The spread of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) in Indonesia, as of the time of this post, has reached 309 cases. A few days ago, the government issued guidelines for employees to work from home. Have you been affected by these guidelines?
For those accustomed to remote work, this is not a problem. However, for those who have traditionally worked from an office, adaptation is necessary. I am a semi-remote worker, accustomed to working from anywhere, although I primarily work from the office. Nevertheless, if circumstances require me to work outside the office, it's not an issue. As long as there is a laptop and an internet connection, I can work from home, a cafe, a co-working space, a train, or even on a plane. In this post, I will provide some work-from-home tips based on my experience.
#1 Set a Productive Mindset. Wherever and whenever, the goal is to work productively; maximize the available time.
#2 Prepare Work Equipment, especially technology-related items such as a laptop, internet connection, and various supporting software. For architects, this may involve using CAD software, photo editing software, and other tools to support visualization. Project delivery to clients can be done through Gmail, while communication and collaboration with the team can be facilitated using Google Drive, Google Meet, Zoom, and WhatsApp. Avoid using too many applications simultaneously; choose those that best suit your needs.
#3 Separate Work Space. If possible, separate your workspace, especially from the bed. Working near or on the bed can significantly reduce productivity. I have a dedicated home workspace that I've arranged to stay focused and comfortable.
#4 Set Working Hours. If your usual office hours are eight hours, establish similar working hours at home—start at 9 AM and finish at 5 PM, for instance.
#5 Create a To-Do List. Make a list of tasks for the upcoming week, break it down into daily tasks, limit it to 3-4 tasks per day, and prioritize them. This ensures that tasks are manageable and can be completed.
#6 Maintain a Routine. Follow a routine as if you were working in the office. Wake up in the morning, shower, have breakfast, start working, take breaks, resume work, and finish. You can also engage in activities that boost your work mood, such as listening to music or having snacks.
#7 Establish Boundaries. Clearly define boundaries between work and personal life. During your specified working hours, focus on work without engaging in household activities. If you have children at home, make them understand that you are working.
#8 Evaluate. At the end of the workday, evaluate your to-do list. Identify unfinished tasks, determine if they can be postponed to the next day, and plan activities for the following day.
#9 Relax. After working hours, reward yourself with activities unrelated to work. Play with your children, read a book, or watch a movie on Netflix. Life should remain balanced between personal and professional aspects.
Working remotely may become a system adopted by several companies in the future, considering the minimal time and cost efficiency compared to conventional work systems. Therefore, take advantage of the government's guidelines and adapt to this system now. "Why is it challenging?" Initially, changing habits may be difficult, but over time, you will become accustomed, and it will feel as easy as working in an office. If conditions improve, you only need to do this for the next 14 days, as per the government's recommendations. Finally, I hope that the current situation improves soon.
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