Many of Us Have Been Working From Home for the Past Few Days

Many of us have been working from home for the past few days. I dare say that we are among the few lucky ones – there are people that have no choice, who overwatch the situation so that we can stay at home: the managers who are part of various crisis units, doctors, people who work in retail, production, pharmacies, those who secure our utilities, the army, the police, the gendarmerie, those who clean the streets, in blocks of flats, those who secure the public transport.

The situation in Italy and China shows us that we cannot predict the length of this period. It could take two weeks, in the best-case scenario, but it could also take two months.

Although, maybe, we wished to stay at home, it will not come easy to us. This time it is imposed, not chosen, not wished. The impulse of sitting in front of the TV or on social media all the time is powerful. Panic will increase. Desperate states of mind, or even depression, are lurking, waiting to take a hold of us.

Therefore, I think it is a good idea to apply some strategies:

To take all the hygienic measure necessary for us and those dear to us.

To follow the rules (if we HAVE TO stay at home, so be it, we must remember that many people do not have this luxury)

To have some supplies, so that it will not be necessary to go outside.

To make a daily schedule, the same way we did when we worked.

To have a discipline of iron when it comes to this schedule.

To include 1-2 online courses, so that we are connected with our colleagues.

To have a support group, a few people with whom to constantly communicate.

To accept that it is time to think differently when it comes to interacting, to learning.

Not to forget to take care of our mind and soul, to read, to keep in touch with a trainer, a mentor, a coach.

If we are in the position of being responsible for training or HR, we should recommend that people continue to study and communicate with the trainer via an online platform: it will keep them connected, it will help them concentrate on other things (not just the TV), it will help them prepare for when they come back, to be even better, stronger professionally speaking.

Being preoccupied is very important, vital even. Panicking is not.

If we can help in any way, we are here.