ATLANTA — More companies are asking employees to work from home during the COVID-19 outbreak. For a lot of people this is already their norm, but for others it will be a first.
Gov. Brian Kemp is even implementing it for most state employees.
“I am suspending non-essential travel and implementing telework policies for most state employees because it’s simply the right thing to do," said Kemp on Thursday.
But it's not just happening at the Capitol. It's happening all across Georgia. Coca-Cola did a test run on Tuesday. Twitter made it mandatory for all employees around the world Wednesday.
For Michael Gargiulo it is nothing new. As CEO of VPN.com, his entire team works remotely every day, so he knows a thing or two about how to stay productive from home.
"No working from bed," he said. "No that’s a big no, no."
Instead he said create a home work space where you only go to work and try to keep up a work routine.
"Get up out, get out of your pajamas, shower, put your work clothes on and go to your office."
While some companies are still working out details for at-home work, you can start testing your own remote capabilities by making sure you have the right tools. Gargiulo said that means having good internet, reliable cell service, secure internet, and good video conferencing.
He also said to consider upping your internet service.
"A lot of people are going to be on their Internet so the bandwidth, the demand for bandwidth is going to go up substantially especially here in the states over the next two to three months. So if you have the opportunity to get a faster Internet speed to your house and you can afford it, I think now is great time to be doing it," he said.
Having good internet service will help with communication. Without the face to face contact Gargiulo said over communication will be key.
In Georgia, the risk of contracting COVID-19 remains low, according to officials. At 11Alive, we’re focusing our news coverage on the facts and not the fear around the virus. To see our full coverage, visit our coronavirus section, here: www.11Alive.com/Coronavirus.
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