Welcome to Pendulum’s pre-event amplify sessions – a series of videos, articles, tools and strategies to prepare you for the world-class speakers and accelerated growth at Pendulum Resurgence on November 27th. The theme for this session is The Future of Work. Experts have made educated predictions about the future of work in the past, but no one saw 2020 coming. Let’s be clear: no one can truly predict the future. However, with expert analysis and careful monitoring of trends, educated guesses can be made, future trends can be estimated, and assumptions and predictions can be formed.
But if 2020 has proven anything, it’s that nothing is set in stone and when a situation as drastic as a global pandemic hits, every expertly formed opinion can go out the window overnight.
So, when it comes to the future of work and what we once expected that to bring, how has Covid-19 altered the trends? At our event Pendulum Resurgence: Emerging From Disruption our speakers will prepare you for any future that is to come!
Check out the videos, articles and downloads below.
Know Your Purpose With Jack Canfield
Have Self Confidence With Baroness Michelle Mone OBE
More Inspiration From Past Pendulum Speakers
True Connections Podcast: Reimagining Our Working Lives
In our latest edition of Julius Baer’s True Connections podcast, Calum Brewster, Managing Director at Julius Baer UK, speaks with Pendulum Virtual speaker Monica Parker, Founder of Hatch Analytics. Hatch are experts in understanding workplace behaviour, wellbeing and facilities, how companies work, interact and think. Given the current climate, Monica has some fascinating insight into how we can think differently about our work and what steps we can take to build a new norm for the long term.
LISTEN TO THE FULL PODCAST HERE
10 Tips For Working Remotely During Coronavirus
The current crisis has businesses globally urging, and in many cases mandating, that employees work from home. If you’re new to working remotely 100% of the time, this could be a significant adjustment. You may not have been prepared to turn your living space into your workspace for the foreseeable future. Suddenly that spare bedroom, dining room, kitchen, or closet has turned into a home office, and you find yourself leading conference calls in your new uniform—a robe and pajamas. Your spouse and kids are also home, which can make things, well, a bit crowded. If you enjoyed having daily social interaction with co-workers, feelings of isolation and loneliness could set in. Given that this is the new normal, here are ten tips for working remotely that will make your experience less stressful and more productive.
1. Designate a workspace
It is easier to stay mentally focused if you designate a specific area in your home to get work done. That could be a home office, spare bedroom, or some other dedicated area that offers privacy. If you can find a spot that provides a lot of natural light, even better. Also, if you will be making video calls while working remotely, make sure you have a background that you won’t mind having others see.
2. Create a comfortable environment
Make sure you have the right equipment at home so you can be efficient and productive. This includes things like a computer and high-speed Internet connection that can support video conferencing, a desk, an ergonomic chair, office supplies and a desk lamp. Make your workspace as comfortable as possible, whether that includes a scented candle, soothing music, family photos, or a potted plant.
3. Set boundaries
Now more than ever, it’s essential to set boundaries when working remotely. This is because more than likely, you have your spouse, children and pets all in close quarters. Give your family signals as to when to leave you alone. For example, when the door is closed, that means that dad is on a conference call and doesn’t want to be disturbed.
4. Keep children on a schedule
If you have children at home, staying organized is even more important during this time. If you can attempt to replicate the schedule of a typical school day, that will help. Especially with small children, try to get some of your work done while the kids are having lunch or taking naps.
5. Maintain a consistent routine
Your children aren’t the only ones that thrive on structure. Set a work schedule for yourself and stick to it. Try to wake up at the same time every day and treat weekdays just as you did before. For most people, the morning is the time to get serious work done, so try to complete any difficult tasks as early in the day as you can.
6. Overcommunicate
Because you are not in an office where people can see you, communication is more critical when working remotely. Communicate frequently with your boss and know what’s expected of you. “Out of sight, out of mind can be a real problem for remote workers,” says Sara Sutton, CEO and founder of FlexJobs, a remote job listing site. “The very best remote workers will reach out to co-workers and managers regularly” through a variety of tools.
7. Stay connected with colleagues
Online tools like Slack not only help workflow but can also serve as social outlets. It’s even better to actually speak to another human being, so make some phone calls to check in with people. Teleconferences add another sensory element to your interactions. Experts say video conferencing while working from home helps fight isolation while enhancing team unity and productivity.
8. Take breaks
Working remotely is inherently challenging because it’s easy to lose track of time. With the current situation, taking breaks is even more critical. That’s because, in a traditional office, it’s easy to stop by a co-worker’s desk to chat or head to the break room for a cup of coffee. In one survey, nearly 90% of American workers said that taking a lunch break helped them feel refreshed and ready to get back to work. So, pull yourself away from the computer, even if it’s for a few minutes.
9. Make time for physical and creative activities
If it’s possible and you can maintain a safe distance from others, try to get outside for some fresh air when you can. Other activities that are enjoyable and don’t require personal interaction include taking virtual classes. This could consist of enrolling in tennis classes with Serena Williams on Masterclass or enhancing your mindfulness and yoga skills on Gaia. Now might even be a good time to start a craft project or pick up a hobby like pottery, cooking, or gardening.
10. Focus on the big picture
This is a stressful time for everyone, so it’s important to remember to have fun. You may even discover new, funny quirks about your significant other while working remotely. At the end of the day, try to embrace the additional quality time you have with your family. After all, isn’t that all that really matters?
*Adapted From Forbes.com
Getting The Most From Remote Working
- Set up a designated workspace. Separate space for yourself to work in, somewhere you can focus on tasks without being distracted and set up with everything you need for a normal working day – computer, phone, stationery, papers…etc.
- Make sure you have all the tech you need. This includes a reliable and secure internet connection, any necessary files, hardware and software, remote access to your company network and, importantly, knowledge of how to get IT support.
- Get dressed. Changing into working clothes will help you mentally switch to productive work mode. It will also help you distinguish between ‘homeworking’ and ‘home life’.
- Write a daily to-do list. Set out a list of realistic, achievable tasks to keep you focused.
- Know when to step away from your desk. Be clear about when your working day begins and ends and take breaks to refresh. It’s easy to let yourself be ‘always on’ when your home and office are the same place. When work is over, be sure you switch off to avoid burnout. Think about having ‘core hours ’ which people you work with are around for.
- Stay in conversation. Contribute regularly to team chats/group emails so you don’t drop off the radar. Ask about what people are working on and share what’s on your plate. Being physically separated means you miss the ‘water-cooler moments’ so this is a means to keep informed.
- Foster relationships. Make time for non-work chats as you would in the workplace and use video calling to maintain face-to-face contact.
- Be clear in your communication. Speaking in person gives you visual and audio cues that help you communicate. Conversing remotely removes a lot of that extra information so make your communications extra clear and concise.
- Ask for support when needed. Speak out when you need assistance, further training or support. Your manager, colleagues and you are part of a team and should be supporting each other, especially remotely.
- Make remote working work for you. Change where you sit, put on music, whatever helps you work. And enjoy the perks – no commute or uncomfortable shoes, and all your home comforts!
*Adapted From cipd.ie
