Things really escalate quickly sometimes. A few baseless claims here, some conspiracy theories there, and boom -- people start burning 5G telecommunication towers.
Things really escalate quickly sometimes. A few baseless claims here, some conspiracy theories there, and boom — people start burning 5G telecommunication towers.
At least that’s what’s happened in
the UK in recent weeks. A perfect-storm combination of public
disinformation and fake news has prompted some citizens to link 5G to
COVID-19.
The theories are as varied as they are full
of nonsense.
Some say 5G is making the effects of the
virus worse. Others believe that there is no coronavirus at all, that
governments are making it all up to hide the real cause of the symptoms: 5G.
A good reminder of
how important it is to communicate technological advances properly.
News from the frontlines…
Another week has gone by, bringing with it
new tech initiatives to fight the spread of COVID-19. Here are some of this
week’s most note-worthy new developments:
A team of researchers created an AI tool capable of predicting the chance of a patient developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This promising algorithm provided 80% accuracy during initial tests, opening new possibilities to identify potentially critical patients early on.
Other efforts are also leveraging data and computation to find a solution to our current situation. AI and public health researchers at MIT and Harvard have pointed at the importance of Big Data in the fight against the coronavirus.
Finally, the big names in tech keep
announcing pandemic-related initiatives.
Intel pledged
$50
million to accelerate access to technology at the point of patient care.
Meanwhile, the CEO of Twitter and Square, Jack
Dorsey, offered
$1 billion (roughly 28% of his wealth) to
fund global COVID-19 relief efforts.
If the crisis found you in the middle of a
job hunt, you might now be wondering if you’ll be able to find a job at all in
the current climate. Or perhaps your projects were put on hold and you need new
ones ASAP.
No need to worry.
With the surge in remote work and internet
traffic, businesses need IT professionals now more than ever. Cloud computing
services like Microsoft Teams and Azure are skyrocketing. So is
videoconferencing. But that’s not all.
Many businesses weren’t ready for this sudden digital transformation and need all the help they can get. Additionally, the rise in digital operations has accentuated the cybersecurity skills shortage.
Find out what industries are booming and how you can seize the moment in this article.
News from the frontlines…
With every day that goes by, we hear of
another tech initiative being launched to halt the spread of COVID-19. These
are certainly inspiring new developments, and we thought they deserve a space
in our weekly MCC update.
Stay
tuned every week to learn how vital the IT world is becoming in this global
fight ?
In the
meantime, you can get acquainted with all ongoing efforts with this
great article.
This week’s highlight?
Quantum computing leader D-Wave Systems is giving free cloud access to their quantum computers to anyone working on responses to the pandemic.
The power of comedy
As psychologists often remind us, seeking
solace in humour is a very healthy response to difficult situations — You
surely have noticed an increase in the number of memes you are receiving as of
late.
So…
here’s another weekly section! This week…
A software engineer at Dell has created a great (and fun) comic on why we shouldn’t be afraid of AI.
Plus, seriously — be careful with videoconference filters. These guys’ boss spent a whole meeting being a potato:
The World Has Stopped — Your Career Doesn’t Need To. Well, we have a message for you — don’t surrender. There is still plenty you can do.
Yes, the world has stopped. We are living through scary and uncertain times. Millions of people find themselves stuck at home for the foreseeable future. While businesses across the globe scramble to move their operations online and stay afloat. In this climate of uncertainty, economists and global institutions are telling us to brace for the worst crisis since 2008; some say even worse. Workers are losing their jobs, and whole activity sectors are freezing new hires.
If you were in the middle of a job hunt when all this started, nobody would blame you for becoming discouraged by the current situation. Or perhaps your current IT projects have been put on hold and you are fear you might not be able to find new ones anytime soon.
Well, we have a message for you — don’t surrender. There is still plenty you can do.
Thriving amid adversity
At the same time that industries like commercial aviation are going through the darkest days of their history, other businesses are thriving. From entertainment platforms and social networks to online retail and videoconferencing services, some companies are simply very well-positioned to take advantage of our society’s sudden change of habits. Even too well-positioned in some cases.
Enterprise cloud companies are experiencing lag and connectivity issues, while streaming services have had to downgrade their video quality to cope with the traffic increase. Meantime retailers are hiring in mass to meet the demand for online shopping and home deliveries. You can focus your job search on those sectors that are thriving in the middle of this chaos. There are plenty.
You can also join the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19 by collaborating with the many technological initiatives now underway — from 3D-printed ventilators to AI and data modelling.
