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The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint
• Thursday, April 2, 2020
13
BUSINESS
7 Remote Working Tips for Beginners Excerpts courtesy of RemoteYear If you’re jumping into remote work for the first time, you may be wondering exactly how you can stay productive and live up to your employer’s expectations as the nation rides out the current COVID-19 crisis. Here is a list of tips and tricks for remote work beginners.
1. Over Communicate
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
When it comes to remote work, communication is key. Since you’re no longer a few desks down from your coworkers or your manager, it’s your job to schedule 1:1 check-in meetings with them on a weekly— or even a daily— b asis. When you’re not in the office, it can be difficult for your manager to keep your work topof-mind, so don’t be afraid to regularly check-in on your own. For maximum productivity, strive to have video calls versus phone calls with your manager or colleagues whenever you can.
2. G et a Reliable WiFi Connection Access to consistent WiFi is important. If you need assistance, free or low-cost wifi may be available within your city or county during the COVID-19 health emergency. After inquiries from the FCC, Cox Communications, Comcast and AT&T all are now offering free or low cost internet access, and, in some
tive in the morning or in the evening? Do you need small breaks throughout the day or a longer one at midday? Does your employer have a schedule you need to follow? Be sure to instances, lowering or waivget all the facts and undering late fees. Be sure to check stand your work rhythms. with your local internet provider. Whether your work-athome scenario is temporary, 5. A ssess your childcare or you’re starting a new side resources hustle, consider what tools and tech you’ll need to do Managing interruptions from your job well. Be sure to ask children and spouses is a real your employer for assistance. issue in this time of distance learning and stay-at-home orders. As best you can, try 3. C onsider your workspace to plan activities that don’t require as much supervision, Set yourself up for success in at least for specific blocks a place where you can focus of time so you can get your on the tasks at hand. Create work done. Schedule homea designated spot for work at work assignments during home, do your best to ensure your work time, assign eduthat you feel motivated by cational games or movies you your environment and ready can review and discuss at a to tackle whatever comes your later time, or scheduled naps way. You may need to claim or bouncy chair time for todyour space at the kitchen dlers. PBS is a great resource table along with your 10 year- for educational activities. If old whose completing dis- you have a partner or a roomtance-learning activities, but mate or another family memclaim your spot, you must, if ber at home, perhaps take you want to consistently get shifts watching the children. your work done. And don’t forget to tell your employer that you have kids at home, so they aren’t surprised 4. F igure out your by the occasional interrupworking style tions from background noise At the start of your remote from having kids in the house. work journey, it’s a great idea to figure out the environment that you need to work success- 6. Take time for self-care fully. Are you more produc- When the line between “work”
and “home” starts to blur, you might find yourself stuck to your computer screen for a longer period of time (see next point). While that can sometimes be necessary, give yourself time for yourself. Commit to your fitness routine and make sure that you’re creating blocks in your schedule to eat healthy, nutritious meals so that you can be focused and productive when you need to be.
7. Know when to “log off” This can be one of the most cha l leng ing aspects for remote work beginners, as the world is becoming increasingly connected. Though you may receive emails and chat notifications at any hour, it’s important to develop a habit of setting a time when you officially “log off ” for the night. One positive to these challenging times is that working remotely may give you some f lexibility to work when you are most productive. If you need to keep strict hours and track your time with your employer, be sure to maintain good records and communicate your workfrom-home hours regularly. Now that you’re working remotely, life will look a little bit different. However, the tips listed above can help you make a smooth and successful transition.
COVID-19 RESOURCES FOR BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS Southeastern San Diego COVID-19
Rapid Response Fund Now Available Voice & Viewpoint Newswire In support of nonprofit organizations serving the Southeastern San Diego during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jacobs Family Foundation will provide emergency grants to nonprofit organizations that have deep roots and strong experience supporting these communities. More specif-
ically, 501c3 organizations that are disproportionately affected by this global pandemic and its economic consequences, including those serving food and providing educational services, transportation, senior support, mental health services and other emergency needs. The Southeastern San Diego
COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund funds are being released on a rolling basis.
For more information, nonprofits can email info@jacobscenter.org or access the application directly at http:// whatsnewinthediamond.com/.
Additional COVID-19 Business Resources
Janet Johnson M.A. MFT, LPCC
City of San Diego Small Business Relief Fund
The San Diego Workforce Partnership
CONNECT ALL @ the Jacobs Center
As of March 27, the City of San Diego’s Small Business Relief Fund is now accepting applications. Funds are first come first served. According to the City’s Economic Development Departments site, funds will provide “grants and forgivable or low- to zero-interest-rate loans to eligible small businesses for working capital.” For the application and a list of FAQs, visit https://www.sandiego.gov/ economic-development/resources/relief
The San Diego Workforce Partnership has a robust COVID-19 resource page. They may be able to help small businesses, nonprofits and women-owned businesses with other COVID-19 related business supports, particularly for businesses forced to lay off workers. Visit https://workforce.org/covid-19/ or Call (619) 228-2982 for more information.
CONNECT ALL @ the Jacobs Center, Southeastern San Diego’s business accelerator program, offers a helpful “Resources for Our Community” page with tools and tips for current and aspiring business owners. Go to https://www.connectallsd.org/. SOURCES: Jacobs Center, Sandiego.gov, San Diego Workforce Partnership
