Everyone at Wilkes Communications is committed to serving our customers’ needs and the needs of our community. Our network is strong, reliable, and ready to help you stay connected during these challenging times.
Working From Home
Maintain your mental health
Working from home and social distancing can be hard. Maintaining your mental health is important for creativity, productivity, and your overall wellbeing. Check out this list of ways to support your mental health during COVID-19. We like the idea of getting out in nature, reaching out to venerable neighbors, and being grateful.
Cleanliness is next to godliness
You know what they say, cleanliness is next to godliness. Now more than ever, personal hygiene is important. Even though you are at home, washing your hands frequently and thoroughly is crucial. While there are many guides out there on proper handwashing techniques, these two are some of our favorites. Also, did you know, your cell phone has 10x more germs than a toilet seat? So, while you’re washing your hands, consider washing your phone, too. Here is a handy article on some ways to go about disinfecting your phone.
Give yourself structure
Sure, working from can be awesome. Working in your PJs and all that. But that said, it is important to treat a work from home scenario as though you are working from your office. We recommend you wake up early and go through your routine as though you are preparing to go in. Get showered and dressed (no one wants to see you in your PJs, regardless of how cute they are). Similarly, we recommend taking your usual short breaks and lunch break like you would normally. This structure will help you keep your regular rhythm and keep your day from getting away from you.
Have a dedicated workspace
Working from home allows you to have a more mobile office than you might be used to. Suddenly working from your bed, your kitchen table, or your couch all seems enticing. However, setting up a designated workspace will help you eliminate distractions and stay focused during your office hours. There’s nothing worse than working from your kitchen table with a pile of dirty dishes staring at you. Trust us.
Have a reliable internet and phone connection
Being and staying connected while working from home is paramount. We recommend running an internet speed test to assure you are able to maintain productivity with a number of new devices being connected on your home network. If not, call your provider and see what they can do—many internet and phone providers are waiving data charges or running promotions to help you and your kids work productively from home.
Be available and set expectations
Working from home means you should still be working your normal office hours, even if you aren’t in your normal office environment. Set expectations with your team around your availability and make it clear when and how people can best get ahold of you. Phone calls, text messages, instant messaging, emails, and video conferencing are powerful ways to stay connected with your team during this time. We recommend using video conferencing tool like Zoom to stay connected in a “face-to-face” format (just don’t forget to mute your audio when you aren’t talking). An instant messaging tool like Slack is a great way to communicate with your team via direct instant messages or group messages.
Check in with each other
Working from home is not always easy on everyone and your team may be struggling with uncertainty, loneliness, their workload, or more. Now is the time to be a good neighbor—reach out and check in with your team.
Get a good playlist
Matching your playlist to your task at hand can be a great way to get motivated, stay focused, and conquer your task list. We recommend Metallica and Mozart
Stay educated
There is a LOT of information out there and it can be hard to follow what is happening. Staying informed is crucial to your health and safety so we recommend checking in (and sharing, when appropriate) resources with your team on new developments in your area. We recommend following sites like the CDC’s Coronavirus page or the World Health Organization’s page to stay aware
Fun Activities for Kids
Need something fun to do with your children at home? Check out these fun activities!
Lunch Doodles – Mo Williams has uploaded LIVE drawing classes on YouTube to keep children engaged.
Dreambox Learning – Dreambox is offering deals for parents to help their kids stay educated while their not in school.
Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt – The perfect kid-friendly social distancing activity! Click here for a free printable PDF.
Free Children Stories offers books online for students in elementary and middle school. These are free to read, no sign-ups or downloads required.
Creative Ways To Use The Internet
- Chef Michael Symon is offering daily dinner tutorials via the Food Network Kitchen’s Facebook page. Each video also features a link to the recipe. https://www.facebook.com/FoodNetworkKitchen
- Musical groups are streaming live “virtual” shows. NPR compiled this list, sorted by date and then genre. https://www.npr.org/2020/03/17/816504058/a-list-of-live-virtual-concerts-to-watch-during-the-coronavirus-shutdown
- Artist at Heart Paint Party is using Facebook Live daily at 12 pm to teach free art classes. Previous daily videos are stored under “Videos.” https://www.facebook.com/ArtistAtHeartPaintParty/
- People are watching Netflix content together through Netflix Party. The service syncs up the streaming playback at different locations and includes group chat so you can comment as if you’re in the room together. https://www.netflixparty.com/
- Museums and parks are offering free virtual tours. Southern Living compiled a guide. https://www.southernliving.com/syndication/museums-with-virtual-tours
- Many gyms and other fitness outlets are offering free online classes and daily physical challenges. Planet Fitness is offering free classes on Facebook Live at 7 pm for anyone. https://www.facebook.com/planetfitness.
Watch TV Everywhere
Are you looking for something to do while at home while you are social distancing? Don’t have access to streaming services, such as Netflix or Hulu? This is a way for you to stay entertained without breaking the bank!
We offer a service that lets you watch the greatest movies and shows on computers, cell phones, and tablets!
Learn more about WatchTVEverywhere here.
*Only available for Plus & Premier customers
Enjoy!