SECOND WAVE OF COVID-19

COVID-19 has changed the way we live and work, which appear to be our new normal. Working at home remotely for many positions have forced many to change their home environment to be conducive with the workplace.  This change does not have to be dreaded.  Businesses can embrace the new normal by adequately preparing employees for any future work alternative.
Employer/Management

1. VPN access is critical to ensure programs and confidential information is free from hackers, which is ultimately enhanced security.  In addition, it is a safe way for employees to work remotely.  You will feel more comfortable at the end of the day knowing your company’s information has crossed personal employee computers without incident.
2. Antivirus protection – if you are a company who has not ventured out to purchase VPN, then you should at a minimum have virus protection software installed on all computers where information is transmitted and/or viewed.  This software will aid in protection from viruses as well as perform daily scans of computers.  Visit the small business website for an article related  this topic https://smallbusiness.chron.com/benefit-antivirus-28239.html
3. Have a system backup strategy.  Backup is the process of creating a copy of the data on your system that you use for recovery in case your original data is lost or corrupted.  I have been in a work environment where the system crashed and although the company had a backup system in place, they were not actively using the system.  If you have a backup strategy stick with it, because you may feel like it is a lot to maintain, but if the day comes where you your system crash, you will be glad you did!
4. Electronic File storage for paper storage.  Although not required, I’ve found use of an electronic file system has a great advantage in disaster resistance.  This process eliminates the need to maintain paper, saves money on filing cabinets and storage facility costs.  In addition, easy retrieval is an added benefit.
5. Many companies are requiring employees to work remotely due to COVID-19.  Refer to the Harvard Business Review on more detail discussion of this topic. https://hbr.org/2020/03/a-guide-to-managing-your-newly-remote-workers

Please note that all electronic changes have some disadvantage to work through, but when looking at the totality of your decision making, the advantages greatly outweigh the disadvantages.
If you are an employer who has not invested in implementing any of the above suggestions, I urge you to consider your options.  Just because you have made it through the first wave of an alternative work environment without incident, does not ensure your security.  If you are a small business and are unable to implement any of the above suggestions, consider only using your office computer for work related transactions, minimize the use of internet, and consider using emails only for business purposes.
Employee

1. Incorporate time management strategies, find an area of your home where you can work with minimal distractions.  Below are a few ways to make positive changes.
   1. Set priorities
   2. Schedule your time appropriately
   3. Get organized
   4. Stop procrastinating
   5. Manage your external time wasters, such as emails

Questions to consider:

1. Has your alternative work environment transitioned to a point where you have gained a level of comfort performing day to day tasks?
2. Has your productivity changed?
3. Are you experiencing a lot of distractions during the course of the day?
4. Has your company made changes to assist you in performing your daily tasks?
5. Do you have the necessary equipment/tools to continue to work at an alternate location?

These are just a few items to consider today, as you will want to discuss with management about making some changes or if you are management, you should start to consider transitioning work to fit changes in environments.
 
Share your ideas about how COVID-19 has impacted the way you work today.  Who knows, you could help someone manage their new way of working.
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