Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, has recommended people work from home wherever possible to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
"Those who are able to should already be working from home," Ms Templeman said. "But we all know it isn't without its challenges.
"My office has been practising social distancing for a number of weeks. A skeleton staff works in the Windsor office, we have moved from face-to-face meetings to teleconferences and video link-ups on aps like Zoom, with many staff members working from home.
"As a business owner, I have spent time working from home for 25 years, initially with a three-month-old baby. So I know it can sometimes be challenging, but it's important to find a way that works for you and your family.
"One of the great things about working from home is the flexibility it gives you to plan your work day, but it's also really easy to let work completely take over your days and nights without some structure."
Ms Templeman said there were a few things that worked for her:
- Set an alarm and get up as you would if you were going to the office. "Keeping to a regular routine helps prepare you mentally for the day ahead, and instead of commuting you might have time for some extra exercise," Ms Templeman said.
- Get dressed. "It is very tempting to work in your pyjamas all day, particularly when you first start working from home. But if you are at home for a prolonged period, it does help get you into the swing of the work day to get dressed properly, and makes video conferencing much more professional," Ms Templeman said.
- Designate a work area in the house. "Mentally making the transition from home to work is really important when you are not actually leaving the house. By setting aside a work area, you can sit down and feel 'at work' and at the end of the day, leave that area and feel 'at home' again," Ms Templeman said. "It's also important your work area is safe, just like you would expect at your place of employment. Make the work area free of hazards and adjust any equipment you use - like computers, chairs and desks - to be comfortable to use for a long time."
- Schedule breaks as you would at work. "Make sure you have factored in a lunch break, and stick to that allocated break," Ms Templeman said.
- If you are lonely, reach out. "One of the biggest challenges from working with people to working at home by yourself can be that lack of social contact," Ms Templeman said. "Reach out to colleagues via video, maybe even have a 'virtual lunch' with them. Technology means we are not as isolated as in the past - use it to your advantage."
"Right now, the best thing we can do for everyone's health is to stay at home as much as possible. We all have a part to play to help our neighbours and stop the spread of this virus, and working from home is one of those strategies," Ms Templeman said.
For trusted and up-to-date information on coronavirus, visit health.gov.au or health.nsw.gov.au.
Sarah Falson
Daily Liberal journalist. I love telling people's stories. Get in touch at sarah.falson@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Daily Liberal journalist. I love telling people's stories. Get in touch at sarah.falson@austcommunitymedia.com.au
