints on that vital report you’ve been working on for two weeks, creating a dedicated work space is key. 

If you don’t have a home office, don’t worry. Your work station doesn’t have to be large, but it does need to be a dedicated area separate from your personal living space.

With your desk only steps away, it’s easy to work any time of the day or night. And that makes it easy to work around the clock. Having the flexibility to arrange your work schedule around your personal schedule is great. Never finding the time to spend with family and friends, not so much. 

Set regular work hours, and then stick to your schedule. 

With the kitchen just steps away from your office, it may be tempting to take a break and empty the dishwasher. Or fold the laundry. Or pick up your son’s dirty socks.

And with no boss looking over your shoulder, it’s easy to lose a morning to Facebook or the newest release on Netflix. 

Getting up from your desk for a quick break or enjoying a proper lunch at your kitchen table is fine – but losing your day to housework or social media is no way to keep your boss happy.  

Working from home means you can roll out of bed and hit your desk in your pajamas. Right? 

You may not need to wear a button-down suit to work from home, but you should still dress in a manner that makes you look and feel like a productive professional. 

Working from home means you get a break from the creep in the next cubicle or your narcissistic boss. But it also means you miss out on the camaraderie of a traditional work environment.

Working from home can be lonely and isolating, and you may find yourself having long conversations with the family pet. 

Make an effort to stay connected with colleagues and clients. Schedule a coffee meeting, or go for lunch. If COVID-19 has you afraid to venture out, try a virtual coffee over Facetime or WhatsApp. 

 

Regular social interaction is good for your mental health, will keep you motivated, and will help maintain the connections you need to enjoy professional success, long after Coronavirus has run its course.