Last week, Northern Westchester Hospital informed some of its employees that they would be working from home in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community. While our wonderful team of clinicians, nurses, and front-line staff members remains on campus doing what they do best, caring for community members who need them, we have many employees at home supporting our mission and front-line staff, remotely. We understand that every person and team works differently, but as we continue to navigate this new normal, we want to share some tips we’ve found useful to help you stay productive, collaborative, and connected with your colleagues while working from home.

Create a routine that follows what you did when you were going into the office

“I still set my alarm, meditate every morning, and walk the dog before I begin my workday. In my role, I’m used to having frequent face-to-face time with my team, so I’m making it a priority to get the whole team together virtually. Nothing is better than FaceTime or an actual phone conversation – and let’s face it, we need some social interaction now more than ever. In an effort to continue seamless communication with my team, I’ve also been learning to use other communications platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Bluejeans.” – Gaby Golod Greenwald, Vice President of NWH Foundation.

Be flexible and keep your work calendar up to date…and don’t forget to send funny memes

“It’s always helpful if your colleagues know when you will be available to take a quick call or when they can expect a response back to the “high priority” email they just sent you. That said, it’s super important to keep your calendar up to date. It helps your team manage expectations and keep business running smoothly. It’s equally important to make time for social bonding. If you’re lucky to have great work relationships with your coworkers, you don’t have to sacrifice “water cooler” chat just because you’re not at the water cooler. Take text breaks to share memes and anecdotes and check in on each other. This has really helped keep the collaboration going.” – Amanda Hellerman, Development Officer, NWH

Set up your workspace

“Though working from a cozy bed in PJs sounds really, really appealing, I’ve quickly learned that I’m one of those weirdos who needs a desk. I need organization. I need a little bit of normal. My apartment is tiny, but I was able to transform what’s usually my makeup station into a makeshift office. There’s a printer where my collection of eye shadows and lipsticks used to be. A dedicated workspace has really made all the difference for me. I’m able to be productive and get my work done effectively without losing focus. This also makes it easier to mentally and physically walk away when the workday is done. Note to all: No desk for my makeup = no makeup. Who wears makeup when they’re working from home anyway, right? My apologies in advance to those in video chat meetings with me, but it is what it is.” – Brianna Miller, Marketing Manager at NWH

Schedule mini-breaks from work throughout the workday

“These tiny breaks are for: reading or shopping online; emailing/texting friends about non-work things; playing with your animal companion; finding a cookie recipe to try over the weekend. They are not for: cleaning, doing laundry or pulling together documents for your tax accountant. They are little mental vacations. My focus on work is actually sharpened by doing fun stuff at regular intervals. When I know I have another mini-break coming up in an hour, I work peacefully. Whereas the prospect of non-stop work all day makes me rebellious and I can’t tear myself away from shoe browsing on Zara!” – Constance Skedgell, freelance writer for NWH

Make working from home, work for you

“As we all begin to settle into our ‘new reality,’ we will all begin to develop new routines. For some, that may mean rising with the sun and getting to it. For others, that may mean getting an extra half hour of sleep in the morning. For me, if I’m at home, it will likely mean making a double batch of pancakes to start the day. It’s important to let your team know your preferred schedule. Set boundaries; just make sure everyone knows them.” – Gretchen Mullin, Director of Marketing, NWH

Routines and schedules keep everyone productive, happy and sane.

“Working remotely can be challenging, especially when you have little children at home. To combat this challenge, I’ve created a spreadsheet that maps out everyone’s activities by the hour for each day, simulating the preschool/daycare schedule at home. My husband and I take turns working and watching the kids – engaging them in scheduled activities (art and science projects, streaming music/yoga classes, and virtual playdates with friends from school), free play, and outdoor time.” — Amy Rosenfeld, Program Coordinator of Community Health, Education and Outreach

Working from home checklist:

• Find your work from home groove by getting into a good routine
• Communicate often (by video chat or phone if possible)
• Bring the team together
• Get and give status updates at reasonable intervals
• Be flexible
• Keep your work calendar up to date
• Have fun – Make your team laugh, A LOT
• Set up a workspace that works for you
• Take breaks!
• Maintain healthy boundaries
• Keep a schedule