​​​​​​​​​​

Tips for working at home

Now that the coronavirus is officially a pandemic, employers like UA are taking an aggressive approach to limit its spread. Most employers in Alaska and Outside have asked employees to work-from-home. Remote work is advised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and it’s one of the policies that nearly half (46 percent) of organizations are implementing.

Starting on Monday, March 23, many University of Alaska employees will be working remotely. Here’s what you need to know about how to organize your time, stay engaged and productive, avoid distractions and most importantly, how to stay connected and not feel isolated. Visit the UA coronavirus information website to learn how the University of Alaska is responding to the novel coronavirus/COVID-19 situation and find links to communications, policy guidance and resources.

Keep in Touch

When you work from home, communicating—and over-communicating—becomes essential. Stay in contact with UA via official communication channels for updates. Don’t rely on gossip or hearsay. Check out UA’s Coronavirus update page here. Remember to reach out to your supervisor and give them updates on your progress. Stay connected to your coworkers through chat, Google Hangouts and Zoom conferencing. Working remotely doesn’t mean you’re all alone!

Have a Workspace

The best home office setup usually includes walls and a door you can close to ensure a  quiet and productive atmosphere. If you don’t have a traditional office space, think creatively about where you can work. Anyplace with a flat surface, power outlet, and internet  can be your “office” space. Make sure it’s not in a high-traffic area. 

Set Boundaries

Your household may not be on the same schedule as you. It is important that you set and maintain boundaries. Explain to kids that you are working that you are available only in emergencies.

Treat It Like Any Other Day in the Office

A benefit of remote work is that you can skip the commute. Skipping the commute doesn’t mean you should skip the rest of your workday routine. Make sure you treat a work-from-home day like any other day at the office.

Wake up at your usual time, but use your commute to do the things you don’t have time for like a leisurely breakfast while you catch up on news or exercise like walking your dog. At your normal “start time,” sit down and get to work.

End Your Day

You may want to prove to your boss that you really are working when you’re at home and put in some extra time to get even more done. To ensure your health and prevent burnout, it's important to include breaks in your day. 

When you’re done working for the day, you’re done. It is important to maintain boundaries between work and home when you work remotely, it goes a long way toward helping you stay a happy and productive UA employee.

More information on working from home: