Coronavirus in Moray: How to work from home
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The career-related social network LinkedIn is offering the following advice about how best to work at home.
Working from Home with Children Tips
1. Talk to your children about what is going on and help them understand why you need to concentrate on work.
Explain that they should try not to disturb you (except in emergencies) while reassuring them you’re still there for them.
The likelihood is they’ll find the whole experience novel and fun, but there is a chance they could be confused or worried.
2. Create a designated space in your office area for your children so they can be with you while you’re not on calls.
This could range from a cot or playpen to a small table stocked with arts and craft supplies, or with work from school if your child is slightly older.
3. Arrange important calls and meetings to take place during your child’s regular nap time.
If your children are too old for naps, establish a “quiet play time” every day where they can read or play quietly and use this time for calls or work that needs your full attention.
4. Explain to anyone you’re speaking to that your children are at home so there may be additional background noise or interruptions.
Some people may even welcome one of your youngsters popping up on screen.
If your children do end up disrupting you, handle it with a cool head like Professor Robert Kelly did…
5. Make sure to arrange regular intervals of quality time with your children throughout the working day.
Whether it’s playing their favourite game, reading together or even taking them outdoors to let off some steam, the dedicated attention from you will help ensure they don’t feel ignored and haven’t had a boring day!
Co-Working with Your Housemates or Family Tips
Treat your housemates like co-workers: Respecting other people’s space and working schedules just as you would in the office is super important.
While chatting about non-work related stuff can offer some light relief, consider housemates as akin to colleagues and treat them with professionalism during working hours.
Communicate your schedule: With face-to-face meetings taking a backseat for the moment, the amount of important calls and videocalls will greatly increase.
Be sure to vocalise any important meetings you may have to each other, so you can get peace and quiet when you need it.
Designating each other specific workspaces at home, so you all have boundaries during working hours, may also be helpful.
Keep the house tidy: The house is likely to get a bit messy from time to time with everyone indoors together.
Make a concerted effort to keep things tidy each day – it will make for a much more constructive environment to work in and help you keep focused.
Schedule break times: While you’re all at home, schedule in time to socialise to break up the day and give yourself something to look forward to.
Agree to eat lunch together, cook with one another in the evenings or agree some time to watch a film or a new series together.
