Work From Home during Covid-19: My experience

March 26, 2020

As coronavirus continues to spread across the globe, more and more companies are asking their employees to work from home. Our daily lives have been disrupted, our familiar office space is replaced by our bedroom or living room and we have to work around our partners, children, or room-mates.

Since mid-march, Microsoft encouraged its employees to work from home to do our part and put the community first. Trust me it was quite a challenge since I did not have a setup at home, I am an extrovert and like going out and talking to people, and working around your partner or family is difficult. But, this was a crisis and I had to do my part. Hence I set down on the path of making myself productive at home. These are the things that worked out for me and if you are struggling with work from home or want to know what I did and my top tips, read along!

Plan out the day in advance

Make goals. Write down the things you need to achieve the next day, the whole week, and the entire month. I have been following the Pomodoro Technique to track my goals- which is working on a task for 25 minutes with 5-minute breaks between tasks. This helps me in focusing and ticking off objectives and goals quickly off my list.

Get ready(even if you’re not going anywhere)

I know its hard. We all want to be the most comfortable when we are at home. But getting ready and dressed not only helps you look and feel awesome but also improves productivity at work.

It helps me not feeling lazy or sleepy around the lunch hour and makes me feel more as if I am working from a café than at home.

Set up your workspace

Set up an area that is just meant for work. This can be setting up your table and chair in the living room, in the den or in balcony outside. For me, a side-corner in my bedroom works best. Also, make sure you have all the gadgets and essentials required for a smooth day at work. That includes a comfortable chair, an adjustable desk, some noise-cancellation headphones, a desk lamp, and your cup of Joe.

Don’t forget to take breaks

Breaks are as essential as setting up goals. Meditate, breathe, stretch, listen to your favorite song or just walk around the apartment. They help in retaining information, rethinking about one’s goals, calling a friend or family member or spending time with your pet.

No breaks can lead to depression, anxiety, and burnouts. Make sure to enforce your breaks when you plan your day.

Stretch Out

I know we are practicing social distancing and the gym, the national parks, the hiking spots are all closed but we do have our home where we can work out any time. Instagram has become a huge platform where a lot of people are sharing their workout videos. You can find amazing Youtube videos on yoga, Zumba, or bodyweight-only workouts. For the girls out there- I follow Whitney simmons and realrubaali on IG. The point is to get your muscles and body moving.

Did you know- 30 minutes of exercise can reduce stress, boost your mood, increase the blood circulation and duh make you more fit.

Manage distractions

Set boundaries and manage disturbances. If you are sharing your home with your partner or family have your work area separate. I share my apartment with my boyfriend and we avoid interrupting one another unless its important. We have also set up time and breaks with each other so that we can have food together. This also helps in work without distraction and balancing your personal and work life at home.

Social media and news can be a distraction these days, with so much going on in the world. Turning off mobile push notifications, avoiding the use of social media during focus time, and keeping the phone on silent mode can help. When you need a pause- listen to your favorite song, go for a walk outside, or just glance outside the window.

Be Grateful

Last but not the least, its a beautiful day to be alive. We are all in this together. Be kind to yourself and others. Be grateful for the healthcare workers, for your family and friends, for the work you are doing in this stressful time, and for being at home safe.

10 COMMENTS

SHIKHA MARCH 27, 2020 AT 12:14 AM How you manage to cook food along with office? Isn’t it becomes hectic sometimes?

• ADMIN MARCH 27, 2020 AT 10:11 AM Hi shikha, When I go to work, I usually do bulk cooking. Me and my boyfriend cook meals(dinner) on the weekend which lasts for 3 days. For lunches we eat at Microsoft. It surely is hectic so we divide the load at home. I cook half the meals and the other half my boyfriend does.

• POONAM JOLLY MARCH 27, 2020 AT 2:52 AM Felt proud of your efforts. Great! Keep it up

• ADMIN MARCH 27, 2020 AT 10:09 AM Thank you so much mumma. Your support and love keeps me going

• PAVAN MARCH 29, 2020 AT 11:42 AM Hellloooooo Anki, Hope you are doing good… Very very Happy to see you what you are today and also being so motive to others. Among many you are definitely my secret admirer, your success always inspires. Thanksss for WFH Tips… Share your thoughts on being helpful to people around in current crisis, if you are thinking any..

  • ADMIN MARCH 31, 2020 AT 9:16 AM Thank you so much Pavan for your kind words. Be safe and take care.

• CONNIE BELL MARCH 27, 2020 AT 10:37 AM Excellent blog and *really* helpful suggestions. I am going to try the Pomodoro technique and have recommended it to others. Way to go, smart girl! So very proud of you!

  • ADMIN MARCH 31, 2020 AT 9:17 AM Thank you so much Connie. Hope you are keeping yourself safe.

• SANDY KENNY MARCH 28, 2020 AT 8:38 AM Great work! Thanks for sharing.

• GEETIKA MARCH 29, 2020 AT 11:14 AM This is great advice! Excited to read more from you!