Work from home is appealing for some while it can be intimidating for others. With the right mindset and equipment, one can make sure everything goes smoothly, says KEWAL KAPOOR
To contain the spread of the coronavirus and avoid community transmission, companies across the country have implemented telecommuting. For a lot of people, working from home is an exciting prospect. No long commutes, no one staring over your shoulder, and the comfort of working at your own pace definitely make it appealing. For others, it can be quite intimidating — particularly if you have kids to take care of, distractions, or are unfamiliar with working remotely. With the right mindset and equipment, working from home works like a charm. Let us take a look at a few things to pull this off.
Find a workspace: Even if you do not have an office, setting aside a place to do work can help keep distraction at bay. It is important that you find a space where you can carry on your work without worrying about interruptions. It might take some time and tinkering to find a setup that resembles your office setup as much as possible. It does not necessarily have to be a private room. A designated area far from the couch and bed will do.
Plan your day: Make a to-do list and prioritise your tasks. Not only will it help you stay focused and keep you from procrastinating. Review the list as you start your day, and keep referring to it periodically. Evaluate the progress at the end of the day, and prepare a list for the next day. Make sure you stick to your schedule.
Dress up: Even if you do not want to wear formal clothes, it is recommended you do not work in your pyjamas. It might sound a little odd to you, but even wearing shoes in addition to jeans and a comfortable shirt will help you separate work from leisure.
Keep your kids occupied: It can be quite distracting to work peacefully when you also have to shoulder the additional responsibility of taking care of your kids. Make sure you organise their day around your work time so that you are not interrupted. Divide your kid-duty with your spouse based on your work calendars. Be upfront with your coworkers so that they are more understanding of your situation.
The writer is Director & Creative Strategist, CHAI Kreative and Return of Million Smiles