If your boss is requiring you to work on a “snow day,” are you ready to telecommute or work remotely?
A Chicago firm focused on telecommuting jobs offers tips on how to prepare to clock in and work even in a blizzard or other bad weather.
FlexJobs warns that preparation is a must before the first snow hits and road start closing, so get started!
The tips:
- Identify your work space
Alternatives to a home office, if you don’t have one set up already, include: the attic, the garage, a small closet. Gather the essentials for quiet work: headphones, cell phone, earplugs, lamp, mouse pad, laptop + charger, pen, paper, etc.
- Make backup Internet plans
Know which local establishments offer free Wi-Fi ahead of time (if you can venture out). But don’t show up empty handed. Bring a power strip and all of the cords necessary to charge your various devices (a tote is handy here). PS You will be popular at Starbucks if you have a power strip.
- Save your work. A lot.
Don’t rely on Google Docs or other online tools; to be safe, save as Word documents. One fallen tree, one blast of wind, can take your work away in a second. And as long as your cell service is on, you can create your own personal hot spot.
- Swap childcare duties with spouse or neighbors
If there are other neighborhood families stuck without daycare, consider swapping children for a few hours. Or if your partner has vacation days to use, consider asking him/her to be on full-time childcare duty while you work.
- Set expectations
Set rules for when you can or cannot be disturbed, setting a code signal for an emergency, or writing your schedule out for others in the house and prioritizing based on what you must get done.
Learn more about telecommuting and related jobs, at:
https://www.flexjobs.com/