A global thirst for ITspecialists
The coronavirus outbreak has prompted a lot of companies to undergo light-speed digital transformation. Classes are going online, telemedicine is now a real thing, and you can visit museum exhibits through your laptop.
All of these organisations need skilled IT talent like yours. A recent study by London’s Imperial College suggests that, only in the UK alone, 48% of companies will prioritize technology hiring in the coming months.
Additionally, the soaring numbers of employees working remotely is accentuating an already existing problem: the cybersecurity skills shortage. If you have security experience or are thinking of obtaining some, now it’s the time.
The world has stopped: Gain new skills, take a closer look at your career
When was the last time you had so much time? Only the hours saved by not having to commute should be enough for you to benefit from the current situation.
Tons of free learning resources are available online these days, from coding bootcamps to university classes in all sorts of topics. Some eLearning portals like MasterClass have even started offering free courses for those at home because of to the pandemic. You can also develop your skills with a certain technology by using free official resources like openSAP or Microsoft Learn.
On the other hand, it’s not always that we get the chance to stop for a moment and re-evaluate our career’s direction while the world has stopped. Are you happy with what you currently do, or perhaps is it time to embrace other passions? Is there something you could do or improve on to advance your career?
Find and assembling the right security experts & security team is proving even more difficult than it usually is already.
How to find the good security experts? About a third of the world’s population is estimated to be currently under confinement to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. As a result, businesses across the globe are resorting to remote work to continue operations in those areas where that is possible. This is adding unprecedented amounts of stress to already understaffed IT departments.
CIOs and other IT leaders find themselves racing against the clock to adapt the whole company’s infrastructure to a work-from-home scenario while tackling their biggest concern: cybersecurity. And for good reason – threats are increasing exponentially.
But assembling the right security experts & security team is proving even more difficult than it usually is already.
Security threatsgive no quarter
Hackers are certainly not going to close shop because of a tiny microorganism. If anything, they are using it to their benefit. For instance; phishing emails; were already the most common form of attack experienced by organisations. But the past days have seen a great surge in attacks trying to lure employees into clicking on an email sent by “their boss” or containing virus-related information.
Among the most reprehensible of attacks are those being experienced by health and medical institutions. Not even the World Health Organisation was spared, targeted earlier last month by a false-domain attack aimed at stealing passwords from agency staffers. The situation is so dire that a group of 400 security experts from international giants like Microsoft and Amazon has volunteered to fight hacking tied to the coronavirus.
Yet that is not the main issue. The pressure being put on enterprise networks is quickly revealing system vulnerabilities. And especially for those companies least used to distributed work and that rely too much on local networks. In short, the soaring numbers of employees working from home are finally making most decision-makers aware of what IT leaders have been warning us for a while. The business world’s generalised lack of a comprehensive security policy and employee awareness training.
Although effective measures like VPNs have gained adoption in recent years, problems generated by shadow IT and BYOD remain largely unresolved. Many staffers will be accessing company resources through their personal devices and networks in the coming weeks. Multiplying exponentially the potential points of entry for attackers.
Experts are becoming even harder to find
In turn, this increase in cyberthreats is exacerbating the skill and personnel shortages the security sector was already experiencing. According to a recent study by ISC, the global security industry lacks more than 4 million security professionals. The world’s security workforce would need to grow 145% yearly just to meet the demand for skilled talent.
The shortage of skills impacts some of the most critical roles within IT security. Such as those related to identifying threats or patching and updating vulnerable systems. However, the deficit is more acute in areas tied to rapidly emerging or evolving technologies. For instance, and in this WFH crisis more than ever, security in multi-cloud environments is key. Unfortunately, few organisations have dedicated cloud security experts or proper encryption protocols for their data in the cloud.
Not surprisingly, the cost of security expertise has also become a problem as the lack of skilled talent drives wages up. And so the vicious circle goes.
Hire or outsource?
With everyone battling over the same security experts. Defining a solid talent strategy and identifying the right partners can make the difference; between a multi-million breach and your department’s success.
Regarding your talent strategy, you first need to decide whether you want to expand your team or rely on the temporary help of consultants. If you had been planning on bringing more people on board for some time, this might be the perfect time to create new permanent positions or fill vacant ones.
On the other hand, calling on a freelancer will most likely allow you to speed up the selection process and provide a quicker response to the crisis. Working with an independent contractor can also help you secure exactly the skills you need at a more competitive cost. As the freelance talent market tends to be more agile and flexible.
No matter which option you are leaning towards, don’t hesitate to seek the guidance and help of talent experts. Time is of the essence in the cybersecurity wars. Partnering up with the right IT staffing specialists will not only allow you to access the best talent; it will help you secure it before another company closes the deal.
What's the best way to prepare for an IT job interview? Selection processes can be quite daunting - common sense can help a great deal.
What’s the best way to prepare for an IT job interview? Selection processes can be quite daunting – especially when we are talking about first interviews. But, even if you are a seasoned expert who thinks they have got interviewing techniques all figured out, it never hurts to look at how you approach these defining moments and see what you can do better.
As with many things in life, common sense can help a great deal.
Need advice on how to start or develop your freelance consulting business in tech or IT? Need to start a new permanent or freelance assignment? Join Mindquest and get support from our team of experts.
First impressions
The first, and most obvious, point to consider is that first impressions are often everything. How much the interviewers like you or not will make the difference between getting called in for a second interview and receiving a “thank you for your interest” email. With that in mind, take also into account that first interviews might not be with your future manager – most are conducted by HR professionals and therefore are focused on softer skills rather than on technical ones.
Knowledge is power. Showing that you took the time and effort to thoroughly research the company shows your professionalism and interest in the position. Take a look at the company’s website and social media accounts, at the project or department with which you will be involved. Get a sense of what they do, and, most importantly, what they have done recently. Chances are they recently released a new product or service, that they were featured in a news article. See if you can factor that into the conversation.
You should also try to get a sense of culture. Is it formal, laid back? The response will help you prepare better.
I am not going to get into the recommended attire – that goes without saying.
Honesty
Let’s clarify something. Conducting extensive research and preparations for the interview does not mean you should just show up and play the part. Honesty is key, both to your interviewers and to yourself. Pretending to be in line with everything the company might get you the job after all. But the truth will eventually reveal itself, and you will either end up hating your job or not fitting in.
Be straightforward, be yourself.
Be humble, but ring the bell
Honesty is great, but it is even better when paired with humility. The purpose of job interviews is to evaluate a candidate’s fit for a position. Both culturally and in terms of technical skills. That requires you to highlight your abilities and qualifications; to present your story in a way that further reinforces the good feeling the interviewer got from your CV. But no one likes self-absorbed and presumptuous colleagues.
To avoid giving the impression of being one, make sure to keep a balanced approach when describing your past professional experience and achievements. Be the humble person everyone knows you are, don’t be afraid of admitting you don’t know about a particular topic and avoid overstatements.
“So… Tell me about a time you made a mistake and how you solved it”. Many wait with dread for the moment when they are asked one of these infamous tricky questions. They can feel like a trap – say the wrong thing, and you’re toast.
In reality, and no matter what some claim, there is not a right or wrong way to answer these questions. They are designed for two things: to reveal your thought processes and to evaluate your professional character and professional ethics. With that in mind, let the previously mentioned points – honesty and humility – guide your way.
Prepare for an IT Job Interview: Ask questions yourself
Finally, it is very important to ask questions back. It does not only make the interview more dynamic and helps you guide the conversation;but it also shows that you have initiative and are proactive when faced with a challenge. It also offers a good opportunity to show you did your homework and researched the company carefully. Ask them what it was like to implement that project, or how much you liked their new platform.
For more tips on how to prepare for an IT job interview, check out our advice to face technical interviews.
It was the first purely electronic computational machine : brief Intro to Quantum Computing with Mission Control Center news by Mindquest.
The advent of quantum computing marks a pivotal moment in the ever-evolving landscape of technology. From the inception of ENIAC nearly 80 years ago to the present day, the pursuit of computational power has driven innovation, leading us to the frontier of quantum mechanics. With traditional computing reaching its limits, the emergence of quantum computing offers unprecedented possibilities, revolutionizing how we process information and tackle complex problems.
Need advice on how to start or develop your freelance consulting business in tech or IT? Need to start a new permanent or freelance assignment? Join Mindquest and get support from our team of experts.
Quantum computers, how they were created
Computer manufacturers have been pushing the frontiers of engineering since then. To achieve exponentially more powerful computing while reducing hardware size. Intel co-founder Gordon Moore famously predicted that the continuous shrinking of transistors would allow computer chips to double their processing power every two years. The forecast became known as Moore’s Law, and it has guided the semiconductor industry for over half a century. But things are changing.
