Are You Ready to Return?
Working from home has taken a big boom, with COVID-19 ( queue captain obvious ). Traffic is reduced, people are in better moods, and it seems productivity has risen. At least on its face. But how have we benefited from remote work? Some have told me, my kids are driving me crazy. My beast of burden ( dogs, cats, etc. ) just sits ( if it’s a box, I sits ) in front of me and gazes at me, while interrupting work. However, most have said: It’s been a great break from The Office. I asked: Do we really need a break from The Office?
The question remains is , are you ready to return to work? There is a certain structure in place, that is great when entering a 9 to 5. However remote work can offer, a collective mindfulness, and well, you seem to be a more relaxed and flexibility reigns as king. But if you are looking at working from home as a permanent fix, here are some basic ground rules:
Figure out if the boss man wants you to work a regular 9 to 5
Is Public Wi-Fi acceptable. This is important, because well let’s face it, when summer comes and your apartment or house is Dante’s apartment, your local small business coffee shop, maybe your best escape. Chase the Wi-FI.
Know your tech. ie, Zoom, Skype, WhatsAPP, Slack ( chuckles ), Microsoft
Do you have a personal laptop or your company laptop. ( Request a company one )
If you are planning to takeover the company, ask for your VPN
Testing. Testing. Testing. Anyone there, ( before you sign your desk away, make sure everything is saved, and you are able to work remotely. )
Secondly, setup a functional workspace. Something that feels professional, but casual enough, that when it is time to say good-bye, you can close the lid and you feel a separation. As you are creating distance ( not social distance you slick person you ), between work and personal life, please plan to party more. I know, we are in a box at the moment, but extra Facetime with friends, may help you stay sane.
Overall, if you feel you are ready to trade your home for your cubicle- do it. But, if you want to keep your present and current circumstances, do it. Just ask, if you are ready to return? Be sure you are, because once back in, well, you may not get out.