A Beginner’s Guide to Working From Home in the Age of Coronavirus

The threat of a global pandemic is making remote workers of thousands

Indrani Sen
Forge

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Photo: Getty Images

TThose of us who have chosen to work from home some or all of the time are already well-acquainted with the joys and pitfalls of the home workspace. We have picked out our favorite mugs, perfected our morning rituals, and pledged allegiance to our desk organization orthodoxies.

But what if you’re new to remote work or, like thousands of workers around the world, suddenly find yourself stuck at home to prevent a coronavirus outbreak? The short commute from your bed to your desk might sound appealing, but working from home is harder than it sounds.

Where (and when) do you start? How do you stay focused, in an environment filled with your favorite distractions? How do you collaborate with colleagues? How do you stave off loneliness? Does lunch have to be leftovers eaten standing by the fridge?

Forge is here for you, with guides and tips for every aspect of the remote work life:

First things first: Clean your home. It’s an investment in your sanity and focus. Nobody does their best work in a wasteland of dirty laundry and soiled takeout cartons.

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Indrani Sen
Forge
Writer for

Editorial director at Medium, mom, gardener, cook. Formerly at Quartz.