It turns out you can only squeeze so much out of a single technological development. With time, chip components have become so small that their innovation and manufacturing are becoming prohibitively costly and slow. Just the research needed to stick to Moore’s Law costs silicon chip producers 18 times more than it did in 1971; according to economists at Stanford and MIT.
As a result, we must put the focus on developing a technological successor that allows us to keep up with our current pace of progress – enter quantum computing.
Quantum vs traditional computers
Traditional computing is based on the accumulated interactions of basic units of information: bits. These can hold two possible values, either 1 or 0 – hence the binary denomination.
However, quantum computers operate by leveraging quantum mechanics and information theory (i.e. the properties of atoms, of matter itself). The basic unit of information in quantum information theory is called a qubit. It can hold the value of 1 and 0, but also of everything in between – all at the same time. This property called quantum superposition describes the uncertainty of a particle’s state until this is measured. And also it is best explained by using the example of Schrodinger’s cat.
Schrodinger theory application
In this classic problem of logic, Schrodinger puts a cat in a closed box with a deadly poison. While the box remains closed, it is impossible to tell if the cat has taken the poison and is therefore dead, or if the poison lays untouched and the cat is still alive. The cat being dead or alive represents the 1 or 0 in a qubit. But here it’s where it gets tricky.
Since we can’t really say whether the cat is still alive or dead; quantum mechanics tells us that the cat is both alive (1) and dead (0). And everything in between at the same time. That is, of course, until we open the box and see what happened. In this example, opening the box would be equivalent to measuring the state or value of a qubit.
Down to the practical level; and beyond giving some of us a mild headache; what all of this essentially means is that quantum computers can perform some calculations incredibly faster than traditional ones. And that is because they offer a completely different approach to mathematical problems.
Let’s say we find ourselves in the middle of a labyrinth… And need to find the way out as quickly as possible. Whereas a traditional computer would try the various possible routes one at a time, a quantum computer can try all the paths at once. This allows these machines to be way better than traditional computers at solving certain types of problems. Like factoring large numbers or cracking a code.
Quantum supremacy
The triumph of quantum computers over traditional ones is what is known as quantum supremacy. Such a milestone will be reached when a quantum computer can beat the most advanced supercomputer at the planet at a particular task or benchmark test.
Google claimed to have achieved quantum supremacy last year. Although many have cast a shadow of doubt over that claim, it gives us a good idea of what this technology can achieve. But also what this technology will achieve soon enough. The company’s quantum computer allegedly took 200 seconds to perform a task that would take IBM’s Summit (the world’s fastest supercomputer) 10,000 years to complete.
Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity
In the realm of cybersecurity, quantum computing presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, the immense computational power of quantum systems has the potential to revolutionize encryption algorithms. Rendering current cryptographic methods obsolete. Quantum-resistant cryptography, such as lattice-based cryptography and quantum key distribution, offers promising solutions to mitigate the threat posed by quantum computers to conventional encryption methods.
However, the same quantum capabilities that enable advancements in cryptography also pose a threat to cybersecurity infrastructure. Quantum computers could theoretically break widely used encryption protocols, jeopardizing the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive data. As quantum computing continues to advance, it becomes imperative for cybersecurity professionals to adapt and develop quantum-safe cryptographic techniques. This to safeguard digital assets in the quantum era.
What lies ahead for quantum computing
So, when will I be able to buy a quantum computer? Well, it is highly unlikely that you’ll be carrying around a quantum laptop in the year 2050 – or any time after that for that fact. And that’s not only because of technical limitations (which of course are plenty), but also because you will not need to.
On the hardware side of things, the biggest limiting factor is the high instability of quantum states. Maintain qubits stable and superposed requires cooling them at temperatures near absolute zero. In plain language: to have a controllable and accurate quantum computer, you need, as of today, a huge refrigerating apparatus.
As for their potential applications — quantum computers cannot only be extremely advantageous in certain fields and problems of today; they also open the doors to a new realm of capabilities that we are not even able to imagine at this point. However, all these applications will probably have nothing to do with the everyday tasks reserved for personal computers and smartphones.
The true power of quantum computing, at least in theory, resides in their power to make endless calculations possible in a reasonable amount of time. There are already many algorithms designed to exploit these capabilities, promising great leaps forward in areas like data analysis, cryptography and artificial intelligence. Additionally, there are other quantum properties, like entanglement, which we are barely starting to study – we will be discussing them in a future article.
Only time will tell which paths are viable. The clock is ticking, and it’s a quantum one.
Companies, individuals and institutions around the globe are coming together to provide solutions for the crisis — from 3D-printed medical devices like ventilators and protection goggles, to supercomputers and cloud consortiums put at the disposal of researchers and doctors.
