COVID-19 Archives - Page 2 of 2

How to Manage Your Time When Working During the Pandemic

What are some time management techniques for working during the pandemic?

Adjust your expectations
Plan a schedule
Have a designated working space
Avoid social media distractions
Set boundaries
Communicate with your boss

Under the best circumstances, practicing the best time management techniques is already hard enough. Now that we are living in unprecedented times, working from home automatically becomes even more challenging.

As events related to the COVID-19 pandemic continue to unfold, it can become tougher to work without the setting you are accustomed to when in the office. Nonetheless, managing your time effectively should stay on top of the priority list.

Here are five tips for time management that can help you be more effective.

Adjust Your Expectations

Everyone is still fairly new when it comes to adjusting to the “new normal”. Families are trying to keep up with remote job tasks and online learning sessions.

The full workforce operations have shifted at home. Without the capability to have person-to-person conversations that offices allow, virtual meetings, whether scheduled or not, are what keeps companies functioning.

Adjust your expectations and instill in your mind that even if you are home, you can’t just slack around. You have to work just as hard as when you were in the office.

Plan A Schedule

Instead of leaving your calendar as a blank slate for organizations to fill out, plan out your schedule to support your job.

Remember that the biggest difference between working in the office and working from home is that you get to be in charge of how you manage your time and environment. This means you are accountable as well.

Before every weekend, dedicate time for jotting down reminders for the incoming week. By doing so, you will be able to know your responsibilities in advance. Trust us, you’ll meet the demands of projects even more.

Have A Designated Working Space

You may not realize it but the way your working space is set up can do wonders in effectively managing your time. It can impact your productivity levels as well.

For example, have a dedicated area around your house for work purposes. Don’t just sit in the kitchen table where the meals are laying around. In the same way, do not work in the living room where everyone can just come in, watch a movie, and distract you.

While it’s true that you don’t need to recreate a full-scale office, you must have a place where you can have complete focus. Moreover, clean your working space. No one wants to work in a cluttered desk as it hampers productivity. Doing all these can help you in achieve time management better by focusing mentally.

Avoid Social Media Distractions

Social media is a highly entertaining and informative platform. But, let’s admit it. It can be constantly distracting as well.

It’s so easy to pick up your phone and scroll through Instagram and Facebook every few minutes. Sure, it might not seem like it’s eating a huge chunk of your time. However, remote workers may find that social media is consuming their time unintentionally.

With this being said, it will be best to log out of social media accounts during working hours. If you find this hard, you can always try muting your notifications.

Set Boundaries

Now that the daily commute to and from the office is not needed, you might find it difficult to end your day properly. At home, you can easily access work applications and emails. To maintain a healthy work-life balance, remember to close all the work tabs at the end of working hours.

Turn off your laptop and store it properly in a place where you won’t get tempted to check every notification. If possible, set your status as “away” to avoid colleagues from reaching out to you outside working hours.

Communicate with Your Boss

When it comes to going fully remote, it is inevitable to experience bumps during the adjustment period. After all, everyone is truly becoming overwhelmed with the effects of the pandemic.

You have to juggle the work responsibilities along with the worries of rising new cases and keeping your loved ones safe from the threat of infection. The key to steering through their time management problems is communicating with your boss.

Letting them know what’s happening can help in managing expectations and coming up with a plan that’s best for you. Talk to team leaders you work with throughout the day as well. These are unprecedented times and flexible work arrangements can be done.

Key Takeaway

When it comes to time management techniques during the pandemic, follow the six tips we’ve stated above. These are unprecedented times and these efforts may just help in managing your time effectively at home.

Applications to Use for Virtual Meetings

What are the virtual meeting applications you can use?

Zoom
Google Meet
Slack
GoToMeeting
FaceTime

With the pandemic situation putting a limit on face-to-face contact, we rely on video calls to keep in touch with family, friends, and coworkers. Not surprisingly, there has been a huge demand surge for virtual meeting applications.

No matter what city around the world, citizens are living under some kind of quarantine mandate. This means organizations have to adjust their operations plans to embrace the work-from-home culture. It’s business as usual. All companies will need to find a way to communicate with their employees effectively.

Numerous virtual meeting applications are available on the market today. Aside from being able to host meetings, users can enjoy numerous perks offered as well. But as remote work is the new standard for companies, only the best communication tools should be used.

As this can be a challenge, we’ve rounded up the best applications to use for virtual meetings. Any of these five choices will definitely instill productivity in your team. Read on!

Zoom

With the rising popularity of the Zoom app, it may come as a surprise that it has been founded since 2011. Once this application started gaining traction, users immediately appreciated the flawless HD video quality.

