Working from home - best practices

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As part of the global supply chain, and in compliance with current Government guidelines on social distancing, Cable Solutions will remain open and operational, with a selection of our team working from home. Please click here to see how we are addressing COVID-19. 
 


working from home best practices

12 / 05 / 2020

Everyone has had a bit of a shakeup since the coronavirus took centre stage, spreading COVID-19 disease to every corner of the globe, crippling businesses and industry, and killing hundreds of thousands of people. Social distancing and lockdown protocol has seen many people make the transition from the workplace to the home office, and this in itself, has brought many challenges.  

Graham Ross - Business Development Manager added ... "Working from home has become the new norm for many people locally, regionally and internationally. At Cable Solutions Worldwide, we are taking the appropriate actions outlined by the government and encouraging our employees to work from home if possible, making sure that their health and safety is our top priority. Many people in business have worked from home for many years, it's nothing new, however, it's very new for our staff and management. It's taking some adjustment too, however, we're adapting quickly, and to safeguard our ability to operate from home, we've put together some best practices. If you're in a similar position and have made the transition and finding it a challenge, then read through some of our suggestions below, you might pick up some useful tips."

Your workspace

your workspace

One of the most important decisions when moving to a home office environment is where to site your desk, chair, computer, etc. This will be different for everyone and will depend on the space that you have available, however, a dedicated room for your office would be the ideal scenario. If this is not possible, a small desk in any suitable room would be sufficient, and adjacent to a window would be a healthy option. Seating is also important, remember that your posture is vital, so your chair should allow for a comfortable position. Proper office ergonomics should be followed as normal, adequate equipment spacing and correct chair height can help you achieve a stress-free working day. A comfortable space to work is vital for your mental health and privacy away from the family. Remember your work-life balance, it's very important to be able to turn off and finished up for the day.

Set procedures

Set procedures

Working from home should be similar to working at the office, start the day with your alarm, make coffee, breakfast etc, but you might want to add in some health measures, for example, stretching and exercise. Ending the day should also have certain positive procedures, so end with a routine. You could check in with contacts and staff, and clear your desk of any emails that will signal shut down. If your type of work has flexible hours, and it's a sunny day not to be missed, don't get frustrated being cooked up inside, if possible utilise an hour of quality time to interact with the family. You could set this as a daily procedure, it will positively recharge the batteries and balance the body, and you'll be more productive when you start work again.

Feel connected

Feel connected

Feeling connected whilst working from home is important. You don't have the luxury of talking with your colleagues next to you or sitting down in a production meeting to engage in discussion. You need to make sure that you allocate time to catch up with your internal staff, both collectively and individually, so use the tools available to you, phone, instant messaging, video calls on Skype, FaceTime, or explore other video conference applications. Feel connected with your team, it's needed now more than ever, challenging times needs collective solutions. Don't think twice about picking up the phone in these challenging times, communication is key, it will keep everyone informed and up to date.

Your expectations 

Your expectations

Working from home can have its limits, but you must understand your expectations. You need to keep up to date with current tasks and provide support to every member of your team when required, including your customer network. Expectations will change working from home, it's simply not possible to make the transition to the home office and hit the ground running, it will take time, and your employer understands this. Your working day will differ hugely, business methods may have changed and priorities and procedures may now be very different and continually evolving. Your employer will understand these challenges, however, you must make an effort to learn and adapt.

Practice self-care

Practice self-care

Working from home has certain routines that should become habitual and if possible, try to replicate your office protocol. Make sure you take your breaks at the correct time, for a drink, and to stand, stretch and mobilise your body for a couple of minutes. Remember to eat and hydrate properly. During these challenging times of self-isolation and social distancing, it's normal to question your productivity and become negative, therefore, it's important to practice self-care and a positive mindset. You need to dedicate time during the day for exercise, even meditation to balance the body and mind, 15 minutes will be sufficient, and you will reap the rewards. You need to prioritise your physical and mental health when working from home, open the windows and let in the natural light and fresh air. If possible, take your routine breaks on time and do your exercise breaks in another room away from your office space or better still, in the garden if the weather is good, and let the family join in.

Prepare for disruption 

Prepare for disruption

Working from home can be frustrating, you will have disruptions from the family, and it can be stressful, especially if you're in the middle of an important video call with a customer or team member and the kids appear loud and unannounced. This will inevitably happen at some time, so you now need to allow for this disruption, prepare for it happening and don't get overwhelmed, your colleagues will sympathise. We have to remember that kids don't completely understand the situation, and stress can cultivate in the family as a result of tension. Think about new activities for the children, inside and outside, and add to their routine homework, it's a perfect time to learn new technologies. Try and keep your kids fully engaged and interested at home, preparing in this way, will give you the quality time that you need to work uninterrupted.

Stay safe online & offline

Stay safe online and offline

When working online, be careful about your sensitive information, passwords, additional security keywords, and memorable information. If you are suspicious, contact your IT support for their advice. Scammers pretending to be trusted companies are very sophisticated these days, so if something seems unusual, go with your gut instinct and decline. Never give out any sensitive information that compromises your safety and banking integrity. Offline procedures are well documented. I'm sure you all are well-rehearsed by now, however, make sure you remain to adhere to government guidelines at all times, it can be very restrictive, but it could save your life. Exercise safety and caution at all times.

Like everyone, Cable Solutions is looking forward to the lift on lockdown and a speedy return to the new normal. As part of the global supply chain, and in compliance with current Government guidelines on social distancing, Cable Solutions will remain open and operational, with a selection of our team working from home. Please click here to see how we are addressing COVID-19. 

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