What an unprecedented days we have had. We have seen many things come to pass out of a sense of urgency for the greater good, protecting vulnerable loved ones and neighbors from the Coronavirus that’s currently playing out on the world stage.

As an OSI family member, your wellbeing is a priority; therefore, we have taken the step toward the home office world.   We have taken care of all the details so you can have the equipment and tools that will allow you to work properly.

Please take a couple of minutes to read these recommendations 

• KEEP A DEDICATED OFFICE SPACE

In an ideal world, remote employees would have not only a dedicated office but also two computers, one for work and one for personal use. But not everyone has a separate office in their home, and keeping two machines isn’t always realistic. Instead, dedicate a desk and some peripherals only for work use.

• MAINTAIN REGULAR HOURS

Automatic time-tracking apps, such as RescueTime, let you check in on whether you’re sticking to your schedule. They can also help you figure out what times of day you’re most productive versus when you slack off. You can use that information to your advantage by reserving your hours of high focus for your most important tasks.

• CREATE A MORNING ROUTINE

Deciding you’ll sit down at your desk and start work at a specific time is one thing. Creating a routine that guides you into the chair is another. Establish a morning routine which indicates you’re about to start work. It might be making a cup of coffee. It might be returning home after a jog. It might be getting dressed (wearing pajama pants to work is a perk for some, but a bad strategy for others). A routine can be more powerful than a clock at helping you get started each day.

• SET GROUND RULES WITH THE PEOPLE IN YOUR SPACE

Set ground rules with other people in your home or who share your space for when you work. If you have children who want to play while you’re still working, they need clear rules about what they can and cannot do during that time.

Additionally, just because you’re home and can let service people into the house or take care of pets doesn’t mean other family members should assume you will always do it. If that’s how you choose to divide up the domestic labor, that’s fine. Still, if you simply take it all on by default because you’re home, you may feel taken advantage of, and your productivity may suffer.

• BE AWARE OF WIFI BANDWIDTH

We are aware that you will be at home and probably you will have to share your home network bandwidth with others. Please consider those hours when you will have a Teams-meeting so the bandwidth will be at its best. You can download content for your kids during the night so when you have meetings they still will be able to watch videos and or play games or better yet follow this tips to keep your kids busy and learning (go to: 125 ideas to keep kids entertained during the COVID-19 Crisis). It is your responsibility to ensure that there is sufficient bandwidth available to perform your work duties at home.

• SCHEDULE BREAKS

Know your OSI’s and/or the account you work for policy on break times and take them. Give yourself adequate time during the day to walk away from the computer screen and phone. A lunch hour and two 15-minute breaks. Remember to be responsible for using TIMETREX.

• TAKE BREAKS IN THEIR ENTIRETY

Don’t short-change yourself during breaks, especially your lunch hour. You can use  TimeTrex, to lock yourself out of your computer for 60 minutes. Or you can just launch a simple clock or timer on the screen when you take a break. If you return to your desk after only 40 minutes, walk away for another 20.

• STAY HOME

Remember the purpose that we are taking this action. You don’t have to eat out every day, but try to leave your workspace regularly. The same advice applies to people who work in traditional office settings, too. Your body needs to move. Maybe you can try this No gym required: How to get fit at home

Remember, don’t go to crowded public spaces to get away from your solo workspace. Take a small walk. Take care of your garden, etc.

• DON’T HESITATE TO ASK FOR WHAT YOU NEED

You’re working from home unexpectedly due to Coronavirus, ask for what you need within reason. You could be working from home for weeks on end and you should be comfortable, but remember to follow the indications received, if you have doubts about any procedure or any specific task, please ask, your performance it’s vital for your operation, we are a team!

• OVERCOMMUNICATE

Working remotely requires you to overcommunicate. Tell everyone who needs to know about your schedule and availability often. When you finish a project or important task, say so. Overcommunicating doesn’t necessarily mean you have to write a five-paragraph essay to explain your every move, but it does mean repeating yourself.

• END YOUR DAY WITH A ROUTINE

Just as you should start your day with a routine, create a habit that signals the close of the workday. It might be a sign off on a business messaging app, an evening dog walk (close to your house), or a 6 p.m. yoga class at home or any other activity. Something as simple as shutting down your computer and turning on a favorite podcast will do. Whatever you choose, do it consistently to mark the end of working hours.

• BE POSITIVE

When you work remotely full-time due to a global emergency, you must be positive, to the point where it may feel like you’re overly positive. So embrace the exclamation point! Find your favorite emoji :D. You’re going to need them.

#TogetherWeWillGetThroughThis