Work is more flexible today than in the past, with many jobs and internships offering the option to work remotely or have a hybrid schedule (some days of the week are in the office, and other days are for working remotely). While flexibility can feel like a perk, it can also bring challenges, especially if it’s your student’s first professional position. Whether your Buff has a hybrid schedule or works remotely full-time, here are some tips to help them adjust.
Establish a routine
When working at home, your student doesn’t have the boundaries of a professional office to get them on a schedule. They will need to find their own routine.
First, encourage your student to consider how they like to start each workday. This could include checking email or making a list of priority tasks. Scheduling movement and mental breaks that fit within their designated work hours is also important. Establishing a schedule and routine can help your student balance their day and stay focused on work.
Create a workspace
Suggest that your student choose a dedicated work area in their home. It can be helpful to establish a separate space from the rest of their living space that they only use for work-related activities. They should ensure they have the necessary supplies to complete their work responsibilities including notebooks, pens, headphones and anything else they might need.
Maintain clear communication
Communicating regularly with managers and peers can help your student understand their goals, priorities and project timeframes. Your student should use email, their team’s preferred messaging platform (like Microsoft Teams or Slack), or other technology to stay connected.
Your student can ask their manager to set up regular meetings to check in and ask questions. Regular communication can also help their manager know their workload and help prevent burnout. When your student communicates often, they can address issues before they become problematic.
Understand technology
Remote work requires technology that works properly. Your student should ensure they have the proper hardware and software to meet their job expectations and stay up to date with any maintenance or system updates. Encourage them to talk with their manager about using technology and ask questions if they are unfamiliar with specific systems. While it can feel awkward for your student to not know how to use a tool and ask questions for help, it is better than pretending they understand.
Transition between home and office
If your student works a hybrid schedule, they should consider how they may need to adjust their schedule to meet the demands of each work modality. For example, do they need to get up earlier on the day they go into the office, or is it helpful to pack lunch the night before? Also, they could consider whether they are more productive when they work remotely or in the office and communicate that with their manager.
Find support
Career Services is here to help your student be successful in your transition to work, whether hybrid, remote or in the office. Your student can meet with a career advisor, connect to the Forever Buffs Network and review the Remote Work Toolkit.