A record number of U.S. workers are doing their jobs at home--the ones that can--in an effort to limit the spread of Covid-19.
While being barefoot and able to snack freely may be considered pluses, working from home can have issues of its own (such as kids, pets and household chores).
But you aren't the first to wind up at the kitchen table with a report to write.
Check out what some of the experts say:
A team at Google, the internet giant based in Mountain View, Calif., suggests creating triggers so that your brain can get your head ready for work--like establishing a definite work space in the home.
Other Google tips include use a list to stay motivated, make a schedule for almost anything and maintain collaboration through videoconferencing.
Writing in the Wall Street Journal, Alexandra Samuel, author of "Work Smarter with Social Media," suggests letting go of the eight-hour day.
"Since my solo workdays are uninterrupted, I can get more done in five hours than I'd accomplish in eight hours at the office," she noted.
Since working at home can also leave one feeling detached and isolated, Samuel recommends picking three priorities for each day, priorities that you share with others for accountability reasons.
Jake Hamann, founder of the Peoria Innovation Alliance, suggests maintaining a similar morning routine when you're staying at home.
"Waking up, getting ready, getting dressed, breakfast--the only difference is you're going to sit at your space at home instead of going to the office," said Hamann, who could be found working from his laptop at Peoria Made, 315 Main St.--before that office closed due to the virus.
Reuben Cummings is a native Peorian who, after working in Boston and Africa, returned to his home town to start his own consulting firm. As the founder of Nerevu Group, he has over 10 years experience in data analysis, software development, and entrepreneurship.
Cummings used the Nest, 820 SW Adams St., as his work station--before things shut down.
He offers these tips for working remotely: set goals, select a good task management solution (he uses the apps OmniFocus and Github) and stay connected to your community.
"Don't let social distancing stop you from connecting with your community," said Cummings. "Several tech-related meetups that I am a member of have started meeting virtually or hosting online webinars," he said.
Dave Lucas was, in his words, "already a full-time, self-employed, work-from-home guy before Covid-19."
When not working on his Peoria-based digital marketing firm, he offered some observations on working from home during the lock-down period.
The directive for people to stay at home has resulted in two distinct camps: the "I get to stay home" crowd and the "I hate to be stuck at home" crowd, said Lucas.
Self-quarantining has resulted in some losses when it comes to work, he admitted. "I really miss coffee, lunch and drinks with people. I love--and miss--the buzz generated by groups of people," he said.
There may be a silver lining when folks are forced to work from home, said Lucas. "People can get impressively creative when boredom sets in," he said.
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How To Work From Home And Get Things Done
