The Problem:
16 million knowledge workers in the US have now started working remotely.  The COVID-19 pandemic has changed practice patterns, how physicians deliver care and where their “office” actually lies.  This increased flexibility is a benefit to many, however there comes with it a new host of struggles for faculty working in this new environment.

The Gap:
Working from home (WFH) is a relatively new concept for many physicians.  The data on best practices and how to combat this new set of struggles associated with WFH is lacking.  WFH does not appear to be going away anytime soon and will likely be the new norm for many faculty.  It is important to establish the development of best practices for faculty working in this new environment.

The Hook:
By instituting practices that are known to increase productivity in a WFH environment physicians can optimize this new practice setting, they can increase their focus, capacity to process information, and decrease distractions affecting their work.  This faculty development session will focus on three main strategies.

The first strategy is creating an ideal WFH setting both physically and digitally.  Best practices for physical and digital settings will be discussed, starting with how to declutter both settings.  The second strategy will discuss instituting key measures to prevent distractions.  The last strategy discusses the importance of unplugging.  Without a commute, separation between work and home becomes blurred.  It is important for faculty to establish a WFH commute ritual to emulate this transition and give the mind a period of time to process it. This will make faculty ready to take on the new environment, being work or home.

The Takeaway:
1. Optimize your WFH environment to increase productivity, decrease stress hormones and increase your ability to focus.  Make sure both your physical and digital space is free of clutter and learn important environment influencers of your productivity.

2. Distractions are one of the top causes of dissatisfaction in the WFH environment.   It is important to build a toolbox for counteracting them.

3. Set a hard stop at the end of your work day (and stick to it).