There are several options you can explore to stay engaged and energized during this time. When your working environment has vastly changed from the norm, it may help to utilize online professional development options or explore wellness resources that will keep you feeling healthy and productive. We encourage you to speak to your supervisor about fitting these into your work schedule to maximize your productivity and effectiveness. 

Professional Development Opportunities

During these alternate working arrangements, there are activities employees can do to remain engaged without having face-to-face interaction. Utilize the resources below to continue in your learning and development, and for managing the complexities of remote working.

• Online training opportunities though professional organizations
• University of Illinois’ LinkedIn Learning resource (login required)

Training Type/Skill	Learning Resource
Building Microsoft Acumen	Microsoft Word Microsoft Excel Microsoft Outlook
Enhancing Technology Skills	Communications Foundations
Technology Resources	Logging in to VPN Using LinkedIn Learning Using technology tools (Box, SharePoint, Microsoft teams: UIUC, UIC) Zoom video tutorials
Office Support	Improve Your Organizational Skills Become an Administrative Professional
Project Management	Become a Project Manager
Remote Working	Working Remotely Time Management While Working From Home 12 Working From Home Tips Overcoming Procrastination
Supervisors	Practicing Fairness as a Manager Managing in Difficult Times Managing a Diverse Team Be a Better Manager by Motivating Your Team Creating the Conditions for Others to Thrive Creating a Culture of Collaboration Building Accountability into Your Culture How to Be a Positive Leader Managing Remote Employees Advance Your Skills as a Manager Become a Manager
Teams	Fostering Collaboration Improve Your Teamwork Skills
Tips for Improving Effectiveness at Work	Improving Your Listening Skills Embracing Unexpected Change Productivity Principles to Make Time for What's Important Proven Tips to Managing Your Time Overcoming Overwhelm Managing Stress Option B: Building Resilience The Six Morning Habits of High Performers

Remote Work Wellness Articles

Managing Social Distancing/Isolation

• Coronavirus: How Emotional Contagion Exacts a Toll - NEW
• Overcoming Remote Work Challenges - NEW
• Managing Stress and Emotions When Working Remotely - NEW
• 9 Tips for Dealing with Uncertainty and Anxiety Right Now - NEW 
• That Discomfort You're Feeling Is Grief - NEW 
• How to Prevent Loneliness in a Time of Social Distancing
• 10 Ideas for Coping with Loneliness During Social Distancing
• Four Ways to Help Prevent Loneliness While You're Social Distancing
• Keeping Your Distance to Stay Safe
• How to Make Sure Social Distancing and Self-Isolation Don't Hurt Your Mental Health
• How NOT to Practice Emotional Distancing During Social Distancing

Resources for Extroverts and Introverts

• The Extrovert's Guide to Social Isolation
• “I Can’t Take It Anymore!”: How To Cope With The Lockdown As An Extrovert
• Extroverts, Here’s How to Survive Social Distancing, According to an Introvert
• ​An Extrovert's Guide to Surviving Social Distancing
• Social Distancing for Extroverts

Avoiding Work from Home Burnout

• How to Work form Home Without Burning Out or Losing Work Life Balance
• 3 Tips to Avoid WFH Burnout
• A guide for (Working From Home) Parents
• The Pandemic Toolkit Parents Need
• It's OK to be a Different Kind of Parent During the Pandemic

Remote Working Considerations for Supervisors

In some roles, it is difficult to determine if and what can be assigned remotely. Consider the following questions for employees whose work may not transition to the remote environment:

• Is there research they can do? Benchmarking?
• Are there electronic files that can be reviewed and organized?
• Are there documents that can be developed or edited?
• Are there special projects that can be assigned?
• Do you have reports that need to be written? Budget reconciliation? Reading that needs to be completed?
• Do you have training or job aids that could be created? Do you have procedures that need to be created, written, or revised?
• If you have limited work that can be done remotely, but the employee could assist other system office units, please contact System HR at erhr@uillinois.edu.

Managing Remote Workers

• How to be an Inclusive Leader Through a Crisis - NEW
• Leadership Resilience: Handling Stress, Uncertainty and Setbacks - NEW
• How to Be a Strong Remote Leader During Lockdown - NEW 
• How to Manage the Loneliness and Isolation of Remote Workers
• Helping Remote Workers Avoid Loneliness and Burnout
• 4 Ways You Can Give Your Remote Workforce a Sense of Togetherness
• 4 Ways to Manage Remote Workers When You Don't Know How Long They'll be Working from Home
• A Guide to Managing Your (Newly) Remote Workers
• 15 Questions About Remote Work, Answered
• Tips for Managing a Remote Workforce webinar summary