I always try to find the silver lining in any dark situation and to do my best to remain calm and keep a sense of humor in times of crisis. Yes, this is possible, even when stuck in Coronaville.
Working full time from home is a new concept for many professionals who have recently been thrust into mandatory quarantine, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.
I have been working as an international press liaison and have managed global marketing teams, remotely from home, for 20 years.
Here are five practical reasons why I love working remotely and hope that these benefits will be useful to you too during this unusual time.
1) Higher productivity: Working from home gives you that quiet time that’s hard to find in an office environment during normal working hours. Make a realistic list of what you would like to accomplish each day. If you can learn how to ‘bubble’ and ignore the white noise in your house, you may be pleasantly surprised at just how much more work you can get done at home.
2) Better quality break time. When working from home, your break time is all about you. Listen to nature, drink some spring water, take a quick walk around the block with your dog if you have one, or simply breathe in some fresh air and clear your mind. Your next round of work will benefit.
3) A finer looking home: If I have writer’s block or need to think something through, I usually take on a little home project that will improve the look and order of my environment. While my subconscious is busy problem solving, my conscious is resting with a mindless yet productive activity, which often times, leads to an epiphany.
4) Increased availability: Working from home means no commuting time to the office. Use this newly found time to take an extra work call, host a video team meeting, get a jump on an important project, or maybe spend some more time with the kids.
5) Wardrobe Freedom: When at home you can dress as you wish. Dress up, dress down, whatever suits. And when it’s time for the video call, it’s only the upper half of your body that needs to be presentable for the camera. The rest is up to you, no one will know the difference. Go right ahead: be creative, laugh and joke. Love your sense of humor. Hang onto that and enjoy.
Which brings me to my final thought for now: it is important to keep our sense of humor in times of crisis. It may be the one thing that keeps us sane. Have a look at this wonderful Gloria Gaynor video, wash your hands well with soap and water and sing and dance along! Indeed, we will survive Coronaville. https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=gBDeTzFCKME
Wishing you good health and productive days from home.