It sounds like a cliché, but dark times really seem to bring out the best in people. It’s inspiring to see everyone pitching in.
But social distancing and the move of almost
all activities to the digital realm are putting our infrastructures under test.
Concerns
regarding network congestion and the Internet’s capacity to handle the increase
in traffic are going
global.
Popular
streaming services like Netflix have had to downgrade the video quality of
their content in response to the soaring numbers of people turning to digital
entertainment for some solace.
At the
same time, enterprise cloud services like AWS and Microsoft Teams are
experiencing lag and
connectivity issues due the amount of businesses moving online to remain
operational.
So far, the system is holding up — Let’s keep
it that way, please!
If you wonder how to get a job in IT consulting, here are the top 5 most sought-after soft skills in IT that you should cultivate to thrive in consulting.
Soft skills are becoming more and more decisive in the IT world. Which traditionally valued technical or hard skills above all others. That made sense when IT departments were siloed from other areas of activity and seldom involved in everyday business decisions. But today, technology permeates all layers of our society and is integral to the success of most companies. As a result, IT consultants now more than ever need to possess a series of complementary traits. To stand out among their peers, work more effectively with others and secure the best contracts.
The first of the most sought-after soft skills in IT is the entrepreneurial spirit. One of the key qualities for consultants in any field is their entrepreneurial drive. Consultants need to be proactive in their efforts to find new projects and clients to work with. They should be able to identify and outline a career path, to find a niche suitable to their capabilities and where they can shine. New business development know-how is also important. To become an IT consultants you must stay on the lookout for contract opportunities and foster professional relationships that will lead to them.
At the same time, this very same proactiveness is one of the main reasons employers hire IT consultants in the first place. They want an expert that can operate autonomously and bring in a new perspective to a particular problem . Which brings us to the next point.
Creativity
Also referred to as problem-solving, the ability to approach scenarios with an open mind is very advantageous in fields like IT. In which the best path forward is not always obvious. Lateral thinking is one of the principles upon which innovation is built.
Making the most of the resources available to you is critical when time is of the essence and the map uncharted. If you like riddles and logic puzzles, you are on the right track.
Jumping from one project to the other requires flexibility. The to become an excellent IT consultants you need to be capable of succeeding across different teams and industries. Adapt to different company cultures and ways of working. As well as to the various IT infrastructures and development environments of the modern enterprise.
Furthermore, technology and businesses are constantly evolving. And consultants must update their skillset and knowledge accordingly if they want to stay relevant.
Interpersonal skills
Adaptability is closely tied to the ability to work collaboratively. IT consultants not only need to interact effectively with other engineers and managers; they also must engage with other stakeholders – like decision-makers and end users — who might not be proficient in certain technologies or jargon. A good IT consultant can communicate problems, solutions and needs in a clear and plain manner that everyone will understand.
On the other hand, possessing good interpersonal skills helps IT consultants better integrate into company teams. When you are brought into a pre-existing project, it is very important to be able to connect with other employees to both have a better experience and make sure all those involved are aware of the added value you are delivering.
From a business development perspective, social skills can greatly help in your networking efforts to find contracts.
Curiosity
The last of the soft skills most sought after by companies to hire an IT consultant is curiosity. Just as importantly, a good consultant should keep a hungry mind. The curiosity to learn new things, whether they are related to your area of expertise or to a specific business domain, is the engine that propels professional and personal development forward. Ask questions – to yourself and to others. Scratch the surface and always try to go the extra mile.
You can bet Alan Turing
didn’t see this one coming when he cracked the Enigma machine.
Pixar pioneers Edwin Catmull and Patrick Hanrahan have won this week the prestigious Turing Award, the highest distinction
in computer science.
The two men invented many of
the 3D computer graphics techniques used to make animation films and special
effects. If you liked the following movies, you now know who to thank:
Toy Story
The Lord of the Rings
Finding Nemo
Titanic
Avatar
Jurassic Park
Speaking of working from home…
Many
organisations including the World Economic Forum have stressed the
importance of ensuring enterprise networks remain safe as more and more people
shift to telework.
Keeping cybersecurity in mind shouldn’t be a problem for IT professionals like you, but it’s always a good idea to make sure everyone is on the same page regarding the proper use of company resources and tools.
A quick reminder can save you a great deal of pain. Here are some tips.
