5 minute read
Assess your childcare resources
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
7Remote 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 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—basis. 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. Get 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 instances, lowering or waiving late fees. Be sure to check with your local internet provider. Whether your work-athome scenario is temporary, or you’re starting a new side hustle, consider what tools and tech you’ll need to do your job well. Be sure to ask your employer for assistance. 3. Consider your workspace Set yourself up for success in a place where you can focus on the tasks at hand. Create a designated spot for work at home, do your best to ensure that you feel motivated by your environment and ready to tackle whatever comes your way. You may need to claim your space at the kitchen table along with your 10 yearold whose completing distance-learning activities, but claim your spot, you must, if you want to consistently get your work done. 4. Figure out your working style At the start of your remote work journey, it’s a great idea to figure out the environment that you need to work successfully. Are you more productive 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 get all the facts and understand your work rhythms. 5. Assess your childcare resources Managing interruptions from children and spouses is a real issue in this time of distance learning and stay-at-home orders. As best you can, try to plan activities that don’t require as much supervision, at least for specific blocks of time so you can get your work done. Schedule homework assignments during your work time, assign educational games or movies you can review and discuss at a later time, or scheduled naps or bouncy chair time for toddlers. PBS is a great resource for educational activities. If you have a partner or a roommate or another family member at home, perhaps take shifts watching the children. And don’t forget to tell your employer that you have kids at home, so they aren’t surprised by the occasional interruptions from background noise from having kids in the house. 6. Take time for self-care 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 challenging 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 flexibility 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
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 specifically, 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
City of San Diego Small Business Relief Fund 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 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.
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