10 Suggestions For Long(er) Term Work-From-Home Situations

Yes, you’re used to having an office day.

And, occasionally, you may even take two in a row.

But how do you handle working from home for a couple of weeks in a row, as current circumstances require?

This list was compiled by Melanie at Milrich Virtual Professionals – the folks that do the real work at Wholesaler Masterminds® Schedulers.

1. Do your best to keep things normal – Stick to your routines and schedules as much as you can. If there is work that can be done – do it! If there are folks that depend on you working and you are able, please don’t stop. Change what you are working on – contact updates, list prioritization, strategies for when service resumes, door openers, communications to your existing clients with resources but don’t just stop!!

2. If you must pause any work – and you are in a position to do so, offer to pay housekeepers, babysitters, etc. Sometimes this is the only income these people have and many won’t be able to collect unemployment. While it is understandable that not everyone is in a position to do so, if you are, your generosity will be appreciated more than you can imagine.

3. Embrace technology – some folks shy away from video conferencing or webinars because it’s never been done that way before – don’t be afraid to try something new – we’re here to help!!

Read/Listen: The What, Why and How of Virtual Meetings in the Coronavirus Era 

4. Don’t neglect yourself during this time – maybe you can’t get to the gym during this time, but there are plenty of things you can do around the house – many facilities are offering video classes and YouTube has a ton of workouts available at no charge. Don’t have weights? Get creative – those bottles of laundry detergent are great!

5. Don’t just stop working because your family is around – normally we all like a quiet work environment to conduct business – however, during this unprecedented times, clients understand that schools are closed, so it’s understood that there might be some background noise – it’s ok! Work anyway!

6. Allow your family some space – and try to be understanding that kids and spouses are experiencing something unknown as well. Parents are already getting antsy from having the kids underfoot constantly now or having to share their space with a spouse who suddenly has to work from home everyday. Acknowledge that and do your best to create co-work spaces or spaces that your kids can be active while you can keep an eye on them if needed.

7. Have open communication – with spouses/partners and kids that are around while you’re working from home. Request when you are working to try to limit interruptions. A lot of people who aren’t familiar with working remotely are going to think that just because you are there, you are free to do whatever you want. I can’t emphasize how much communication during this time matters!

8. Set expectations – explain that you might not be available between x-y times, but you WILL be accessible to your family between y-z times.

9. Keep kids engaged as well – there are a lot of learning activities available at no cost. Many museums are offering free virtual tours of their museums and many other such great ideas. Make it fun!

10. Social distancing – I cannot stress this enough – practice great habits here. A great piece of advice I just read was to act as if you were exposed and don’t want to spread it – not as if you are trying not to catch it. This is to allow our hospitals, doctors and medical personnel the time and resources needed to deal with this virus. Being home from school is NOT the same as having a snow day or extended spring break – it is meant to help reduce the spread! Do your part to help slow the spread!

Written by Melanie Koerperich, Founder & CEO at Milrich Virtual Professionals, llc