In just a few short weeks, we’ve become used to a whole new set of buzz words. Social distancing. Elbow handshakes. Self-isolation. And WFH – the acronym for work from home, something many of us are finding ourselves doing in these strange and troubled times.
Ever since President Cyril Ramaphosa instituted stringent measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19, people are being told to WFH if they can.
And the truth is, while there may be some positives (no more traffic jams, for instance, and saving on travel costs) this is no walk in the park.
Employees are expected to be productive while adjusting to a whole new way of doing things – and if you have young kids thrown into the equation, it’s all the more challenging.
HOW TO COPE
STICK TO A ROUTINE
Try to do things in a similar way to when you used to go in to work every day. Set your alarm for a certain time, make coffee, catch up on the news, eat breakfast, sort out the kids. And although it may be tempting to stay in your pyjamas all day, don’t, says Chelsea Rivera, who works for a 100% remote company.
“Get dressed, put on makeup and do your hair,” she says. By getting ready for work – even if your new office is only down the passage – you’ll be in the right headspace for a full day of productivity.
SET YOURSELF UP
Jan du Toit of labour law company Labour Guide South Africa says your employer is obligated to provide tools, such as laptops or desktop computers, that allow employees to do their duties at home in the case of an enforced WFH situation.
“If it’s not possible for the employer to do so, the parties may agree that the employee uses their own equipment and the company com pen sates them in some way,” he says.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة 2 April 2020 من Drum English.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة 2 April 2020 من Drum English.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Homegrown Heroes
Drum speaks to two volunteers in the Covid-19 vaccine trial and the professor heading the team in Africa
The Big Clean Up
Whenever a Covid-19 case is confirmed at a shop, they call in the deep-cleaners. We find out exactly how they disinfect stores and supermarkets
I'm Back & Better!
Babes Wodumo shares what she’s been up to in lockdown – and there’s some new music on the horizon
Not An Easy Ride
Taxi commuters and industry players tell DRUM what’s driving them to defy lockdown rules
Mam' Mary Bows Out
Iconic actress Mary Twala is fondly remembered by friends and family for her humour and talent
‘They Lived For Each Other'
This Cape Town teen’s parents died from Covid-19 on the same day. Now she’s alone and battling the virus too
Stranger Than Fiction
For actor Mangaliso Ngema and his daughter Khosi Ngema, her role in Blood & Water was like watching their family’s real-life story unfold
I Was Raped By A Pastor
His accusations against a well-known man of the cloth turned an Eastern Cape man’s life into turmoil but now more victims have spoken out
My Fight With Life And Death
More Covid-19 patients, too few beds and staff, constant sanitising and personal fears – a Western Cape doctor shares her experience
I AM ENOUGH
Ten years after being set alight, Thembi Maphanga is living life to the fullest