Working From Home - Tips for Support Staff
As a result of the corona virus, many firms are making the decision to have staff work from home. For support staff, this may be the first time that you have experienced working from home so it may feel a bit strange, especially in these circumstances. Whilst working from home is great (hello, casual every day and not having to catch public transport), there are some difficulties you may experience in respect of managing your day and your workload when working from home. In this blog, we address some strategies for working from home that will assist you.
Think about the practical arrangements
Make sure to check with your firm about how working from home will work practically. If they haven’t provided specific direction about things like who will be taking calls, sending mail and arranging couriers etc, check with your supervisors about how they would like these things handled.
You should have important phone numbers stored in your phone, including your supervisors, and the IT department.
Ensure that you have the correct technology to work from home. If you need any additional technology like tablets or printers, liaise with IT before you leave the office to make these arrangements.
Set up your space
It’s important to set up your space as ergonomically as possible. Avoid using your laptop on the couch or in bed as this will quickly create a strain on your neck and back. If you don’t have a dedicated desk space, try using a flat surface like your dining table.
Continue work as normal
Stay busy and complete all work as normal, without any unnecessary delays. Avoid procrastination that can stem from working at home. Try to make working from home as seamless for your supervisors as possible. Think about it - if you can make working from home as a support staff professional successful during this time, you will be more likely to be approved for working from home arrangements if you request them in the future.
Make sure that you have your lunch breaks and maintain your usual working hours. If you are having client calls diverted to your phone, don’t answer them outside of business hours!
Stay in touch
Make sure to keep in touch with your solicitor, updating them on what you are working on. When they can’t see you at your desk, some solicitors may be inclined to think you are slacking off if they don’t hear from you for long periods of time. Always let them know if you will be away from your computer for an extended time including if you go on your lunch break, so they know why you are not replying to their emails.
Maintain confidentiality in share houses
Living with others may make maintaining confidentiality a little more difficult than if you were working out of the office. Make sure to keep files and documents out of view from your housemate/s and avoid using speaker phone when taking client calls.
Look after yourself, mentally and physically
When working from home and remaining isolated, it is important to take care of your mental and physical health. We recommend:
Maintaining usual hygiene routines including showering every day and, yes, changing out of your PJs!
Spending time that you would usually be commuting doing something you enjoy like enjoying a coffee, listening to some music, calling mum or dad, or watching some trashy TV!
Taking regular breaks and going for a short walk, doing some exercise, or getting out in the sun.
Communicating with your colleagues via phone and instant messaging services to ensure you maintain social contact and team morale.
Focus on the positives, including having the ability to stay at home to avoid infection, as well as the general positives of working from home like wearing your casual clothes, not having to catch public transport into the city or hanging out at home with your pets.
At the end of the day, staying at home will help our nation combat this pandemic. Remain patient and look for the positives in working from home. It is a luxury that most support staff aren’t usually granted - so take advantage of it!
