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Like you, I never thought that I would be working from home until further notice, or, even worse, witnessing a global pandemic. These were just things I read about and learned in my public health classes, like John Snow – no, not the character from Game of Thrones – the founder of epidemiology who traced the source of the cholera outbreak, and many other trailblazers in the field like him. But as I sat cooped up in the comfy premises of my apartment, I started to wonder, what are the best tips for working from home for a productive workday?
Some may have worked from home here or there, maybe every Friday, but with the current COVID-19 pandemic, many companies have been making their employees work from home in order to protect their clients, their workforce, and all their families. So, I searched the internet and asked my colleagues at Viventium to gather the best WFH tips for you.
The same way you might have a cubicle, office, or workstation at work, you should set a designated workspace at home where you can get your work done. Try to avoid working from your bed or couch, places that are usually associated with relaxing and leisure time. Leave those places for later, once you’re done with work.
Remember that video of the BBC dad, professor Robert Kelly, doing an interview? Well, we are all Robert Kelly now. Working from home, especially if you have kids, family, or roommates, can be challenging and distracting. Let’s be honest, the boundary between work and home can become blurred. Relax your expectations and be ready for interruptions. To deal with this, set some expectations and boundaries, and communicate these rules to those around you so that you can better concentrate. This way, you will be able to prevent many intrusions or distractions that can set you behind on your projects and goals.
Have kids? The same rules apply. Will they follow them? Probably not.
"We used to talk about work/life balance and then work/life blend – now it feels more like work/life fusion. In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, we are learning how to do two jobs at the exact same time. Set good expectations of what each day looks like both with your kids and your boss!"
- Terra Vicario, Chief Marketing Officer
Keep your old morning routine or create a modified or new one.
Woohoo, the commute is over, and at first, it might be nice to get those extra hours of sleep. It’s even nicer to just roll out of bed and get to work. However, as nice as this can be, it’s essential for your welfare and productivity to set a set schedule or implement a routine. That can be setting an alarm, brushing your teeth, taking a shower, having breakfast, and getting dressed – and no, that doesn’t mean that you have to put on a suit and tie. Yes, it might be nice to work in your PJs, but after a long period of time, it’s not healthy for your well-being.
“Create a routine rather than just sitting down and starting to work. Act as if you are going to the office. Workout, take a shower, get your morning coffee, etc. Similar to what you would do as if you were traveling to the office. The same holds true for the end of the workday.”
- PJ Tunder, Senior Product Manager
If you have kids, set a schedule with them and your partner. Try to replicate a schedule that’s similar to their school’s. If you have young ones, you may need to find some new and exciting activities outside of their regular ones to keep them entertained. Make use of all the free resources available, from the Kennedy Center Education Artist-in-Residence at Home program – where your kids can doodle during lunch with an artist in residence – to free Broadway shows from the comfort of your home.
Set realistic goals on your projects, and try to tackle them as you go. Realistic goals will help you cope better if you do end up falling short.
In order to set great goals, a good strategy is making them SMART. SMART goals – an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely – will not only give you control of what you need to get done but will also provide you with a benchmark to determine if your goals and objectives are reasonable and being met. Start by setting goals that are well-defined and particular. Making your goals specific will help you focus and get the most out of your efforts.
Working from home after a while can feel isolating, especially now, where it’s recommended to stay inside as much as possible. This can impact your physical and mental well-being. Try to eat healthy and keep active. It can be tempting to just lay on the couch all day binge-watching Netflix, eating comfort food, and opening the fridge every 5 minutes for another snack, but exercise and a healthy diet is essential, especially in the current health crisis.
“Calories are counted different when working from home. For example: a doughnut and a celery have the same caloric content during WFH. Tldr: I’m getting fat.”
- Zishe Glauber, VP of Product Management and Compliance
It can be easy to check an email or two after work. Or continue to work on that project after hours when you’re on a roll. But in the same way that you set up a designated workspace and set boundaries, it’s important for you to stick to regular business hours. Not only will this allow you to decompress and relax after work, but you’ll also be more productive and get better work done. Additionally, this will help the transition and give you a bit of normalcy.
Take a moment to schedule regular breaks. Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to take a lunch break. Regular breaks are important for your well-being. Move around, set time for lunch, make some coffee – just make sure you take a break.
“Remember to take breaks from sitting at your desk. Get up and walk around at least once every two hours. Better yet, go for a walk outside for a few minutes.”
- Dan Neuburger, CEO
Just like you, your coworkers and team might be experiencing the same feelings. Perhaps it’s their first time working from home. Check in on them! At this time, face to face and personal contact is important to keep everyone in the loop and to see how everyone is doing or if they need assistance. Share more with your colleagues; these are tough times and sometimes it’s nice to take a break from the current headlines and isolating feeling working from home. You can share photos, memes, videos, or nice updates!
