COVID-19: How your workforce can stay productive during

'Routine is really important when you are working or studying online at home'

COVID-19: How your workforce can stay productive during

Discipline and compliance are two keywords when it comes to working and studying online, according to Coco Hou, CEO of Platinum Professional Training.

“It can be difficult to stay focused and motivated when working or studying from home particularly when you are surrounded by so many distractions and a lack of workplace or classroom structure,” said Hou.

For many workers about to experience the freedom of online work or study at home, Coco has some important tips on how to survive and succeed during periods of quarantine.

 “Quarantine may seem like fun but it does require effort to stay connected and engaged,” Hou said.

“If you feel your workplace or place of study could do more to make you feel engaged, suggest some of these ideas to help everyone cope and get through.

“Everyone is in the same situation and could benefit from these ideas.”

Start your day as you would on any normal day

Routine is really important when you are working or studying online at home. Get up and have breakfast and get dressed as you would as if you are actually leaving the house. You can wear more casual clothes, but you need to feel like you are still in work or study mode

Eat well and avoid unnecessary snacking
Being home means you are closer to the fridge and the kitchen cupboards. This can lead to over-eating and unnecessary snacking. Make your morning tea and lunch as you would as if you were going out the door. This will help you to avoid temptation.

Exercise and move regularly
Working or studying at home means you are probably not going to move around as much as what you would if you were out of the house. Set an alarm or a note for yourself and make sure you take breaks regularly. Walk around the block, walk to the park and back, walk around the house, or do 15 minutes of floor exercises. Staying active is important as it keeps your blood moving, keeps you alert and helps you to avoid packing on the calories while you are in quarantine. It’s also good for your mental health.

Keep your diary full and busy
Your diary or calendar is your best friend when you are working or studying online from home. Actively pencil in meetings and catch-ups. This will keep you active, engaged and involved while you are working from home.

Stay in touch
Maintaining connection with the real work is very important when you are working or studying at home. Utilise tools to maintain communication with people. These can include chat, email, skype, phone, text, etc.  Being at home can be lonely and isolating both physically and socially. Make an effort to stay in touch with people – it’s not only good for you, it’s good for them too.

Pick the right place to be
Working or studying online at home means you are going to be in one place for a period of time. Find the right place in your home to locate yourself that is quiet yet provides enough light and fresh air. Make sure you have a comfortable chair, good desk height and the things around you that you need to feel comfortable.

Put limits on free browsing, shopping and ‘social’ social media.
Days, weeks if not years can pass buy when you are spending time on social media, and the internet. It can suck you in. Many useless things have been purchased online through boredom. Put limits on activity that is not directly related to your work or study. Allow yourself time to connect and engage with colleagues, friends and family – but use your time wisely and don’t let the internet get the better of you. This is one of the hardest things to do while working or studying at home and it takes incredible discipline.

Undertake virtual happy hours
Catching up with colleagues and mates at the end of the week or over the weekend is an Australian institution. Keep up these types of traditions but do them through the use of technology. Arrange a virtual happy hour and get everyone involved. It is a great way to keep up morale and ensure everyone still feels like they are taking part in and enjoying normal activities

Recent articles & video

Ai Group seeks 2.8% minimum wage hike in 2024

Australia's job vacancies fall 6.2% in February

Love and business: Can a break-up lead to unjust dismissal?

Worker claims unfair demotion after temporary supervisor role ended

Most Read Articles

Employer shoots down worker's request for 'mutual separation'

Payroll officer charged for stealing over $1 million from employer: reports

Fair Work: 'Workplace trauma' didn't lead to forced resignation