Tips and Tricks for Working from HomeMarch 26, 2020

Agenda Today

Creating a routine

Finding balance

Getting things done

GoalYou and your boss are excited to continue a telecommuting option long after the coronavirus is a distant memory!

Getting on the same page as your boss

What are her goals for the week/month/situation?

What are her concerns about the team working from home?

What kind of insight does she need into your daily routine?

Creating your workspace

• Dedicated space• Office• Closet• Dining room table• Couch

• High quality and reliable internet

• Access to electricity

• Flat space for papers, cups, snacks, etc.

• Clear line of sight• Between you and the

bathroom/kitchen

Creating your persona

• Create a visual clue that you are now “working”

Work attire at homeProfesh on top, comfy on bottom“Day Pajamas”

• Choose one style and make it part of your routine

Creating a routine

Shared Responsibilities

Understand shared responsibilities•Who’s managing the kids?

ObligationsUnderstand your obligations•When you have to be available for team meetings

RhythmUnderstand your personal rhythm•When are you most productive•When you need breaks

Block Scheduling

• Dedicated email checks• A daily social break• End of day wrap-up and

planning for tomorrow

Time Task

8:15 Breakfast and get ready

9:00 Email check

9:45 Team meeting

10:00 Project work

12:00 Lunch

1:30 KIDS

3:00 Social check-in

4:00 Email check

4:30 Wrap up and planning

5:00 Dinner and kids

8:00 Project work

9:30 End!

Tricks to Getting Sh*t Done

Focus on the outcome

Understand the tasks/milestones

Identify the group touchpoints

Background

• For instance, a 2012 study found that people performed “dull” tasks better in a controlled cubicle setting than they did in a less-structured remote environment.

• The reason? If you’re in a less-structured environment, but you’re faced with a boring assignment, ordinary distractions (like walking your dog, doing your laundry or watching TV) seem more interesting, Glenn Dutcher, assistant professor at Ohio University who has studied the effects of telecommuting on creativity and productivity, tells CNBC Make It.

• The 2012 study also found that when faced with a creative task, people were more productive working from home. Other research suggests that structure kills creativity.

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/12/study-how-working-from-home-boosts-and-hurts-productivity-creativity.html

The Pomodoro Technique at Home

• Each hour you get two 5-minute breaks

• One for you • Social media• Stretch/exercise• Bathroom break

• One for your home• Dishes• Vacuum• Switch laundry

Keeping in Touch with the Team

• Opt for frequent check-ins• Video is best for planning and decision-

making• Daily email summary to your boss (and/or

team)

• Shared access to information• Sharepoint• Dropbox• Google drive

• Social check-ins• Virtual lunches and happy hours

Staying on track

Use your tools!

Pick 3 things

Know when to walk away

Working from home with kids

Block Scheduling with Kids

Time Jen Bill Kids

8:15 Breakfast and get ready

9:00 Email checkKIDS

9:45 Team meeting

10:00 Project work Project work Screen time

12:00 Lunch

1:30 KIDSProject work

Time with mom

3:00 Social check-in Video calls

4:00 Email check Time with dad

4:30 Wrap up and planning Email check Chores

5:00 Dinner and evening routine

8:00 Project work Project workBedtime

9:30 End! Wrap up and planning

Q & A