In this uncertain time of dealing with the coronavirus and going to work many companies have opted to have their employees work from home. Of course, the work you do should be compatible with working remotely from home. The ability to connect with fellow employees about work related issues is important for being productive.

Video-conferencing is a great way to stay in touch and be informed of what work needs to get completed and so on. There are several video-conferencing apps and software that are free and some with paid plans that allow companies to keep in touch with their stay-at-home workers. Microsoft Teams (or Skype for Business) or Zoom are great options.

Beware of Hackers

Since you may be working from home for the first time keeping the data you are working with safe becomes a priority. This increase in stay-at-home workers is going to be viewed by cybercriminals as a prime opportunity to go phishing for sensitive data.

There is also remote desktop software that allows you to use your work computer from home.

Data can be encrypted by using a virtual private network (VPN) to keep the data you are working with safe.

Play Nice and Share

While working from home there may come a need to share company documents between you, other workers and the company. Sharing documents while in exile may be the only way to send and receive company documents, memos, and work instructions. Do your research to acquire the right document sharing software for you.

Things to Do While Working from Home

Many employers are having their employees work from until the coronavirus runs its course. There are some things you can do while working from home that will help you stay healthy and be more productive.

1. Exercise:

While working from home take the time you would be traveling to work to get some exercise. Jog or go for a walk, do sit ups, pushups, jumping jacks, etc., anything to stay alert and focused during the day. Watch an exercise program on the TV, heaven knows there are plenty of them out there.

2. Work Alone

You don’t want too many distractions while you are working from home. Set a place in your home to work alone without being disturbed. Chances are that your family may be in quarantine as well, choose a spot away from the noise created by your family. Point is you are working for your employer from home, so that work should not be interrupted.

3. Let Others Know Your Schedule

Friends knowing that you are working from home not at your workplace may feel they can call or come over at their convenience. Set your work boundaries, let friends and relatives know your work hours are from 9 to 5, or whatever. They can call or come over after when your work hours are over, or you can make arrangements to meet them for lunch.