How to Make The Most of The Covid19 Lockdown

“The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.”
― Albert Einstein

1. Introduction:

During the COVID-19 outbreak, many companies are suggesting—even requiring—that more employees work from home. Working from home can be a lonely enterprise in this era of social distancing, but it doesn't have to be. Having to balance this with house chores, demanding children and pets can be a real challenge and that is what we want to discuss today.

2. For Employers

a. Support Essential On-site Staff

b. Social distancing is important in every environment, especially at work. 

c. Discourage employees from using lunchrooms and breakrooms if at all possible and if that isn’t feasible, impose the six-feet-apart guidelines set by the CDC.

d. Space out warehouse and plant workers as much as possible, relocating staff to other duties if necessary. 

e. In close-quarter open offices, relocate workstations so that employees aren’t using cubicles or workstations that are too close together.

f. Lighten the Financial Load

g. Provide modems, data and airtime to aid offsite work 

h. Communicate often and educate

i. Purchase some online communication tools

j. If plausible ensure the medical insurance covers are provided

3. For The Employee Working at Home

a. Draw up a strict time table from when you start work to when you end

b. Establish a work station that is inviolable

c. Use earphones while working to shut out the family for that time

d. Communicate this clearly to the family and create boundaries

e. After work put away gadgets and be PRESENT

f. Avoid cabin fever and get out for every break.

g. Be as strict about family time as you are about work

h. Schedule client calls as often as possible the client who is not in touch with you now will not need you when this is over.

4. For School Going Children

a. Set up a study area

b. Draw up a time table for the children. 

c. Allow for break times

d. Allow them to change after school

e. Again let the children out a lot during this time

f. Make them contribute to all these efforts

Remember that children find security in predictable schedules.

5. Family Time

a. Plan family picnics in the compound

b. Plan races and out door games

c. Remember to have church service 

4. Make meal preparation a family occupation.

6. For Your Business

a. Do online short courses and get certified in areas you have always wanted to be certified in

b. Call up your clients and discuss their challenges with them A client you are not talking to now w

ill not need you after the lockdown.

c. Get involved in social causes and remain present on the social scene. It is important for your social capital.

d. Start on that book, or project that you can do from home.

Let us keep focused on the silver linning.