working from home guide

TIPS FOR TELEWORK EMPLOYEES

“Working from Home”

To Any EVERSTAFF Employees Working from Home,

We want to thank you for your continued trust and confidence in partnering with us while the world manages the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic. EVERSTAFF is here to help too, and that includes providing tips and guidance for those in unique situations designed to accommodate for the current working environment. If you are currently approved to continue your assignment from home, there are many things to consider.

Our primary concern during this time is your personal safety while operating in a “new” work environment. While some of you may have worked from home before, circumstances may trend towards an extended time away from the office. For most, it will require a different kind of adjustment. It’s important to remember that all general safety considerations still apply, and there might be some you haven’t thought about. Your home work environment should be set-up as close as possible to a normal work space to remove potential risks or hazards. Wherever you establish as your home “office”, please remember the following:

·         Designate a Specific “Work” Spot: Our homes have different rooms and areas designed for specific purposes, depending on the situation. When working from home, designating a specific space for work can help keep you productive and focused by limiting potential distractions. When you’re working in a “work” room, you’ll be better motivated!

·         Limit Potential Safety Hazards: Our homes can sometimes get cluttered and messy (we’ve all been there). So, the space you chose to work in should be cleared of any potential trip hazards, such as clumps of wires or unused furniture. As long as you can move around comfortably, you’ll be set up for safe success! If you have any concerns about working safely from home, please let us know so we can help.

·         Get Up and Move Around: Speaking of moving around comfortably, it’s recommended that you sit up and move your body every once in a while throughout the day. This is recommended even when you’re at your regular office, but we can sometimes forget when we’re in our comfortable home environment. Getting up to take a small walk every 30-60 minutes can keep you alert, active and healthy!

·         Secure the Resources You Need: If you have any concerns about not having the right equipment, resources or materials to get the job done while at home, please let us know. We will work with our client partners to ensure you have the right tools for the job.

·         Maintain Regular Hours: It’s easy to get caught up in the comfort and flexibility of working from home, and that’s not a bad thing! That said, we can sometimes fall out of routine and habit when put in a different environment for an extended period of time. Maintaining regular work hours can keep you consistent in your work, but also ease the transition back to the office when the time comes.

·         Take Your Breaks: Even if it’s for lunch, a coffee or just to get up and walk around, it’s important to maintain as much of your normal routine as possible.

·         Keep in Touch: Communication is a key tool to maintaining normal operations during situations like this. It’s sometimes effective to be OVER-communicative, just to keep things moving along. If you normally have dedicated times to reach out to your manager or colleagues, keep that schedule going. If you find yourself speaking to your colleagues less, try to send a quick email or text to stay “in the know”. Most importantly, ask questions when necessary and always be accessible when you’re expected to be.

These are just a few recommendations to help you through this transition. There may be individual ways you can help yourselves, but if you ever need EVERSTAFF’s resources, we’re here to help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything while we manage these circumstances and continue to move forward.

If you have any specific questions regarding your employment, you can contact our Human Resources Department at hr@everstaff.com or (216) 369-2566.

BE SAFE!