Zoom is a reliable cloud-based video conferencing service. Whether it’s audio-only calls or video calls – you can conduct live chats at any given moment. The best perks of it? It has a screen sharing feature that’s easy to use, scheduling display, and call recording.

The application’s “Zoom Rooms” is a major advantage for companies as well. This allows participants to use their laptops, tablets, phones, and more when attending meetings.

To set up a virtual meeting, all you have to do is sign in, create a new call, and then invite others by sending a link. It doesn’t matter if participants have a Zoom account or not. All they have to do is download the app.

Zoom allows users to have a virtual meeting with up to 100 participants. However, the free meeting option has a time limit of 40 minutes. If you want to upgrade your plan, you can do so for a reasonable price.

Google Meet

In an effort to upgrade their current video communication service, Google has introduced Google Meet. It is a popular tool that can hold voice and video conferences as well. However, the Google Meet difference offers more advantages for users of Google Suite. This means participants can join virtual meetings directly from Gmail. They claim to be the best application that is built on robust security systems. Google states that they secure all your information through encrypted video meetings.

Slack

Before anything else, Slack is a platform that offers well-organized chat rooms first. Instead of a single email inbox filled with jumbled content, Slack offers users dedicated channels that divide conversations depending on the topic chosen. You can send direct messages as well.

Aside from streamlining work, social media platforms and file-sharing programs are integrated too. Known as one of the best software for companies, Slack stepped up their game by adding video conferencing for desktop devices.

Say goodbye to complicated login procedures. With one click in the conversations, you can host a virtual meeting. Go ahead and send fun GIFs and emoticons to your team. Slack’s only downside is that it does not allow screen sharing.

GoToMeeting

Contending all the applications stated is GoToMeeting. One of its key benefits includes being browser-based. Users do not need to install any software to set up a virtual meeting. A code sent will do the trick.

Users can integrate 3rd party tools such as Google Calendar and Chrome plugins. Moreover, GoToMeeting functions in compliance with HIPAA security which is perfect for companies who want to protect all their sensitive information. Here, everyone’s privacy is protected with strong passwords and end-to-end encryption.

The whiteboard feature allows other participants to highlight the presenter’s screen while the virtual meeting is ongoing. You can also send out a saved recording for absent team members.

More attractive features include 24/7 tech support and unlimited meeting sessions.

FaceTime

You know too well that urgent meetings can arise. If your team has Apple products, FaceTime is the perfect application for this. Have a quick one-on-one call with a team member.

You can never go wrong with this one because it’s free and pretty straightforward. Simply call the person’s number and communicate from anywhere you may be.

Key Takeaway

During these times, remote teams cannot function without the help of virtual meeting applications. It’s time to use the right one for yours.

Do you have a work-from-home team and need a way to communicate with ease? Try out Zoom, Google Meet, Slack, GoToMeeting, and FaceTime. Foster productivity, improve collaboration, and help your company better with these five applications today.

Work Bag Essentials You Need Right Now

What are the work bag essentials that you need right now?

Hygiene Items
First Aid Kit
Extra Face Masks
Your Own Utensils
Water Jug

Times have changed and so have our work bag essentials. Months ago, our everyday work bags would mostly consist of electronics, wallets, and personal toiletries. But today, with the uncertainty of COVID-19 still looming over the country, there are some specific items that you should be carrying along with you at all times.

We have a handy checklist ready for you! With these must-haves equipped in your office bag, you are ensured extra health, protection, and preparedness. Make your work life a breeze even during these times. Never leave home without these 5 necessities:

Hygiene Items

It is of utmost importance to have hygiene items in your bag. If possible, bring along your own personal hand soap to avoid sharing soap in public bathrooms.

Make sure that you always have a hand sanitizer, alcohol, or wet wipes to use when there is no access to soap and water around. You can even use these to clean the surfaces near you. Keep travel-sized versions of these in a toiletry pouch to fit in your bag.

First Aid Kit

Your work bag should always have items to treat minor injuries. These will avoid trips to the clinic and the pharmacy when you’re out. Great and practical first aid essentials to have in your bag are Band-Aids in a variety of different sides, ointments, over-the-counter medicines, and sterile gloves. If you have an underlying health concern, you should also make sure that you are equipped with your own appropriate medicine just in case.

Extra Face Masks

Whether it be a washable face mask or a disposable one, always wear a face mask to protect yourself and those around you. Wearing one in public is a must these days. You should always have extras of it in your bag at all times. Some are even opting for face shields lately. You can look into it if you want protection from fogging, dust, and splashes.

Your Own Utensils

One of the fastest ways germs can spread from person-to-person is by mouth. This is why during these times, it’s best to bring your own personal utensils. Using these while eating out for lunch breaks or for eating at the office will be safer and more hygienic. It would also be a good idea to invest in your own reusable straw for your safety and ease of use.

