As COVID-19 stretches, threatens the global economy and invoke lockdowns across the globe, we as HR and people managers still have a mandate to lead and inspire people. We must remain productive for two reasons; firstly, to give our people purpose and help them maintain their sanity under lockdown and secondly to sustain the global economy.

To beat the virus, one of the most effective methods being recommended and practiced is the lockdown. We, together with all our employees have therefore been challenged to work remotely, some for the first time and others for a prolonged period. Below are some tips to guide us and our people to make the most of the lockdown by working remotely.    

Home office: Create a space in your home dedicated to working. As much as possible, fit the space with comfortable furniture and away from noise. Let your household know the purpose of the space. This will keep them away as much as possible when you are seated and working.

Enabling technology: Depending on your work, the key tools you will need are a laptop, internet and voice connectivity (fixed, mobile or both). Investing in these directly or with the support of your employer will enable you to stay connected and productive. 

Supportive virtual tools: Working from home is heavily dependent on digital tools, so be informed on the tools available (i.e. MS teams, Skype, Trello, Zoom etc.), supported and trusted by your employer, have them installed, tested and ready to go.

Establish a routine: Create a semblance of an office routine by having start, break and closing times. This should include virtual meetings, time with stakeholders (manager, peers, direct report, customers etc.) and attention to children who also happen to be home with us this time.

Establish working protocols: Closely related to routines are working protocols. Let your colleagues and stakeholders understand the mode and means of engagement and use the most appropriate and reliable mode (i.e. emails, video calls, voice calls, chatrooms etc). This will ensure you stay connected and not miss out on assignments and or communication.

Healthy practices: Working from home may make you sit for longer hours than you will in the office. In the office, you’re likely to have physical meetings and engagements which require you to move from one office to the other but at home, you have virtual options which you will do at one place (home office). You will therefore have to make a conscious effort to move around. A prolonged period of working from home under lockdown will also drain you emotionally hence, the need to rely on networks for ideas to keep you active, lively and sane

The above is not all there is to do, but a few tips to kick start. As resilient as the human is, we will learn, adapt and become more effective and efficient.

Peter Crabbe