Remote work, or working from home, is a concept that has received a heightened acceptance in the previous decade or so. Not only self-employed individuals but employees who require only a computer, phone, and internet connection to conduct their business communications and complete their work are often allowed, or required, to work from home. Many people appreciate the flexibility, the lowered expense and extra time from the elimination of commuting to and from work, and the additional control over workspace that working from home allows.
COVID-19 has ushered an unexpected surge in home-office arrangements.
Those who were able to keep their jobs and transition to working remotely have had to adjust to new ways of doing things, rapidly. Attending meetings is an activity we frequently don’t think twice about—unless in the context of preparedness or interpersonal communications. Suddenly workshops for training in Zoom or Skype are necessary to continue business as usual.
But it’s not only the pressures of ensuring our tech-savvy is sufficient; there is a problem with experiences of social-support systems disconnecting and a dissolving of team structures. There are methods to address these problems. An article in Forbes quotes a professional blogger speaking to these challenges:
“…What people need to realize is that even though working from home offers a great amount of flexibility, it’s still a professional job and it needs to be treated as such. Individuals need to learn best work at home practices, like setting office hours, having dedicated office space, avoiding home-bound distractions, and actually dressing as if you were going to an office. This will help keep your mindset sharp and focused.”
Even those who have become accustomed to working independently have had to face an entirely new set of challenges from the additional events of school and childcare closures. The difficulties of managing work and life have taken on unexpected new dimensions. Kids still need attention, and parents are attempting double duty—required to almost be in two places at once.
This may be an opportunity to consider whether concierge services could assist you and your family to re-organize your planning. Contacting a concierge may seem counterintuitive at first thought. After all, travel is discouraged and social distancing is observed. How could a concierge help?
Depending on your location, schools may be reopening and business may or may not be welcoming employees back. Even if you are not planning any travel or parties (or maybe you would like to discuss how these events could be approached in accordance with COVID precautions?), a concierge could help you find and arrange for delivery services in your area, online tutoring options, availability of professional-development programs in this current workforce, and much more.
See our blog posts “How to Select a Personal or Corporate Concierge” and “Why Do we Struggle with Delegation?” for additional information related to these topics.
Then, call us for your complimentary 30-minute consultation.
