As local, state and federal authorities seek to “flatten the curve” of COVID-19 transmission, many are issuing shelter-in-place orders, resulting in millions of Americans now working from home. As of March 30, at least 27 states will have those orders in effect. Those states contain over 225 million people, which represents more than two-thirds of the country’s population.
This sudden shift, accompanied in many cases by the closing of schools and the shuttering of experiences, such as visiting the local Starbucks for a coffee break, has upended the important routines and rhythms many of us rely on during a daily basis. Now our pets and families are our de facto work colleagues, competing for available space and time.
For many, this new WFH (work from home) reality has become a challenge. The following tips and suggestions can help those transitioning to WFH.
Reclaim your commuting time. Use the time you would normally spend commuting to do the tasks that you want to do and that bring personal meaning. You could endeavor to work out and “close your rings” or “get in your steps” before you get your day started.
Alternatively, meditation may serve as a good way to center yourself before beginning your day. Take time to walk your dog. Listen to that podcast you subscribed to due to peer pressure but never really checked out.
No matter what you activities you choose, remember that you would have normally been sitting on the train or bus or driving during this time. Enjoy the reprieve!
Dress for your normal day. You never know when a Zoom call may occur, so refrain from wearing pajamas or exercise clothes all day or channeling your best version of “the Dude.” The goal is to maintain productivity during WFH, so dress for being productive.
Keep a schedule. Set definite start and end times. If possible, take breaks and “log off” – albeit with notice to your team – for meals and other important events on your calendar. Keep a to-do list to enforce personal accountability.
Designate a work area. Find a dedicated work space where you can work with as few distractions as possible. Take time to establish a space that has everything you need to be ready to go.
Embrace the distractions, but set boundaries. Your desk mate may be a child working on schoolwork; your other working partner may be seated just a few inches away. Understand that distractions will emerge, but plan for structured and focused time when you can. Step outside or into another room for calls. Also, work hours are for work, so resist the urge to update your Amazon cart or level up in Candy Crush while working.
Keep connected. Use technology such as Zoom, Google Apps or Microsoft Teams to work together with colleagues and collaborate. There are a multitude of video chat programs to meet with colleagues so you can stay connected – these are even more important in a WFH environment to help teams maintain a sense of community and connectedness.
Ask for help or input. If you need assistance or if something is not working, reach out to others for advice on what works for them. Ask for feedback, and do not be afraid to get input from team members. Remember, this is an unprecedent moment in history, so you should reach out for reassurance that you are on the right track.
Track your work and progress. In addition to keeping a to-do list for personal accountability, keep track of what is not working, as this will help you identify solutions. On a related note, make a plan with clear deadlines to accomplish those things not being completed, and take time to celebrate and share your successes.
For more resources on managing the WFH transition, see these articles:
- “6 Tips to Work from Home Successfully During Lock Down” in Forbes,
- “5 Ways to Work from Home More Effectively” in Harvard Business Review, and
- “How to Avoid Loneliness When You Work Entirely from Home” also in Harvard Business Review.
Finally, your organization may consider conducting virtual social events on a video platform (such as Zoom) in order to keep spirits high. Video chat happy hours have emerged all over social media, as bars and restaurants have shut operations to all but delivery and takeout and as large gatherings have been banned in an effort to “flatten the curve.” According to The Washington Post, co-workers are increasingly raising the glass virtually.
In fact, a new cocktail drink has emerged online – the “quarantini.” The recipe varies based on available ingredients, but it may best be served chilled in front of a camera with two parts levity and a twist of whimsy. Of course, alcohol is not strictly necessary for group video hangouts, and substitutes like coffee, tea, kombucha and (insert beverage here) are fine alternatives. If you must imbibe, however, please remember that although it may be five o’clock somewhere, it’s not five o’clock where you are until it actually is.
Jason Mueller is a intellectual property partner in the Dallas office of Sheppard Mullin.
Stevin George, also at Sheppard Mullin’s Dallas office, is an associate in the firm’s corporate group.