THL Team Tips for Working from Home

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to avoid contracting the virus is to keep a safe distance of at least six feet from others and to avoid anyone who may be exhibiting symptoms. We know this can feel unsettling and yes, isolating. That’s why it is especially important to prioritize your mental health and take care of yourself during this uncertain time.

In the past few weeks, many companies have transitioned to a temporary “work from home” environment. The Humane League is, and has always been, an entirely remote workplace, and we’re here to help others make the transition as seamless as possible with these tips for managing and operating in a remote environment.

To quell any anxieties our staff may be experiencing, we’ve been kicking off our meetings with some time to check in with each other and find out how we can best support one another. And, we’re here for you too. That’s why we asked our team for their top working-from-home tips.

THL Team Work-from-Home Tips

• Your schedule is your own. Work when you're most creative and productive. Take a break when you need it, and dive in when you feel inspired. Allison O’Dell, Data and Analytics Engineer
• Work near a window whenever possible! Natural light can be such a mood booster, especially when you’re not leaving your house all day. Beth Anne Hendrickson, Corporate Relations Specialist
• You don’t have to put on business clothes, but at least switch from bed pajamas to work pajamas. You’ll feel fresher, and the transition will help you not work when you’re supposed to be off, which is just as important as working when you’re supposed to! Jessika Griffin, Regional Field Organizer
• Start cooking them beans in the morning to make sure they’re ready to go by lunchtime! David Marten, Web Developer
• My tips are to focus on the positives! Being able to make cool lunches, being able to adjust the temperature or get fresh air from an open window (which, in many offices, you do not have that ability), using a diffuser with oils I love...and getting to wear slippers! Britta Johnson, Regional Field Organizer
• If the weather is nice and you have a good balcony or porch, work outside! Zoë Sigle, Corporate Relations Specialist
• Get (or foster) a dog so that you have a reason to leave the house! * Maitlyn Healy, Regional Field Organizer*
• Make a daily list of MITs (most important tasks) to guide your time and feel a sense of accomplishment and closure at the end of the day. Also, take lots of mini breaks throughout the day to stretch, move around, and cuddle a cat. Ellie Donohue-Miller, OWA Campaigns Coordinator
• Establish boundaries. Working from home is actual work. Have a schedule with a start time and finish time. Schedule video calls with your co-workers instead of phone calls, especially if you are an extrovert. Michelle Kucerak, SVP Programs and Development
• If you have a companion animal, try to work beside them as much as possible throughout the day. Their companionship is always appreciated and is especially helpful and calming in these times of isolation. Allie Gunter, Campaign Coordinator
• If space is limited and you work in the same space as where you relax, stow your work tools at the end of the day (preferably at the same time each day). And, if working in the same space as other people, get a good pair of headphones. Samara Mendez, Economist
• If you have a companion animal, holding one during meditation can really calm you down when you’re feeling extra overwhelmed. Janet Martinez, Regional Field Organizer

And remember: We are in this together! ❤️