Submitted by Julia Adler
As COVID-19 continues to spread, the public has been grasping to understand the best way to address the current pandemic. Toilet paper and hand sanitizer with less than 70% alcohol content (which is useless against COVID-19) have been swept from the shelves as people prepare to socially distance, and possibly quarantine themselves. For those interested in learning about social distancing and what we can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19, check out these sites below:
CDC Recommendations for Employers
Many folks who typically work from an office are now being asked by their companies to work from home. Others are wondering how the pandemic will affect the market. I personally am concerned about how to adjust to a lack of social exposure for the unforeseeable future.
I am in no ways an expert on COVID-19, nor a doctor or health official, but I am an expert on working from home. For the past 3 years, I have been working out of the comfort of my own home. When I tell friends or neighbors, the typical response is, “Wow, so jealous!” Although I don’t have to commute to work, I did have to adjust to other difficulties that many of you will face in the coming weeks.
For those who are used to a commute into work, I would recommend waking up at the same time you would usually wake up for your day in order to maintain your routine. The most effective way to maintain your sense of time and purpose is to follow your everyday routine and get dressed and ready how you always would. However, if that’s not your style, you can use the time to get some extra chores out of the way.
Additionally, find a part of your home to dedicate as your work space and stick with it. The biggest trouble I face while working from home is having an issue with separating my “work brain” from my “home brain.” Having one area to work from should mitigate that feeling, especially if it is not an area you spend a ton of time in usually.
The change of environment can cause a bit of confusion both for yourself and for your family. Make sure that your household understands that, while you are home, you are still at work and everyone should be respectful of one another’s work time. If you live alone, on the other hand, you may want to check if your team is interested in having a group Zoom call to replicate your usual work environment. Check out Mike “Batman” Cohen’s experience on the transition to work from home and his advice here:
In terms of social exposure solutions, I would recommend scheduling FaceTime “dates” with those you tend to have regular plans with. Choose an activity, and do it together from your separate homes! Now is also a great time to bring back Words with Friends, or similar multi-player games, and challenge your friends to play with you. Read that book you’ve had on your shelf for the past year that you’ve been meaning to get to. Take advantage of the time (and season) to get some spring cleaning done!
For those of you who are just in need of some good news amidst the chaos, here are some articles you can check out below:
Renowned Chef Opens Community Kitchens in Response to COVID-19
Sodexo Extends Sick Leave for Employees
Amazon Will Hire 100k Warehouse Workers Amid Pandemic-Driven Surge in Online Shopping