“Stay connected! Whether it’s asking everyone to use webcam or FaceTiming with your colleagues, it feels good to collaborate, socialize, and maintain a personalized touch.”
- Alexandra Alberti, VP of Sales
Just because you are working from home and practicing physical distancing doesn’t mean you can’t have the after work happy hour or team bonding activities you normally do. Get creative and have a happy hour over Zoom. Or maybe setup a game night, workout, or other fun activity, all virtually of course – the options are endless. Working from home can be tough, especially if you have kids. Having something to talk about and do with people that are going through the same thing can be comforting and great for your well-being.
This information is for educational purposes only, and not to provide specific legal advice. This may not reflect the most recent developments in the law and may not be applicable to a particular situation or jurisdiction.
Viventium Software Inc. is a SaaS-based human capital management solution that provides a remarkable user experience and award- winning software. Viventium provides flexible software and expert guidance so clients can be sure their payroll is done right.
Viventium offers specialized solutions in the health services markets which include home care agencies and skilled nursing facilities. Viventium Software supports all fifty of the United States with payroll and HR solutions.
Relax – you’re with Viventium.
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Licenses: Viventium HCM LLC NMLS ID: 2094503
Overtime, oh, it’s a complicated game, Different rules in every state, it’s never the same, Multiply by 1.5, but there’s more to see, In this overtime equation, it’s not that easy, you see.
VERSE 1
In the world of work, there’s a tale to be told, About overtime hours, and the payroll gold, A consistent paycheck, that’s the worker’s dream, But when it comes to overtime, it’s not as easy as it seems.
PRE-CHORUS
Oh, Susie worked hard in San Francisco town, But the rules around overtime, they had her feeling down, 42 hours this week, she gave her all, Now it’s time to calculate, let the numbers fall.
CHORUS
Overtime, oh, it’s a complicated game, Different rules in every state, it’s never the same, Multiply by 1.5, but there’s more to see, In this overtime equation, it’s not that easy, you see.
VERSE 2
Exempt or non-exempt, the title they hold, Where they work, where you’re based, it’s all in the fold, California or New York, the laws they diverge, For payroll admins, it’s a never-ending surge.
PRE-CHORUS
Oh, the DOL’s website, a labyrinth to explore, State regulations galore, it’s quite a chore, Staying compliant, it’s a tricky art, Missing out on requirements can break your heart.
CHORUS
Overtime, oh, it’s a complicated game, Different rules in every state, it’s never the same, Multiply by 1.5, but there’s more to see, In this overtime equation, it’s not that easy, you see.
BRIDGE
But here’s a method that can save the day, A payroll software, to keep errors at bay, Input the info right, integrate with ease, No more manual labor, no more overtime fees.
VERSE 3
Back to Susie’s story, she’s owed her due, According to FLSA, it seems we have a clue, $860 on the table, that’s what we’d say, But California’s got its rules, changing the way.
PRE-CHORUS
Oh, California says, hours past eight, Are overtime-eligible, don’t underestimate, Now Susie’s owed $900, that’s the decree, In this overtime puzzle, you gotta set it free.
CHORUS
Overtime, oh, it’s a complicated game, Different rules in every state, it’s never the same, Multiply by 1.5, but there’s more to see, In this overtime equation, it’s not that easy, you see.
OUTRO
So when it’s overtime, and the rules entwine, Choose a payroll software, let it all align, Viventium’s the name, we’ve got the key, To make overtime calculations a breeze, you’ll see.
ENDING
Don’t overwork yourself, don’t you fret, With Viventium by your side, it’s a safe bet, Relax, you’re with us, in this overtime fight, With the right tools in hand, everything’s gonna be alright.
Take back time, like a winding clock, Retroactive pay, mending every block. Calculate the hours, with precision and grace, In the world of care, in this payroll space.
VERSE 1
In the world of care, where time slips away, Caregivers dedicate, every single day. But when the hours are missed, in the daily race, Retroactive pay, steps up to embrace.
PRE-CHORUS
A caregiver tired, at the week’s end, Forgot to log hours, a mistake to mend. Admins face the challenge, calculations to make, To set it right, for the caregiver’s sake.
CHORUS
Take back time, like a winding clock, Retroactive pay, mending every block. Calculate the hours, with precision and grace, In the world of care, in this payroll space.
VERSE 2
Manual calculations, prone to a flaw, Dealing with shifts, odd hours, and the law. As your business grows, the cost takes flight, Automated solutions, shining bright.
