Making remote work: How to embrace flexible work arrangements during COVID-19 lock down

Dears,

I wrote an article with some tips for my colleagues to keep their spirit high during this challenging time,and sharing with you.

As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps the world, some of us have to work from home and are still adjusting to this relatively novel concept and searching for expert advice to ensure productive remote working hours. Therefore, we have put together a mix of tutorial videos, articles as well as tips and tricks on how to best embrace these flexible work arrangements to ensure your well-being and effectiveness and how to accomplish your goals. We hope that these tips gathered from different sources will help to make your days as productive as possible while keeping your spirit high and avoiding the isolation anxiety that might present itself at times like this.

Flexibility is our greatest weapon to create the structure that works for everyone but if it is still hard for you, use the Pomodoro Technique for a Better Workflow. The Pomodoro Technique is a time management system that encourages people to work with the time they have rather than against it. Using this method, you break your workday into 25-minute chunks separated by five-minute breaks. After about four pomodoros, you take a longer break of about 15 to 20 minutes. To learn more about the technique watch this video by clicking here

Tips on how to work from home successfully

⏰Get started early

📅 Structure your day like you would in the office 

🖊️ Make to-do-lists and use planner (or other planning tools) 

💻 Choose a dedicated work space

🕔 Set your work hours and work only within those hours 

👔 Get dressed like you are going for work (don't work in your PJs)

🙋‍♀️ Keep in touch with colleagues to avoid being in a bubble 

🧘 Take clear breaks 

🍜 Prepare your meals the night before 

🏠 Pick a definitive finishing time each day

🏃 Exercise 

📱 Make it harder for yourself to mess around on social media 

Take care of yourself !

Keeping physically active is an important step in maintaining your overall wellbeing. To keep fit whilst at home you can watch the videos below help you keep active with your family, (Ctrl+click to follow the links 😊)

Zumba Class fun and easy for the whole family

Core Strength Training only 4 minutes for a full body workout

Yoga for Productivity and Focus 10 minute easy morning stretch to get the body moving and help you focus

If you actually want to break a sweat- pilates workout

If you sit All. Damn. Day. Workout for Back Pain - Be Pain Free!

If you just want to move around a little

Total Body Standing Strength

Working home with kids? Here are some activity and entertainment ideas

• Pillow fight, Charades
• Baking homemade goodies: Minimalist Baker (link) – BBC Foods (Link)
• Origami: Link to DIY YouTube videos here
• DIY macramé plant hanger: Direct link to YouTube video here
• Trash Art – Find some recycled materials and let your kids paint them. Kids love painting random objects and making beautiful creations from them.
• PBS Kids also offers a 24/7 channel with education series, a video app with educational videos, a games app with 200 games and a parents website with information and tips for parents.
• Try Cosmic Kids Yoga

If you still need some productivity tips and how to balance work and life by working from home, here some articles which help you to be an effective team member when working from home 😊

LinkedIn learning:

• Working remotely
• Time management: Working from home
• Being an effective team member
• Productivity tips
• Leading at distance
• Balancing work and life
• Articles:
• 25 working from home tips
• 8 tips for more effective virtual meetings
• How to Stay Focused and Productive When Working From Home