FROM: Cecilia Rabesca, Manager: Human Resources
TO:       All Tłı̨chǫ Government Staff
RE:       TIPS FOR WORKING FROM HOME
DATE:  April 15, 2020

­­­­­­­­­­­­

Working from home can be great, but there are undoubtedly many distractions – kids, pets, spouses and daily household chores!  But, you can make working from home productive and effective. 

To help combat some of the challenges, the following are a number of work-from-home tips:

1. MAINTAIN YOUR REGULAR WORK SCHEDULE

Continue to follow your typical work schedule as best you can.  If you have to be at work by 9:00 a.m., plan to be at your workspace and working by 9:00 a.m. Also plan an end time so you can put your work away for the day.  This can be important to make sure you maintain a good work/life balance.

2. CREATE A MORNING ROUNTE – LIKE YOU ARE GOING TO WORK

Create a routine that guides you into your chair ready to work at your start time.Think about the things that you typically do every morning as you prepare to start work.Maybe it is making a coffee, going for a morning walk, showering and doing your hair and making up.Although it may seem like an attractive idea to work in your pajamas all day, it might impact your promptness and productivity. A morning routine can be more powerful than a clock at helping you get started each day.

3. STRUCTURE YOUR DAY LIKE YOU WOULD IN THE OFFICE

Continue to take breaks as you would if you were at work. Breaks are an important part of maintaining productivity. Regular breaks will make sure you don’t get stiff and sore or burnout. Take some time to get up from your workspace and go for a walk or stretch.It is easy to lose track of time; a timer can help you stay on track.

4. SET ANY GROUND RULES WITH ANYONE WHO WILL BE AT HOME WITH YOU

There are likely others at home with you now as we are all practicing social distancing.Set ground rules and make sure everyone respects your space during your work hours.Even though you are technically “home” they need to understand this is your work time.Let them know your schedule so they know when you will be available to answer their question.

Your children may also be doing their schoolwork from home now as well.If possible, have them work independently and schedule time, during your breaks or after work, to sit with them and review any questions they may have.They too are struggling with this new reality and it will help them to know and understand when you will be available to assist them with their work.

5. HAVE A DEDICATED WORKSPACE OR AREA

Just because you are not working at an office doesn’t mean you can’t have an office.  Leisure time spaces, such as the couch, should remain leisure spaces so don’t make the couch your workstation.  If you have the luxury of an extra room and you can add a workstation, either a desk or small table, this is perfect.  If not and your workstation needs to be the kitchen table that is fine.  The process of sitting down and your “home” desk everyday will help in getting your day started and staying focused throughout.

6. PLAN OUT WHAT YOU WILL BE WORKING ON AHEAD OF TIME

Spend some time at the end of each day to plan the following day.  Create a to do list, schedule any meetings and list the goals you hope to accomplish for the following day.  This can help you get a jump on things the following day.

7. OVERCOMMUNICATE

Tell everyone who needs to know about your schedule and availability.  When you finish an important project or task, let everyone who needs to know, know!  Let your supervisor know what your schedule is and the projects you are working on.  This not only helps those around you know where things are at, which is important now that you can’t just pop your head in their office for a quick update, but it also helps to keep you accountable. 

8. BE AWARE OF TONE IN MESSAGING

Working from home means more email as your primary form of communications.  More emails and less face to face interactions means interpreting the tone in emails.  Particularly in these stressful times, it is important to come across positive otherwise things maybe misunderstood. When communicating with co-workers don’t be afraid to use your favorite smiley face! J

9. STAY CONNECTED AND INTERACT WITH YOUR COWORKERS

Maintaining regular interaction with co-workers is important, and whenever possible do it by phone instead of email.  Set up regular check-ins with your supervisor to review projects and accomplishments, reach out to co-workers that you have common projects with to provide updates on progress and check-in with other co-workers that you would typically talk to throughout your day.

10. END YOUR DAY WIITH A ROUTINE

Just as you should start your day with a routine, create a habit that signals the end of the workday.  This might include making your to do list for the following day, checking in with a particular employee, sending an email to your supervisor or it might be as simple as shutting down your computer and walking away until tomorrow.  Whatever you chose, do it consistently to mark the end of your working hours.

Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Cecilia Rabesca
Manager:  Human Resource Services