How to Successfully Work from Home?
Posted on March 19, 2020 Leave a Comment
While some people think working from home is a dream, the reality may be more of a nightmare. As millions of Americans are thrown into telework, they may be having difficulty adjusting to their new reality.
It’s easy to get distracted by that pile of laundry in the corner or your dog begging for a walk. Even at noon, you may find yourself unshowered and pajama-clad. Your professionalism and productivity left at the office.
To be successful at telework, it’s important to create a routine, just as if you were going to the office. Here are a few strategies to keep in mind.
- Create a workspace in your home. Even if you live alone, it important to have a space where you are “at work.” Have a desk or makeshift desk created out of a table and chair. Put everything you need in that space so you don’t have to go searching for essential items throughout the day.
- If you have family members at home, remind them that you are a work, even if they can see you. You’re not available for routine household chores or a lengthy conversation.
- Take breaks from work. Keep up. Clear your head, but set a timer. It’s easy to get caught up binge-watching Nexflix.
- Keep to a schedule. Go to your workspace, take breaks, have lunch and remember to leave at the end of the day.
- Even if you are working from home, it does not mean that you are available 24-7 unless you are in a critical role at work. Turn off your computer and give yourself some down time.
- It’s important to set goals for your day as to what you want to accomplish.
By following these guidelines, you may find that working from home may be your most effective time ever. It’s also a great time to review your professional social media profile. For more information about managing your social media presence, check out my blog at itsallgeek2me.blog.
Do you have a social media policy for your company?
Posted on November 4, 2019 Leave a Comment
Every day the headlines are full of companies damaged by something their employees posted on social media. It may have been something they put on the company page, but sometimes it’s on their personal page.
For example, one company had customer service representatives posting about conversations they had during the day. They talked about the stupidity of people calling in with enough information to identify who that person might be. This information was on their personal page, but the employee identified themselves as working for that organization. Because there was no social media policy in place, the employee given a verbal warning, but no real action could be taken.
Every company, no matter the size, should have a policy in place with expectations related to social media posting.
Are political postings allowed? One business owner told me he would never impose restrictions on employees with regard to political postings. Other companies may ask their employees to refrain from defamatory comments about famous individuals or politicians.
Some companies want to restrict information about what is happening in the company and what happens in meetings. Other companies encourage their employees to share information.
It’s important to include policies with regard to clients and their policies. For example, an intern posted a picture of a celebrity receiving treatment at a hospital. The intern was at the hospital as an outside contractor and was not aware the photo was a privacy violation.
Start the conversation. Set up expectations. Work to ensure that if your company goes viral, it’s for a positive reason.
If you need assistance writing a policy, contact me: kparis@itsallgeek2me.org.