A Helping Hand: COVID-19

by | Mar 19, 2020 | Events | 0 comments

Working from home during Corona

We at BlueBridge would like to extend a helping hand during this pandemic. We think it is important to discuss anything and everything pertinent to the current climate and will be periodically updating this article as needed. We hope each and every one of you stays safe and healthy during this time. Let’s get started!

 

Working from home:

Get Up and Get Dressed.

We all fantasize about working in the comfort of our own home in our pajamas and bed, but get up, take a shower, and get dressed. This will improve your state of mind and psychologically prepare you to start your working day.

Get out and take a break.

Working from home does not mean you should stay cooped up inside all day long. Put some shoes on, get outside, and enjoy that fresh air. Go for a walk, ride your bike around the block, or enjoy some coffee in your backyard. A quick break outside will also help undo mental blocks and keep you feeling refreshed.

It’s good to have a routine when you’re working from home, but work shouldn’t become monotonous. Your home is supposed to be the place you can escape and relax from all of your hard work and stresses, so you need to try to keep that feeling even when working from home.

Set Reasonable Boundaries

Your place of employment likely has a set schedule for you, and it’s important to stick to this or close to it when you’re working from home. Make an effort to start your day at the same time as you would normally arrive to work, and finish your day around the same time as well. Sticking close to the same routine can help you stay focused and not stray from your work.

Just because you do not have to formally show up to your job doesn’t mean it’s the weekend! Going to sleep at a reasonable hour is still important when trying to keep a focused routine.

Keep In Contact.

If you’re working from home, chances are you’ll be alone. When you’re at work, you’re likely to have colleagues to engage with, but when working from home, you could spend the whole day without speaking to anyone which can feel quite isolating.

Set aside time for yourself to pick up the phone and have a real conversation, rather than relying on email or messaging services. Outside of calling a colleague about work, maybe try to call a loved one or close friend and have a nice conversation. They could be going through the same feeling of isolation as you!

 

How Cybersecurity Comes Into Play:

As with any other time of panic and crisis, cybercriminals have come out to play. They feed off of any sense of panic and urgency. We ask for you all to stay vigilant during these trying times, do not fall prey to phishing scams, and keep your cyber hygiene in mind.

Phishing:

In the wake of the Coronavirus Pandemic, I’m sure you’ve noticed a plethora of emails sent out by industry leaders and utility providers. Insurance agencies, financial institutions, service providers; all sending out waves of emails with updates on their policies or ways they have offered to help those stricken with temporary unemployment.

This is going to be taken advantage of by cybercriminals. They will send out phony COVID-19 related emails claiming to help you, only to try to steal your personal data, for example from your bank or cellphone provider. Please make sure you are verifying the source of any and all emails you receive regarding this crisis, and always make sure you’re only clicking on secured links.

 

Helpful Resources:

 

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