Now that you’ve set up your home workspace for fostering productivity and created an exercise/break routine for sustained energy level, next we focus on working smart in a virtual environment.
Back in the day when telecommuting was a novelty, organizations concluded a great many things including that working from home is not for everyone, every job and every company. For individuals it requires: a consistently high level of self-motivation, discipline for priority setting and managing boundaries, proficiency in execution, and practical/genuine approaches for building and maintaining relationships.
Given today’s unusual circumstances, working virtually is no longer a choice for many. Consider these challenges and solutions.
| Challenge | Potential Solutions |
| Diminished concentration | Establish work priorities, deliverables and timelines: Use tools such as Steve Covey’s time management grid to prioritize work by assessing urgency and importance. Confirm priorities and performance expectations with your manager and co-workers so all are on the same page. |
| Glitches in your connectivity and work tool device uptime | Whether self-employed or company-employed, have your IT support and internet supplier on speed dial. Over time you’ll get more proficient in dealing with common glitches. |
| Distractions – planned and unplanned | During planned distraction periods, do work you can complete. Keep unplanned distractions at bay by deferring to a later time; setting physical workspace boundaries; post “do not disturb” or “office hours” signage; or go with the flow. |
| Unreasonably long workday | Like setting physical workspace boundaries, establish, communicate and start and end your day the same time every day. |
| Isolation is impairing relationships with co-workers | Start each call with a lighthearted, personal, funny story to remind us that we are all human; listen intently to others’ stories. It helps in strengthening relationships. |
| Connecting with co-workers in different time zones | Establish core hours for connecting one-on-one across time zones.Rotate timing of team calls so no one is repeatedly inconvenienced outside their regular work hours. |
Until next time, I wish you good health, quality time with your loved ones, and pride in continuing the flow of contributions made to your organization.
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