COVID-19: Remote Working
The spread of COVID-19 virus, or better known as Coronavirus, is an unprecedented time in most of our lives. A global crisis declared a pandemic, it could affect every brand, every business, and every individual.
The effect of the COVID-19 virus is already evident around the world, with empty shelves in supermarkets and overwhelmed hospitals. One of the primary solutions to contain the outbreak is practising self-isolation and social distancing. Businesses are adapting to this new way of work with the option to work from home, ensuring their team members are safe and taken care of.
Remote-Working X Digital Marketing
As Digital Marketers, we’re all fully aware that the digital world never sleeps. With online access to our day-to-day jobs, we have an opportunity to work remotely.
If this concept is new to you, here are a few tips to integrate into the world of remote working:
1. Plan your outfit the night before
It’s tempting to stay in your PJs all day. It’s the dream, but we don’t recommend it.
It may seem silly to plan an outfit to wear at home, but you’ll avoid the rut of wearing uninspiring hoodies and stretchy pants all day every day.
Not only will you feel more productive, but you also look the part 😎
2. A morning routine
Maintain your morning with a structure that gets you moving and motivated. Whether that is a morning run, writing or reading a book.
Start your day like you would any other!
- Arrive on time, work normal hours
- You’re allowed to have lunch! Make sure to stick to your 1-hour lunch break and that you work an 8 hour day.
- Log off at the end of the day — it’s easy to get carried away when your laptop is invading your home space.
3. Background noise
Use playlists and podcasts as a way to keep your home feeling like an office. An office is full of distant chatter, kitchen sounds and background music.
Here are some of our favourite podcasts:
🎵Adweek — Yeah That’s Probably An Ad
🎵John J Wall — Marketing Over Coffee
🎵Buffer — The Science Of Social Media
Keep that office vibe in your home with something to fill the air and the empty silences. Silence isn’t always golden 😉
4. Place distractions out of reach
Change your home-office scenery and implement strategic breaks to get you moving.
For example:
- Leave your phone in another room, forcing you to get up when it pings.
- Keep meals in the kitchen/dining room - do not allow ‘snacking’ at your laptop.
Remember to be kind to yourself and take breaks! Get up every hour and stretch, it’s easy to get sucked into the world of work.
5. Rules for going outside
Even though the possibility of remote working is in lieu of the outside world (at least for now), avoiding the outside world entirely is not conducive to a good work/life balance.
We suggest implementing a rule to get you outside, at least once every 24 hours to help you maintain your sanity.
- Soak up some rays in your garden.
- A stroll/run is a great way to see the world and stay safe in the current climate.
- Consider a grocery shop or supply run when you’re feeling stuck. Keep this quick, and preferably in off-peak hours. Remember not to panic-buy the whole store.
When you do go outside, take the necessary precautions!
Remote working can give you the freedom of flexibility, time, and a safe workspace. Take advantage of it, but do so responsibly. If you have chosen to work remotely and self-isolate, you probably shouldn’t be seen at a nightclub on a random Tuesday…
Self-Isolation Tips
An emerging theme on social media platforms is social distancing. Brands are asking their customers to #StayHome, to self-isolate and take social distancing seriously.
Here’s @innocent’s daily working from home challenge 👇
Self-isolation doesn’t have to be lonely or boring 🤩
Here are some of the ways to self-isolate:
🧠Learn a new skill — there are plenty of online resources, as well as YouTube videos
📖Read a book
🎥Netflix and chill
🧩Board games with family
🍳Cook more
💪Exercise
🐶Spend time with your fluffy friend
In these uncertain times, remember to practise social distancing, take preventative measures, get your news from reputable sources, be kind and stay safe!
Visit the World Health Organisation’s website for more information on the Coronavirus.
For Coronavirus updates in South Africa, visit the South African Government’s website HERE.
