The crisis caused by the coronavirus outbreak is forcing companies to embrace new working patterns. For many people this could be a brand new experience: here’s what everyone should keep in mind while rescheduling their workweek.

The current crisis due to the coronavirus outbreak is forcing many companies to make their employees work from home. That means some of them are facing for the first time new challenging experiences in terms of skills and habits in order to cope with unprecedented sceneries of daily work.

Here are ten tips (and more) for remote work that will make your activity more productive and help you survive at home.

1) Designate a workspace. It is easier to stay focused if you choose a specific area in your home to get work done. That could be a home office, spare bedroom, or some other quiet area where privacy is guaranteed.

2) Communicate properly. The key to success in any professional role is communication, but when it comes to remote work, it is even more critical. It is your job to schedule meetings to connect on your goals, upcoming projects and daily tasks.

3) Invest in reliable tech. It is not just about a Wi-Fi connection working correctly, but secure applications and devices are equally important. Your company should support you in installing security patches and updating security and safety software. 

4) Making workers aware of their safety risks. Training and awareness-raising initiatives on cybersecurity are essential to reduce risks. Companies need to ensure that workers know how to use remote technologies and recognise COVID-19-related cyber threats such as phishing email and fraudulent phone calls.

5) Managers, tell your team how and when they can reach you. If you are in charge of people, explain to them clearly about any new or different ways of communication you have now. Don’t assume they know. The more guidance you provide, the fewer misunderstandings will occur, and the more efficiently your work can stay on track. 

6) Make sure your team understands your expectations. Make a clear plan around communication and work priorities. Are work hours the same? Should ongoing projects and plans move forward or be rescheduled? Don’t let people make assumptions about anything unclear.

7) Solve issues quickly with a phone call. Email, texts, or other written communications can be subject to misunderstandings. When you feel this is happening, be quick to pick up the phone to solve issues. And just remember to promptly return emails, calls, and voice mails as soon as you get them.

8) Ask for feedback on the personal remote situation. If you are new to working from home, ask your team for daily feedback on how the job is developing. 

9) Focus on the big picture. It is a stressful time for everyone, so it’s vital to remember long-term goals on your professional level.

10) Maintain a consistent routine. Last but not least, set a work schedule and stick to it. Try to wake up at the same time every day and treat weekdays just as you did before.

Working from home could be overwhelming as you are never leaving your office building. So, in addition to the above-listed tips, don’t even forget to take breaks. Work from home is challenging because it’s easy to lose track of time. In the current situation, it’s critical that you carve out time to take a break to keep a balanced and healthy lifestyle.