Working from home…make it impactful
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Let’s accept the reality. Covid-19 is just a flu type virus but it is very corrosive in nature. At at the 18th March Sri Lanka has 51 cases confirmed. If a country crosses the 100 mark on Covid- 19, the diffusion of cases to reach a 1000 mark takes 5-7 days as per behavioral studies done. This calculation can vary on the culture of the country and density of the population. China took 4 days to cross 1,000 Mark after reaching 100, Italy 6 days, Iran 5 days, South Korea 6 days. Which is why the medical fraternity was pressurizing the government to go for a lock down so that we keep the numbers below 100.
Social distancing
There are many models based on the concept of social distancing. If a country wants to reduce the diffusion process then it will have to practice the key basic: Social Distancing’. The logic being that R-naught on the brand COVID-19 is 3-4 people. Meaning, 1 infected person will infect 3-4 person. The average family size being 4 in Sri Lanka, validates this working. Hence the Sri Lanka number at 51 confirmed means that around 212 people falling into the suspecting category justifies this math.
Italy – case in point
Given that Sri Lanka is in a decisive stage in the Covid-19 outbreak. It is important to understand the behaviour patterns of a country similar to Sri Lanka where a lockdown was voted down that resulted in the outbreak becoming uncontrollable. On the 15th February Italy had just 3 cases. By the 23rd -157. By the 29th- 1128 cases( which is just 6 days). By the 7th March it had crossed 5883 people ( meaning 7 days of diffusion), by the 10th March to 10,149 patients meaning just 4 days of diffusion). By the 16th March the number has exceeded 27,980 cases meaning in just 6 days of diffusion this number was impacted. This is even after a lockdown scenario in a italy, which is what the GMOA was trying to advocate to the Sri Lankan government on this model.
Working from home
Given the above developments on Covid 19, many companies have taken the decision to work from home- social distancing is the essence. This can be a new way of working life for some and it will be an interesting experience. Let me share a few techniques that can increase your impact.
1) Focus on task:
First of all check if laptop and connection is in order. Is there a ability for a conference call. If not you cannot work. Remember that each of us have a responsibility to perform and we are empowered to perform that assigned task- be it in office or working from home. We do not have bosses any more. We have a leader and each of us are team members to do a relevant task. It does not matter in which location we are based, we must do our task.
2) home- work:
In today’s working culture, there is no difference between home and work culture. The logic being that, today’s organization the culture created is to make the working environment fun and exciting so that ‘millennials’ will find it stimulating to work. Hence, working from home does not make a major difference to a millennial.
3) Demarcate an area
To get into a mind set of working, carve out an area in your home to work. This can be a separate room or a dedicated table and chair where you can place your PC or Tab and a few files. This will create a mindset of working. Take a shower just like a normal working day. You don’t have wear your usual clothes but you cannot work with your night wear. Then start your work.
4) Focus
Don’t get distracted. The paper man will come, the neighbor can drop by. Focus on the task you have been assigned. Remind your self that if you do not do your task, someone else will be able to continue to close the bigger project. Treat your workspace like your office. Structure your day like you would in an office and implementation is key.
5) Agenda
Just like in office, sketch your work plan with time allocation. Stick it up in a location that you see it very clearly. Strike off the task once you do it. This will motivate you. Go through the day in this manner. You will realize that working from home is less stressful and very productive.
6) Ground Rules
It’s important to set some ground rules so that all at home will respect your schedule. It’s important to communicate these rules too. If not you will have a visitor at your table at all odd times. Be clear what time you will have lunch and tea. This is where the concentration breakdown happens.
7) Take breaks
Just like in office, take your breaks for tea and a biscuit. But, do not take long breaks given that you are at home and watch movies knowing that you can work till late. Don’t do this. It will lead to being very unproductive. Stick to work time schedules. Breakoff at 5.30 if that is your cut off point at work. If not work fills into the space model takes form.
Network
You will feel lonely at a given point. It is natural as we are human. Connect with your work colleague on the phone. Not in Facebook or WhatsApp. Stick to the official methods of communication. If social media is used normally, then go ahead and use it. The connection makes you once again get focussed and aligned to the task. Try it. You will know what I mean.
9) Stay away from excitement
What I mean by this is that when you are at home exciting things happen. The neighbors dog chases the fish monger or someone comes to break the mangoes in your garden. News these days is exciting and you will suddenly hear the TV or Radio blasting. Stay away from them. Focus on your task and do it. Let the world wait.
10) Technology
Use the modern methods of communication if need be. Zoomchat, WhattsApp video just to name a few common tools. The point is you don’t have to be physically present at office to do your task. Today’s leaders must learn to work in the car, airport, airplane, hotel room, at home or at the traditional work place. Which is why modern technology is a great connector.
Conclusion
Agree with your team leader the evaluation criteria and have a meeting on a pre arrange basis on your performed. Involve other team members in the evaluation. Enjoy the experience. Who knows remote working might became a way of life.
(The thoughts are strictly the author’s personal views. Dr Athukorala is the CEO for an Artificial Intelligence company for the South Asian region)
| Given that Sri Lanka is in a decisive stage in the Covid-19 outbreak. It is important to understand the behaviour patterns of a country similar to Sri Lanka where a lockdown was voted down that resulted in the outbreak becoming uncontrollable. On the 15th February Italy had just 3 cases. By the 23rd -157. By the 29th- 1128 cases( which is just 6 days). By the 7th March it had crossed 5883 people ( meaning 7 days of diffusion), by the 10th March to 10,149 patients meaning just 4 days of diffusion). By the 16th March the number has exceeded 27,980 cases meaning in just 6 days of diffusion this number was impacted. | |