Tips for working at home this summer by Melissa Gardner

Posted on June 7, 2020

 

Melissa Gardner is senior vice president for Strategic Business Programs at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. 

Many employers have made it official: Their employees will be working from home this summer. Now that you know the plan for the next couple of months, here are some things to think about.

Take time off: With quarantine, it may feel as though you don’t need vacation days, but you do. Enjoy a long weekend or take a Wednesday to break up the week. You need to do this.

Set up your work space: Sure, you have been home since March and have somewhere you’ve been working. But with at a couple of months ahead of you, do you have what you really need? Do you have a wireless key board and mouse, a large enough monitor, a comfortable chair? Don’t put this off. Make your set up work for you!

Get outside: You are home for the summer: Take advantage of that. Work outside if you can or sit near an open window. Schedule breaks to sit outside in the sun for 5 minutes to get some Vitamin D.

Take a walk or run: Nobody will know if you login to a meeting sweating! Get some fresh air and stretch your legs by walking around the yard or neighborhood. Take a walk for meetings where you don’t need to be on screen. It will help you focus on the meeting and let you get some physical activity.

Assess your work day: Be mindful about taking breaks, stepping away from the computer and getting up to move about during the day. If you find this hard to do, schedule it. 

Stop working: Set an end to your work day. Being home, it is easy to get caught up and work well past when you intended. While this might happen occasionally, make sure you are working a reasonable number of hours in a day. Just because you are home, it doesn’t mean you have to be on call 24/7.

Talk about what you need: Talk to your leader, colleagues, or anyone else to share what you are feeling, ask questions, and to find what is working for others and see if it will work for you. We are all struggling with something. Don’t be afraid to talk about what is happening and ask for help. 

Find replacements: Ask yourself, “When things go back to normal, what is the first thing I want to do?” Based on the answer, find a new way to meet that want. Don’t wait! For example, if the first thing you want to do is go out for a nice dinner, find a great restaurant that is offering takeout, set your table, light a candle and make it an experience.

Stop apologizing: When you share a photo or attend a call on video, stop worrying about your appearance. You are not alone to be unshaven, wearing glasses, without makeup, or with a messy mop of hair. Be comfortable with who you are, no apologies!

Share what’s working for you: Let your colleagues know about your at home success and failures and listen carefully to theirs.  We’re all in this together.

 

# # #

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, is a nonprofit health plan with 1.5 million upstate New York members. The company's mission is to help people live healthier and more secure lives through access to high-quality, affordable health care. Its products and services include cost-saving prescription drug discounts, wellness tracking tools and access to telemedicine. With more than 3,500 employees, the company is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce to foster innovation and better serve its members. It also encourages employees to engage in their communities by providing paid volunteer time off as one of many benefits. To learn more, visit ExcellusBCBS.com.

 

Other Member News

Broadway in Syracuse
July 26, 2024

TICKETS FOR CAMERON MACKINTOSH’S ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF BOUBLIL AND SCHÖNBERG’S LES MISÉRABLES WILL GO ON SALE JULY 29TH AT 10AM

This reborn dream of a production looks and sounds fresher than ever. Sends shivers of excitement racing down the spine - You emerge feeling stirred and exhilarated.

Logo for Dannible & McKee, LLP
July 25, 2024

Dannible & McKee, LLP Announces the Promotion of 18 Professionals

The commitment to excellence from these 18 professionals is well demonstrated, and we congratulate them on their achievements.

Park Strategies Managing Director Featured in syracuse.com Article on New York's Cannabis Industry Rollout
July 24, 2024

Park Strategies Managing Director Featured in syracuse.com Article on New York's Cannabis Industry Rollout

His advocacy, born from an understanding of coalition-building and decision-making, has been influential amid many regulatory challenges.

Forbes Best Employers for Women logo
July 23, 2024

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Recognized by Forbes as One of America’s Best Employers for Women 2024

This award highlights the organization’s ongoing commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where women can thrive and advance their careers.

Ashley McGraw Architects
July 23, 2024

Ashley McGraw Architects Acquires studioMLA Architects, A National Leader in Early Education Design

Founded in 2006, studioMLA Architects is recognized as a national leader in the design of early education facilities along with nature-inspired playscapes for young children.

Mike Becallo
July 23, 2024

Michael Becallo Joins Oswego Health as Community Relations Representative

Originally from Cicero, Becallo is well-routed in CNY and brings over 15 years of healthcare experience.

Kate Weidman, Deputy Executive Director, AURORA of CNY
July 19, 2024

AURORA of CNY Announces Leadership Changes

Weidman will transition into the role of Executive Director following the retirement of current Executive Director Debra Chaiken, ensuring a seamless succession in leadership.

Credit Score 101
July 17, 2024

Credit Score 101 - Everything You Need to Know

Understanding and managing your credit score is a key step towards achieving financial stability and success. 

Larry Bousquet
July 16, 2024

Crouse Health Board of Directors Welcomes Two New Members

The Crouse Health Board of Directors has appointed two new directors.