In a world, full of activities and a time, when coronavirus is threatening, to shut down all means of our livelihood, the productivity of individuals and organisations, now rests, on the shoulders of remote work, which cannot be carried out, without its parents; internet and technology.
As a result of the current Corona Virus crisis, many are having to move online, adopting new technologies and communication strategies that give them access, to content, data and ability, to connect to other individuals and employees around the world, from the comfort of their homes, which of course, cannot be as easy as it seems.
Just a few days ago, it was in the news that, members of Lagos State Executive, held the first ever virtual meeting, in the history of governance in the State, all in a bid, to be productive in their individual positions.
This has, only, proven that, not just individuals and organisations are trying to be productive, but the government, also, in such a time as this. Many have, thus, settled to work remotely, from their safe abode.
Remote work may have been around for more than a decade, but many are new to it and may be finding it difficult to adjust to the modalities.
This brings us, first, to discuss what enhances remote work. It is not enough to have devices that can enhance your work from home, but you must, also, be trained to use the devices very well.
Imagine having a television, which, although, has a power button, but does not come up, until one uses the remote to turn it on.
It would be a waste of time, trying to turn on that TV, through its power button, because you are using the wrong medium.
In fact, you might just conclude that the TV has got a fault, not knowing that you are the one at fault, by not pressing the right button. The day that you discover the secret, however, voilà! An end comes to ignorance.
Ignorance, we all know, is not an excuse, hence, do not, just get these technological devices; get trained on their use too!
This is, as a matter of fact, one of the major ways, to adjust to remote work, during this corona virus crisis.
After obtaining the devices needed, having access to them and acquiring the skills to use them, it is imperative for you, to know what works for you, as an individual as regards planning your day.
What do I mean? Wake up early, like you would, when going to the office; have your bath and a change of clothes, (never work in your pyjamas); carve out a working space to work from and be disciplined.
Being disciplined, when working from home, might not be easy, because one is exposed to many distractions, so, cut off all access to audio-visual and social media, e.g., Radio, Television, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
If you are having to work for long hours, sitting in one position for a very long time, may cause fatigue, so, do not sit in a position for too long.
Get up, stretch those legs, move around and get back to work. You should, also, set deadlines for each task and follow through.
Another way of adjusting properly, to remote work is, by holding online meetings.
Things have never been better! There are more than one applications that gives us access, to attend virtual meetings; you get to see the other people that are on your team; see what they are doing and make important organisational decisions, where face-to-face meetings are not possible.
You can schedule meetings, on Zoom, that allows up to 100 people, to hold online meetings, for 40 minutes.
Aside from Zoom, there are, also, other meeting apps, such as, Google Hangout and Skype, which you can leverage, for your virtual meetings.
Adjusting to remote work, can only get better, especially, in such times, as we have now. The corona virus crisis, or, any other major crisis, should not be allowed, to snatch your means of livelihood, or, shut you out of your world. Adjust!!!
About the Author
Damilola Adebesin is a graduate of Mass Communication, from Yaba College of Technology. She is a creative writer and a skilled baker. She also has passion for guiding and helping young adults, especially, victims of abuse.
Featured Image: theglobeandmail
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