7 Tips on Working From Home
Disruption and uncertainty are the new normal thanks to the coronavirus. But, let’s face it, as school marketers, many of you have been here before.
Closed campuses and cancelled classes go with the territory in much of the U.S. during winter. And, as comms professionals, you already keep your communities in the know no matter where they or you are.
What’s different, of course, is there is no end in sight to working from home - and working from home has gone worldwide.
Because the show must go on, we’re sharing these 7 #WFH Tips to make your transition a smooth one.
1: Start Your Day the Same Way
I know what you’re thinking. No more commuting to school. I’ll sleep in or make that second cup of coffee I never have time for. Hey, this isn’t so bad after all!
Perish the thought. Being effective means keeping your routines, and your morning habits do more than start your day. They put you in a professional mindset.
Wake up at your regular time - and keep up your normal morning groove. Do you begin the day with a cup of tea curled up in a favourite chair? Do you go for a run before the sun rises? Do you head straight to the office to get an early start? Whatever it is, keep doing it!
2: Dress for Success
Here’s another temptation to avoid no matter how alluring: Working in your pyjamas. You wouldn’t show up to work dressed that way, would you? (Unless, of course, you’re taking part in your school’s spirit week “Pyjama Day”!)
How about a compromise? Business attire isn’t required in your own home but do dress for success. Wear comfortable, smart casual clothes, right down to your shoes. (Wearing slippers could be the slippery slope to staying in your PJs all day!)
3: Be the Star in Your “Office Space”
Going to the office shouldn’t change because your commute got a lot shorter. But keep in mind that your comfiest chair does not an office make.
Instead, create a defined space where you go to work every day. Set aside a table or desk for your computer, a desk lamp, printer, and other key ingredients of your campus office.
Close the door to shut out distractions and stay on task.
Go a step further if you are sharing space with a roommate or your family. It might feel awkward but politely set parameters to discourage them from dropping in. Ask them to think about it this way: they wouldn’t walk into their boss’s office unannounced or interrupt a teacher during a lesson. This is no different.
Do let them know when you are available to connect.
A word to the wise before you start a video chat or conference in a home bustling with activity. Lock your door or risk starring in a viral video showing the pitfalls of working remotely!
4: Stay Connected
Social distancing shouldn’t mean social isolation. More than that, personal connections are the heartbeat of education. Technology can help you fill that most human of needs.
Rather than emailing, schedule real-time, social interaction using apps like Slack or Zoom. In video meetings, use screen sharing to make sure everyone is on the same page.
Book regular virtual lunch breaks to nurture relationships and build camaraderie. Eat together, catch up on the latest Netflix binges, or share a laugh.
5: Set a Schedule
It takes discipline to stay on task in a non-traditional workspace. So no matter how disciplined you are now, go to eleven!
Working solo at home means your time is much less structured around the needs of others. Writing a list of tasks each day - and setting a schedule to do them - will help you stay focused and productive.
6: Take Breaks
You need time to walk away from the computer screen and phone even when they are in your home office. So, don’t be chained to your desk. Get up out of your seat every hour and stretch.
Have a dog? Take your buddy for a walk - everybody wins! No dog? Go for a walk anyway since fresh air and natural light will do your body good.
7: Disconnect When the Day is Done
At the end of your workday, follow a routine like when you wake up in the morning. Close your office whether that means shutting its door or turning off a desk lamp.
Throughout your day, stay positive. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” is not only an Eighties earworm. It’s also fantastic life advice as we ride the coronavirus rollercoaster.
Connect with positive people and stay focused on the big picture. You’re part of a team helping kids achieve the best possible foundation for a lifetime of learning.
Not a bad gig, right?
Keep calm and carry on.
We have seen some great examples of #DistanceLearning from our inspiring schools all around the world.
The closure of schools, doesn't have to mean the end of sharing #SchoolStories.
Check out the best of the bunch so far on our Twitter Moment here!
Working, teaching, or learning remotely? Tag us in your photo on Twitter (@intSchools) and you'll see your school here.
If you'd like any tips on how to use #SocialMedia in these testing times, drop one of our #DigitalJedi an email to see how we can help you out with our top tips and advice.