Water Jug

Avoid drinking from other cups and bring your own water jug to work. This is will not only be hygienic and safe, but it will also do wonders for your health. Having a water jug at your desk will be a visual reminder for you to stay hydrated. Being well-hydrated at work will additionally improve productivity, reduce morning fatigue, and can boost your metabolism.

Key Takeaway

The pandemic has unquestionably changed our day-to-day, even our work bag essentials. There are certain items that you should never leave home without. Make sure you equip your everyday work bag with these items to ensure a fuss and worry-free workday.

Tips On Cleaning and Disinfecting An Office Space

What are the tips on disinfecting and cleaning an office space?

Declutter
Clean surfaces
Vacuum and mop floors
Promote good hygiene practices
Make cleaning a routine

Cleaning may not be your company’s focus right now, but it will be when the COVID-19 community quarantine regulations are lifted and your team returns to the office. Once you’re all back, you’ll notice that people think and react differently about the equipment and surfaces around now. You might see people reaching for disinfecting wipes or hand sanitizers when before the pandemic, nobody would even notice these items. While it’s understandable to experience a little uneasiness as to when your team ventures back to the office, disinfecting your office space beforehand will ease these thoughts and keep everyone safe and healthy.

Whether engaging in routine cleaning or just following your public health official’s advice for sanitation, office cleaning practices are essential. Read on because we’ve collected some of the most useful tips to help you clean and disinfect your office!

Declutter

The atmosphere of your office will be a lot more stressful and unproductive if it’s too cluttered or if it’s too dirty. This might be partly because of the distractions that can be seen in your office space, like unorganized paperwork or leftover food crumbs.

The first step in achieving a gleaming office space is to declutter. It is a pretty straightforward process and all you need to do is to remove all unnecessary objects like extra papers, file folders, unused mugs, and office supplies from your desks. Store needed items in file boxes and cabinets to keep the office premises looking organized.

A bit of additional advice is to encourage your team to keep their desks clean and avoid eating at their desks. Ask them to keep their designated areas spotless before they clock out at the end of the day to ensure there will be no clutter build-up in the future.

Clean Surfaces

You and your team spend a lot of time at the office; some even spend more time in the office than at their own home. Hence, cleaning the office is needed. Dust, dirt, and cobweb buildup can trigger all kinds of health problems including coughs, rashes, and other respiratory problems. When other employees fall sick, germs can very easily be carried from one place to another, and manifest. With the coronavirus already threatening everyone’s health, nobody wants to catch more diseases right?

So dampen a microfiber cloth and wipe down all the surfaces in your office space. Wipe down desk spaces, computer keyboards, mouses, printers, countertops, switches, shelves, telephones, and doorknobs. Don’t forget to clean often overlooked areas like the power cords behind your desk, fan blades, window sills, or areas under your computer.

A study proved that the coronavirus can live on surfaces and air for days. The only guaranteed way to keep viruses and germs at bay is to use cleaning agents. Use a bleach solution or disinfectant spray. Remember to do this step thoroughly because your office space has high touch surfaces that can easily spread diseases.

Vacuum and Mop Floors

Regular vacuuming is incredibly important if you have carpets in your office space. Dust and dirt accumulate in carpets and allergens cling to its fibers. While if you have hard floors, you’ll need to have a mopping set for cleaning them regularly. Keeping the floors cleansed will help remove dirt and dust further, and as a result, it will keep your team breathing clean air as well.

Promote Good Hygiene Practices

In order to disinfect your office space, good hygiene practices must be observed. This includes proper and frequent handwashing and having respiratory etiquette when coughing or sneezing.

Place wipes, sanitizer, paper towels, and waste bins in easily accessible areas. Consider buying “touchless” appliances like automatic soap dispensers, motion-detecting switches, and hand-dryers as this will improve overall hygiene in the office. Moreover, discourage employees who feel ill or those who exhibit COVID-19 symptoms from coming to work to avoid the transmission of diseases.

Make Cleaning A Routine

Once you’re done disinfecting and cleaning, make it a habit to clean your office space regularly. Have general cleaning routines every month and remind your employees to keep their areas clean all the time.

When faced with the daily pressures of running a business, a major task like routine cleaning may seem like an easy thing to put off. However, one must keep in mind that a clean workplace is vital for reasons like maintaining a healthy environment and leaving a good impression on visitors when they enter a tidy office.

Key Takeaway

Even if it may be hard to maintain regular cleaning schedules, the daily practices of keeping desks organized and disinfecting high-touch surfaces can create a healthy environment year-round.

When returning to work, everyone will go through the new normal every day. It is vital that your office is prepared for these uncertain circumstances in order to maintain a healthy workforce. To disinfect your office space, follow these tips and help keep everyone on your team safe.

