Home is where WORK is

The COVID 19 Pandemic has ushered a paradigm shift in corporate work style. Barring the IT industry, work from home was an oxymoron until 2020. The new normal has been established. In the coming years, companies would reduce their office presence to reduce cost and have a majority of their employees work from home. The young men and women graduating from colleges need to gear up for this scenario. The new style of work has not been taught to you in school or college. I have created a routine

Self

1. Get a workout exercise routine in your day. Ideal time is morning. Get moving – Yoga, Cross-fit, Calisthenics, anything.
2. Shower before you begin your work day.
3. Wear comfortable and presentable clothes.

Environment

1. Start your day as you would when going to office. Wake up at the same time.
2. Make a list of To-Do ranking in order of importance. Write it down in a piece of paper. I prefer a Post-It. I have Post-It pads in different colours and use one color for every day. Once you accomplish your tasks for the day, tear it into the bin. Prepare the list of To-Do for the next day before you go to sleep.
3. Create a corner at home as your workspace. Power extension box, table, chair, pen and a notepad. Keep this place clean. FFS, don’t be smoking while working in this designated workspace :p

Technology

1. Invest in a good pair of headphones and webcam cover. If you must have video call, change the backdrop. Check connectivity. Inform your team in advance if you are unable to join in. I’ve also invested in camera slider ( Hit Enter typing a mail and had an incoming Teams’ call at the exact same moment. I was the deer in headlights! )
2. Own a good data plan on your phone if not already provided by your employer. A back-up for broadband at home will help you cover for exigencies that cripple the bandwidth with online education, Smart TV competing for data.
3. India faces a perennial power shortage. Power cuts are normal. Charge your phone and laptop overnight to cater for emergencies
4. When on calls, mute when you don’t have to speak. Pets barking, kids crying, pressure cooker whistle – we live in a noisy country. Goes a long way in impressing your superiors and peers. Unmute yourself when it is your turn to speak.
5. Block your calendar for meals. Use this to chew and eat meals away from your laptop. Change status of Skype, Teams and other communication apps. Use the time to recharge and reflect. 

Increasing productivity

1. I have a policy of not using social media on my office laptop. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest are designed to make humans addicted to our phones. If you are hooked onto checking Facebook and Instagram, check out Google Chrome extension News Feed Eradicator for Facebook. Watch The Social Dilemma
2. Check Email once an hour.
3. I’ve created an Excel table to track my productivity. If you need the template, hit me up. I’ll be happy to share.
4. Speak with friends and family. These people keep you sane.
5. Enjoy your weekends.