DPAWork is work, whether you do in an office or within your own four walls. This means two things if you’re working from home: First, you’re expected to deliver the same availability and performance as in the office. And second, you also have the same rights – rest breaks and a punctual finishing time, for example.
Here are three tips from Germany’s Institute for Occupational Health Consulting (IFBG):
As the number of people working from home office rises around the world amid the coronavirus outbreak, occupational health experts say it’s essential you learn boundaries. (Photo: dpa)
#1. Create proper working conditions
Having clear to-do lists and deadlines is especially important when you’re working alone. To work successfully from home, what you need first and foremost is a suitable digital infrastructure, i.e. access to important files, e-mails and tools. Employees should avail themselves of IT support from their company for this and not try to jury-rig solutions themselves.
#2. Stay in contact
Out of sight, out of mind? To keep this from happening, homeworkers should regularly contact their colleagues in any of various ways: via chat, e-mail, phone or voicemail. It’s generally better to over-communicate than to under-communicate. Videoconferencing helps you to feel close to your colleagues again, and don’t hesitate to take a few minutes to natter about personal matters.
#3. Establish boundaries
Ideally, your work and private life are clearly separated when you work from home – spatially too. This will make it easier to switch into, and out of, work mode. Set specific times for rest breaks, and keep them. It’s also important to regularly get some exercise and drink plenty of fluids. And when your workday is done, you should switch off your company mobile phone or laptop.
What’s Neue with you?
Brunei Darussalam reported its first case of Covid-19 (coronavirus) on March 9.
How has this news impacted you and your workplace?
Will you be working from home? Are you even allowed to do so?