Many Americans are being asked to work from home or remote during the COVID-19 outbreak. For some this may be the first time you have ever worked outside of the office for any extended period of time. Having worked remotely for a large percentage of my career in recruiting, I have a few tips that I’ve learned throughout my experience.
Here’s my advice for working remotely in the recruiting field:
1. Keep up a Routine
Get up at the same time you did before and stick to it. Get dressed like you are going to the office (no working all day in your pajamas). You will feel better and be more productive as opposed to just rolling out of bed and turning on your computer. I wrote an article about building a daily routine (here).
2. Be Intentional
Do not waste this time that has been given back to you. Be intentional on how you spend the time you previously spent in traffic. Use it to prioritize time with your family, start a daily devotional, or dedicate a little time each day to learning something new.
3. Dedicate a work space
This does not have to be an office, but you will be more productive when you have a place dedicated for work. Ideally, this would just be a space that is utilized solely for working. When you are in that space, work. No working from the couch– that does not count as a dedicated work space.
4. Turn off the TV
Make sure that the time you have set aside for work is free of distractions. This means that television, radio, and other electronics should be saved for outside of work hours so that you are able to focus.
5. Set Boundaries for Yourself and your Family
You know yourself and what can distract you from being productive. Make sure you set the necessary boundaries that will keep you productive during the day. Your family may think that since you are home you can hangout like you do on the weekend. Remind them you are actually working. Boundaries also mean that you should be clear on when you are going to stop working. Working from home can make it easier to blur boundaries between work and home. Be just as disciplined in stopping for the day as you are in starting for the day.
6. Stay Connected
Spend lunch time with others. If it is safe to do so, plan lunches with family or friends. Use this time wisely as you need human interaction. Even if you don’t have anyone to socialize with, be sure to take some time away from your work space for your lunch break.
7. Enjoy the Perks of Being at Home
When you take a break to get coffee, spend a few minutes with the family. Pet your dog. Throw some laundry in the wash. There are benefits to working at home that will not interfere with your productivity. In fact, you will be more productive by taking small breaks.
8. Use Video Chat
I highly recommend using Zoom or another e-meeting platform to stay connected to the rest of your team. Most of the communication process is non-verbal. This gets lost in emails and to some extent the phone. By using video you will be able to take advantage of all of your communication cues and skills.
9. Advice for Extroverts
You need to be around people. You gain energy from people. You will not be productive if you are not communicating with others. Plan your day to include plenty of video and if safe, face to face interaction with others.
10. Advice for Introverts
You love being alone, but don’t allow yourself to get too isolated from others. You need to reach out and stay connected. It may be easy for you to work from home for an entire day and not speak to anyone. Try to make a point to connect with at least a couple of people per day.
We are all working through unprecedented events. For better or for worse, remote work will be come a reality for many of us in the coming weeks and months. We can all be productive working remotely if we make sure we are prepared and diligent.
Recommended Reading:
Recruiters will be Facing a Hiring Downturn Due to the Coronavirus
Erin Mathew Interview Spotlight
Breaking Connectifier is Officially Shutting Down
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