April 7, 2020

Connection, belonging, purpose and productivity in the world of physical distancing
 
Working and learning remotely can work but without attention our satisfaction, productivity and health can suffer. The transition to learning or working from home may present challenges. However individuals and teams can thrive in a remote environment.
 
We all derive profound value from daily social interactions and the structures and boundaries put in place by the traditional environment.
 
Personal satisfaction, creativity, focus and productivity rely heavily on our social connectedness in a structured setting. Norms and the small expressions of empathy and support that we offer each other every day foster a sense of trust, shared purpose and well-being.
 
The Office of Professional and Educational Development (OPED) put together this resource WORKING APART, TOGETHER with tips for working from home and for preserving, as much as possible, the healthy workplace routines and social connection essential to our well-being and success.
 
5 Reasons why a set routine is important:
 
1. IT MAKES US MORE EFFICIENT AND HELPS US ACHIEVE OUR GOALS
     It reduces the need to plan and make decisions each day.
 
2. IT CREATES STRUCTURE IN OUR LIFE
     It provides the framework within which we live our lives. It anchors and stabilizes us.
 
3. IT SAVES TIME, OUR MOST VALUABLE RESOURCE
     By following a routine, we free up time that would otherwise be spent on planning and decision-making.
 
4. IT HELPS US GET THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS DONE
     It forces us to prioritize and do what is important to us.
 
5. IT REDUCES THE NEED TO RELY ON WILLPOWER
     It frees up our energy and reduces stress.
 
Sincerely,
 
The Well-being Task Force
Faculty of Medicine