PRE-CHORUS
Compliance is key, with FLSA’s might, Calculate and compensate, get it right. Avoid the audit’s gaze, fines and the cost, Retroactive pay, no longer lost.
CHORUS
Take back time, like a winding clock, Retroactive pay, mending every block. Calculate the hours, with precision and grace, In the world of care, in this payroll space.
BRIDGE
Employee satisfaction, a crucial part, Resolve mistakes, a work of heart. Relationships flourish, in pay’s embrace, A payroll software, creating a trace.
VERSE 3
Star caregivers, valued and strong, Retention and recruiting, where they belong. Automated solution, a total pay dance, Establish your business, a work-life romance.
PRE-CHORUS
A self-winding watch, Viventium’s grace, Optimizing payroll, in every case. No more struggles, in the payroll game, In it with you, time and time again.
CHORUS
Take back time, like a winding clock, Retroactive pay, mending every block. Calculate the hours, with precision and grace, In the world of care, in this payroll space.
OUTRO
As your business grows, in the hustle and fight, Viventium by your side, making it right. No more worries, in the payroll chain, In it with you, time and time again.
Geo Tax, oh Geo Tax, our savior in the night, Guiding us through tax laws, shining a bright light. No more payroll worries, no more sleepless nights, With Viventium’s help, we’ll be alright.
VERSE 1
In the world of business, we all aim to thrive, Year after year, our dreams taking flight. But as we soar higher, we start to see, More money, more problems, just like B.I.G. Outgrowing our shell, it’s an exciting phase, But it brings with it some challenging days. Solutions we had, now show their flaws, As we push the boundaries, breaking through the walls.
CHORUS
Geo Tax, oh Geo Tax, our savior in the night, Guiding us through tax laws, shining a bright light. No more payroll worries, no more sleepless nights, With Viventium’s help, we’ll be alright.
VERSE 2
Employees across states, in different localities, Tax laws aplenty, creating complexities. Our old software’s limits, we’ve begun to see, Scaling up our business, we need to break free. Calculating pay and taxes, where it all begins, Errors in this process, lead to countless sins. Employees rely on us, trust in our might, To withhold what’s needed, get it just right.
CHORUS
Geo Tax, oh Geo Tax, our savior in the night, Guiding us through tax laws, shining a bright light. No more payroll worries, no more sleepless nights, With Viventium’s help, we’ll be alright.
BRIDGE
Taxes, they’re not simple, that’s for sure, A world of complexity, there’s always more. But Viventium stands with us, in this fight, Geo Tax, our ally, making everything right.
VERSE 3
CPAs may struggle, and admins too, Keeping up with taxes, what can they do? The rules keep changing, it’s hard to keep pace, But Viventium’s here, in this challenging space.
CHORUS
Geo Tax, oh Geo Tax, our savior in the night, Guiding us through tax laws, shining a bright light. No more payroll worries, no more sleepless nights, With Viventium’s help, we’ll be alright.
OUTRO
So relax, dear business, and set your mind free, With Geo Tax on our side, we’re the best that we can be. Viventium’s got us, in this tax-filled fight, No more worries, no more sleepless nights.
REPEAT CHORUS
Geo Tax, oh Geo Tax, our savior in the night, Guiding us through tax laws, shining a bright light. No more payroll worries, no more sleepless nights, With Viventium’s help, we’ll be alright.
Configurable Payroll Grids, a helping hand in sight, In the realm of admin life, where details are rife. With custom views and filters, they navigate through the night, Let’s celebrate this feature, it’s the heart of our work life.
VERSE 1
In the world of admin tasks, where changes often arise, There’s a tool that’s been a savior, under office fluorescent skies. With flexibility and precision, it eases their daily strife, Let’s sing about this feature, it’s the pulse of our work life.
CHORUS
Configurable Payroll Grids, a helping hand in sight, In the realm of admin life, where details are rife. With custom views and filters, they navigate through the night, Let’s celebrate this feature, it’s the heart of our work life.
VERSE 2
Admins wear many hats, in their daily grind, Sometimes they need to adjust, leave no errors behind. Adding extra hours, bonuses, or fixing pay, They need a simple method, to make it all okay.
CHORUS
Configurable Payroll Grids, a helping hand in sight, In the realm of admin life, where details are rife. With custom views and filters, they navigate through the night, Let’s celebrate this feature, it’s the heart of our work life.
BRIDGE
Custom views and filters, tailor it to your need, Focus on the important, no need for needless speed. A hundred-dollar bonus, a few clicks and it’s in flight, Admins get it done, making sure it’s right.