Finally, one for developers —
Microsoft has released this
week the first developer preview of .NET 5. The new iteration, set for
release this November, brings unified development across desktop and mobile
thanks to its integration of mobile-app building platform Xamarin.
The first preview includes support for Windows Arm64 and the .NET Core runtime, whereas the second one will include SDK and ASP .NET Core.
Business activity is going remote as countries across the globe step up measures to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus. Accordingly, companies in economic sectors that allow for telework have turned to remote collaboration tools to protect the health of both their employees and operations. How to work from home in this period?
Business activity is going remote as countries across the globe step up measures to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus. Accordingly, companies in economic sectors that allow for telework have turned to remote collaboration tools to protect the health of both their employees and operations. How to work from home in this period?
In today’s digital age, we have plenty of resources to coordinate effectively without the need to be in the same physical location. In fact, remote work has been part of people’s lives for quite a while now.
Whether it is to facilitate the cooperation between teams in different offices and countries. Or to allow us to work while we are on the move, technology offers us more flexibility than ever before. Some firms are even starting to allow their employees to work from home one or two days per week if they choose to do so. While remote work is common amongst the quickly growing freelance community.
However, never before so many people have had to work remotely at the same time. Some of us are simply not used to working outside of an office or would like to know how to do it more effectively.
Well, we have put together a quick guide to help you get the most of your time at home and remain productive in the days or weeks to come. And remember — it will all be over soon. Stay positive. We will make it through all together.
How to work from home: Take care of yourself
First things first. It goes without saying, but – stay safe and take care of yourself. Your health and that of those around you is the key priority in moments like these. Follow at all times the safety guidelines outlined by the World Health Organization and act responsibly if you start showing symptoms.
Maintain a good level of hygiene – wash your hands often, avoid cross-contamination – and make sure to eat healthy and get enough rest. Consider daily physical exercise to boost your immune system and stay in shape. Check out this list of free online resources if you are looking for some inspiration.
Additionally, stay informed. Check the news at least a couple of times a day to make sure you are aware of the latest developments and official measures. Avoid checking the news constantly or obsessively, as this will only increase your stress levels.
Mental health and self-organization are equally important. Routine plays a key role in our lives, helping us structure our day and giving us a sense of being in control. You should not abandon your usual routines just because you are working from home. Adapt your usual schedule to this new environment, and even come up with different ways of organizing your day to help you be more productive.
Wake up early, have a proper breakfast. Perhaps read a bit or have a chat with your flatmates or family before starting your day. Take breaks during the day to exercise or clear your head. Practice your cooking skills now that you have more time.
It might be tempting to work in your pyjamas, but showering and dressing up as if you were going into the office will help you get in working mode. If you can’t avoid putting on your comfy pants, accompany them with something like a button-up shirt or blouse.
Define limits
Compartmentalize. One of the trickiest aspects of working from home is keeping your professional and personal lives separate, whether you live alone or with relatives or roommates. You need to delimitate the space and set up a working space that feels different from the rest of the house. You might not have a lot of space, but a simple, organized table will do the trick.
Try installing your home office in a room with enough natural light and as far away from recreational areas as possible. Avoid working from the couch or bed, and only resort to these spaces when your working day is over. Turn off the TV while you are working and avoid unnecessary distractions. Make sure your family and friends are aware of your schedule to minimize disruption.
Communicate
Now more than ever, communication is vital. Working in an office provides a sense of community without requiring constant interaction. With its lack of physical presence, teleworking demands some extra effort to keep teams connected and cohesive.
Make sure to check in periodically with your manager and colleagues to let them know what you are working on. Take a moment to ask them about their day and how they are dealing with remote work. Set up regular video calls and meetings to get some face time. Share an interesting or funny article.
Basically, do what you would normally do by the coffee machine or water cooler. Nurture those social bonds.
The same applies to your clients and other stakeholders. It is important to let them know that you are still there and ready to assist them in everything that you can. When in doubt if you are communicating too much or not enough, remember – it is always safer to overcommunicate.
Set goals and stay positive
Finally, last point about how to work from home, is to establish some short- and mid-term goals that you would like to achieve in these upcoming days. It is the thought of the finish line that keeps the marathon runner going.
As days go by and being constantly at home becomes harder, having clear goals in mind becomes very important. What would you like to achieve in the next weeks, both professionally and in your personal life? Would you like to get in better shape, finish a project at work, learn a new language? The clearer those goals are, the more focused you will be.
Think about setting up shared targets for your whole team or department. Sharing a goal helps get everyone on the same page, increasing productivity and reinforcing the connection between coworkers.
