Ideas to “normalize” your environment to adapt to work style changes

For much of the workforce, life has changed drastically over the past few weeks. The combination of school closings and mandatory work from home orders can have a significant impact on your ability to stay focused and productive. We have put together some suggestions to help you adjust to your new normal. Ultimately, we are all a bit different and you have to find what works best for you, but here are a few suggestions to get you started.

• Dedicated Workspace– Try to have an area that you have all to yourself and that you can go to consistently in your home to do work. Mixing the “relaxation areas” with the “work areas” will eventually become monotonous.
• Consistent Schedule– Try to have the same consistent work week schedule when possible.  That means getting up at the same time; going to bed at the same time; and eating lunch at the same time during the week to keep that consistency.
• Light Stretch– Periodically break from your work to address your posture and stress by stretching lightly.
• Headsets vs. Speaker Phone– Try to use a headset when possible instead of a speaker phone. We all want hands free but the caller on the other end will notice the difference.
• Stand When Talking– Often when learning about phone sales, it is taught that you should stand while talking. This projects your voice and increases your excitement heard on the phone by the listener.
• To Mute or Not to Mute– Highly recommended to mute your phone microphone whenever you are not talking. This reduces background noise to others, especially if you are taking notes and typing.
• Background Noises– Be aware of the noise coming through the phone to your listeners. This includes when you clear your throat, your pets, your kids, etc. Again, mute is your friend.
• Your Personal Background Noise– Some people need something in the background while they are working.  It’s easy to use the TV for this but be aware of constantly listening to the news will eventually play with your emotions and disposition. If you must have background noise while working, use music that is uplifting to you.
• Do Something for You – Try to take time each day for yourself. It’s easy during stressful times to not take care of yourself. This could be exercise, going outside, taking a walk, meditation, etc.
• Be Human– When talking with your clients and co-workers, please remember they are human and going through the exact same thing you are going through. Take a few moments to ask them how they are doing. Genuinely listen and increase your human capital with them.  Strong relationships are key during these times.

Assistance and Guidance from Freed Maxick

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Please keep in mind that due to the quickly-changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, you should always discuss changes with your Freed Maxick advisor or legal counsel.