Blazers and Pajama Pants: Productivity During a Pandemic
As we continue to seek normalcy and routine Working From Home (WFH), COVID-19 has been a test of resilience over the past weeks. Whether transitioning into the remote exam period following Monday’s conclusion of online classes or finishing the work-term attending Zoom meetings in a blazer and pajama pants, attempting to stay productive from our make-shift workspaces has been an unprecedented challenge for us all.
While it is important to recognize that each living situation is unique, some being more fortunate in these times than others, it is quite extraordinary, and perhaps even comforting, to know that we are all facing these uncertain times together. That is why, although many of us may feel alienated - unable to connect with our support systems in the same capacity as before - it is important to know they are still there for you. Recognizing that no matter how productive, or unproductive your day has been, you have every right to take time to reach out to them. Whether that be friends, family, classmates, colleagues, or teachers - we are all in this together.
That is why I decided to reach out to our incredible 2020/2021 Executive Team to see how they have been able to keep themselves from devouring copious amounts of food, as well as stay positive and productive during these bizarre times. Here is what they had to say:
Staying productive at home has no doubt been a struggle for me, though after establishing a daily routine, I think I’m finally on the right track. Obviously, there are some days where you won’t feel like doing any work, and that’s perfectly okay - however, I’ve been most successful setting aside a few hours to focus on schoolwork every day. Even if it’s only for a few hours in the afternoon, it has really helped me stay on top of studying and project deadlines. Helping me avoid working under pressure.
- Noah Innes, VP Marketing & Communications - Completing School Semester
Communicate with your team. It’s important to continue to build your relationships with your network even in a work from home situation. If possible, schedule weekly 1-on-1 calls with your supervisor. You can use the time to get feedback and bring up any issues. Additionally, breaks - ensure you are scheduling the necessary time throughout the day, this will help you be more productive overall!
- Amy Hollingsworth, Conference Co-Chair - Completing Work-Term
Personally, I enjoy keeping a routine while working at home. It is easy to find yourself out of alignment with all of these changes. I have found waking up at the same time each day gives me time to make coffee and breakfast, plan out what I need to do for the day, and allows me to fit in a workout. While this decreases mental strain, it also increases productivity!
- Tiffany Butt, Conference Co-chair - Completing Work-Term
I believe that it’s really important to keep some structure to your days even if it’s just waking up at a certain time or having any type of routine! This can keep a sense of normalcy and make it easier to stay on track with tasks.
- Allison Freitas, VP Corporate Affairs - Completing School Semester
Working from home has left me missing my adjustable desk chair, and I find my neck and shoulders have been suffering. I use this quick 10-minute yoga session a few times a week to stretch it out.
- Alex Murphy, MBA Representative - Completing MBA Internship
Stay productive while working from home by planning ahead and organizing a weekly schedule. Create goals for the week by writing them down, I find this helps me to stay on track every day and to ensure I get all my work done on time. Creating a weekly schedule in a creative way is a fun activity in itself!
- Hana Stone, Treasurer - Completing School Semester
Separating time for work and personal life has been challenging - especially when your home becomes your office. Initially, I found myself measuring my quality of days in productivity. After constantly facing stress and anxiety, I discovered the importance of recognizing and disconnecting personal worth from quality of work. Each day, while seemingly indifferent, poses new challenges for motivation and productivity. While I set goals for productivity each day to keep on track, it is imperative to acknowledge that productivity encompasses more than work-related tasks. Going on walks, talking with family and friends, and taking time to reflect on the fortune of my current living situation, has been a vital part of my ability to stay resilient during this “stay home” period.
Remember there is no one way to deal with these times - we are all still trying to figure it out. Our previous expectations of how the school or work term was going to unfold is far from what any of us anticipated. I hope you are able to find a system that works for you, and more importantly, that you are staying safe, staying patient, and staying healthy.
- Emma Hawkswell, VP Engagement – Completing School Semester