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Whilst this does present some advantages, it may be a sudden change for those who have not worked from home alone or shared their office space with family and roommates.

“This new reality we are facing also offers potential challenges that includes a lack of colleagues and managers to collaborate with and help you stay on task; some employees working too many or too few hours; struggling to manage work/life balance and establish boundaries to limit distractions; and a lack of everyday face-to-face interaction increases feelings of isolation and decreases motivation, not to mention the potential for miscommunication due to lack of non-verbal cues,” says ManpowerGroup South Africa’s managing director, Lyndy van den Barselaar.

These challenges may manifest in elevated stress levels in those who are unaccustomed with it. “During this time in isolation, it is the responsibility of every employee to continue working efficiently despite the challenges they face to ensure success in their careers post lockdown,” adds van den Barselaar.

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ManpowerGroup has provided some helpful points to work effectively at home:

1. Prepare for success

• Create your workspace and have a dedicated work environment that is free from distractions. Consider logging out of all social accounts during work (unless necessary for your job). If sharing a space with others, lay ground rules and expectations for noise levels and break times.
  
• Evaluate and upgrade your home technology. “Consider increasing or boosting your internet bandwidth especially if you have multiple people accessing your network at the same time. Those with spotty cell reception should consider a dedicated office line,” suggests van den Barselaar.
  
• Establish set working hours and develop a routine where you start (and end) your workday. Potentially schedule a recurring meeting each morning to ensure you start your day on time. Similarly, log out and log off at the end of your workday.

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2. Stay connected

• Maintain open and frequent communication with your manager, colleagues and those who report to you. Managers should hold regular meetings with team members. Establish expectations for response times to emails and phone calls while utilising out of office reminders or notifications if you will be away from your desk for extended periods of time.
  
• Leverage multiple technology platforms: Phone, email and chat are likely standard in your work life. Using video conferencing may enable you to feel more connected and decrease isolation. “Video calls can also motivate users to “dress more for the office” which can also help shift mindset throughout the day,” notes van den Barselaar.
  
• Be productive and proactive. Plan to deliver the same productivity that you do when you are in the office. Have your manager or colleagues hold you accountable and alert colleagues if you anticipate delays in your work or if you are collaborating on a group project.
  
• Leverage technology support: Leverage your company’s IT support desk if you have questions or need support. Understand that they are likely receiving a large number of requests for similar support at this time.

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3. Manage your time

• Practice effective time management. “As you adjust to your new environment, you will establish peak performance times such as early morning before other family members are awake. Find the times that work best for you to maximise your productivity,” says van den Barselaar.
  
• Build in time for the unexpected. If you build in extra time for unanticipated work demands, you will be less stressed if and when this happens. Set aside time and you can always reallocate it to get ahead on a project if no emergencies pop up.
  
• It is important to take breaks. Step away from your work area for 10-20 minute breaks every two hours. Take a short walk, read a quick article, check in with your family members or other friends working remotely. This shift in your focus will make you more productive when you return to work.
  
• Be flexible and patient. This is even more essential now that you are working from home. As your company is responding to properly equip the newly remote workforce, there may be delays in responses from colleagues or a lag in technology.

“During these difficult and uncertain times, ensuring structure and focus will keep our heads above water till we re-enter the public space,” concludes van den Barselaar.