VERSE 3
In the admin’s world, where numbers have their say, This tool steps in gracefully, making tasks less gray. An interface so intuitive, like an Excel sheet, Changing data effortlessly, making work complete.
CHORUS
Configurable Payroll Grids, a helping hand in sight, In the realm of admin life, where details are rife. With custom views and filters, they navigate through the night, Let’s celebrate this feature, it’s the heart of our work life.
OUTRO
So here’s to Payroll Grids, in our song of praise they gleam, For admins working diligently, they fulfill a dream. In the world of office hustle, they bring much-needed light, Let’s tip our hats to this tool, and its invaluable might.
Rule-Based Automation, it’s the name of the game, Less manual toil, less stress and shame, With policies and standards, we’ll pave the way, To automate your chores and brighten your day.
VERSE 1
In the world of payroll, a daily task we face, Admins work hard, in this complex space, They handle policies, with attention and care, But there’s a solution that’s beyond compare.
PRE-CHORUS
Oh, payroll admins, your role’s crucial and true, But there’s a tool we’ve got, just for you, Let’s explore rule-based automation, my friend, With Viventium, your tasks will gently mend.
CHORUS
Rule-Based Automation, it’s the name of the game, Less manual toil, less stress and shame, With policies and standards, we’ll pave the way, To automate your chores and brighten your day.
VERSE 2
Standardize policies, that’s the key, For tenure, role, union status, you’ll see, PTO, bonuses, pay rates defined, Automation makes your workload more aligned.
PRE-CHORUS
Oh, payroll admins, the burden’s a load, But rule-based automation lightens the road, No more tiresome chores, no more dread, With Viventium, it’s smoother ahead.
CHORUS
Rule-Based Automation, it’s the name of the game, Less manual toil, less stress and shame, With policies and standards, we’ll pave the way, To automate your chores and brighten your day.
BRIDGE
In the world of payroll, where tasks repeat, We’ve got the solution, it’s oh so neat, “If this, then that,” it’s simple and sly, With Viventium by your side, you’ll reach for the sky.
VERSE 3
Tenure-based PTO, a common request, With Viventium, it’s passed the ultimate test, Set it up once, and then you’ll see, Automation handles the chore, oh so free.
PRE-CHORUS
Oh, payroll admins, take a breath, take a pause, With Rule-Based Automation, you’ll find no flaws, It’s easy, it’s simple, no programming in sight, Viventium’s got you covered, day and night.
CHORUS
Rule-Based Automation, it’s the name of the game, Less manual toil, less stress and shame, With policies and standards, we’ll pave the way, To automate your chores and brighten your day.
OUTRO
So if you’re a payroll admin, feeling the weight, Let Viventium’s Rule-Based Automation be your fate, No more worries, no more strife, With Viventium, you’ll transform your work life.
Oh, the Report Library, it’s the heart of the show, Where numbers come alive and insights start to flow. With Viventium’s aid, it’s a breeze, can’t you see? Reporting made easy, for your company to be free.
VERSE 1
In the world of business, it’s a complex game, With factors and figures, it’s never the same. Decisions are key, they’ll determine your fate, So listen up closely, don’t be a bit late.
PRE-CHORUS
Gather your data, don’t let it fade, In the depths of spreadsheets, don’t let it cascade. Your HCM software, is it up to the task? To capture and store, to help you unmask.
CHORUS
Oh, the Report Library, it’s the heart of the show, Where numbers come alive and insights start to flow. With Viventium’s aid, it’s a breeze, can’t you see? Reporting made easy, for your company to be free.
VERSE 2
Once the data’s collected, it’s time to report, But it can be daunting, that’s the common retort. Pre-built solutions, they’re your guiding light, Turning raw data into visions so bright.
PRE-CHORUS
No more manual hours, no errors in sight, With report library’s might, everything’s right. Payroll summaries, tax liabilities, and more, All in a flash, you’ll have what you adore.
CHORUS
Oh, the Report Library, it’s the heart of the show, Where numbers come alive and insights start to flow. With Viventium’s aid, it’s a breeze, can’t you see? Reporting made easy, for your company to be free.
BRIDGE
Viventium’s here, with a passion so true, Constantly improving, for folks just like you. A Report Library, a gift from the stars, For data-driven dreams, it’ll take you far.
CHORUS
Oh, the Report Library, it’s the heart of the show, Where numbers come alive and insights start to flow. With Viventium’s aid, it’s a breeze, can’t you see? Reporting made easy, for your company to be free.
OUTRO
So remember this lesson, in the business terrain, It’s all ’bout decisions, don’t let ’em wane. With data as your guide, and Viventium’s grace, You’ll conquer the challenges you’ll face.