How to Improve Social Connections and Well-being at Work During the Pandemic

What are the ways to improve social connections and well-being?

Message Your Friends
Try New Hobbies
Stay Active
Have Video Calls With Distant Friends And Family

Taking care of your well-being and improving your social connections during the pandemic is different from before. There are various aspects that make it different, not just health concerns. As an employee or manager, there’s a need to connect now more than ever. Well-being and physical health are also jeopardized. Here’s a guide on staying connected and taking it easy during the pandemic.

Message Your Friends

If you’re stuck at home, it can start to feel very isolated. Talking to your family can help ease loneliness but everything feels different when you talk to your extended family or your friends. It’s important to message them to check up on their well-being not only for your sake but for theirs. Everyone is starting to feel anxious and needs someone to talk to. Everyone is on edge with what will happen and having someone to listen to you will relieve some of that stress. A simple how are you will do the trick sometimes and you will never know the impact of your words until you try it.

Try New Hobbies

Trying out new hobbies is very therapeutic. Anything leaning towards art and creating something can calm the mind and soul. If you have a lot of free time, having a hobby like knitting or painting can improve your well-being and mental state. The important thing to remember is to take your time and enjoy it. Online sources like youtube, skillshare, and udemy are great places to stimulate learning and help you develop skills and hobbies.

Stay Active

You need to stay active physically as much as possible. Working at home means you might not move around much. Your much-needed serotonin fix can be achieved with a simple exercise routine. You can look at youtube videos online for reference and follow along. A healthy dose of sweat every day can keep some anxiety away.

Another way to stay active is to try reorganizing your room. Keeping it neat and tidy will make you feel better. A messy room can be stressful to look at and can be detrimental to your well-being. Take the time to try and organize your room during the pandemic.

Have Video Calls With Distant Friends And Family

Any distant friends or family you want to connect with can be reached by video call. Group video calls, in particular, are quite enjoyable and can help keep your social connections alive and kicking. There’s no need for any special plans for the video call. The topics can be anything under the sun. Alternatively, organizing a topic to talk about every 2 weeks can spice up conversations.

Key Takeaway

Improving your social connections during the pandemic at home or in your office presents a lot of new normal things. Social distancing and improved hygiene protocols are part of it. Sometimes, you forget about yourself during the process. To keep your social connections alive and your well-being in check, try these out. It allows you to gain a fresh understanding of the new normal and can help keep you on your feet during these trying times.

How COVID-19 is Impacting Coworking Spaces

How is COVID-19 impacting coworking spaces?

Remote Working
Coworking For Normalcy
New Protocols

The impacts of COVID-19 on coworking spaces are rapid and significant. The pandemic has forever changed the way people interact with each other due to the many consequences of contracting the virus. Resiliency is the most important trait to have for any company that manages flexible workspaces or coworking spaces. They need to start learning how to adapt to these new and unique situations. Each coworking space works differently than others but here are some of the most common impacts of COVID-19 on coworking.

Remote Working

More companies are looking to lower the density of employees in offices. Coworking spaces can be used to lower the density of the population by relocating some employees to coworking spaces. However, not all are able to do this. Most people are much more comfortable working safely at home and figuring it out as they go. Some companies are still adapting to these new changes and it may take some time to get used to. However, this doesn’t mean that all remote workers will work at home during the pandemic. Some remote workers may have unstable internet and other utilities that prevent them from working properly. The job of a coworking space is to create a comfortable environment for these employees so they can remain productive during the pandemic.

Coworking For Normalcy

The coworking space must be managed diligently and provide proper sanitation daily. This way, companies that decide to relocate their employees to these coworking spaces are safe from COVID-19 with these properly implemented protocols. Coworking spaces will also ensure that the relocated employees feel a sense of normalcy during this pandemic. Instead of being stuck at home, they can remotely work at a coworking space that’s near their home.

New Protocols

Similar to normal office spaces, the flexibility of coworking may be tested again. These business models will need to learn how to adapt to social distancing and city guidelines to keep the business running. This could evidently put a dent in the revenue of coworking spaces. If there are clients that rent the space monthly, the loss of revenue can ensue if they deem the space to be unsafe. However, there’s a workaround to this problem. Taking advantage of a per-day rental basis will work well in proving social distancing. Coworking businesses can limit the number of people in the space at a given time while still maintaining the business properly. This way, people that need space temporarily can go and rent the space for a day and feel safe. The limited number of people within the coworking space will ensure that the pandemic will be in control.

Key Takeaway

The impacts of COVID-19 on coworking spaces can work positively for many companies and individuals that need a sense of normalcy. With the right social distancing, provision of supplies, and proper management of the space, freelancers and other entrepreneurs can feel safe and secure while remotely working.