Whether they’re caused by load-shedding, bad weather, traffic accidents or just old circuit breakers, power interruptions don’t have to become productivity interruptions. 

With resourcefulness, foresight and good sense, situations like these can be weathered in no time at all.

Here are 7 great tips to keep you productive when the power goes out:

1. Have an Action Plan

Sure, it won’t make you more productive in the moment, but having a clear and defined power-cut or laod-shedding action plan will assist your team in rolling with the punches and manage better when the lights go out.

Planning ahead of time is vital in the battle against load shedding.  

• the EskomSePush app from Eskom is a great way to stay up-to-date with changes and schedules. Yes, you already know this but does everyone have the app and do they have the correct areas for home and work loaded? Time to check.  
• follow local security groups and Eskom on social media for alerts and changes.
• twitter is a great source of up-to-date information on load shedding and general power outages.
• communicate clearly the steps to take in the event of load shedding or the failure of a backup advice

2. Install a UPS for Each Computer

The  important point is that you should have one for each computer … A UPS (uninterruptible power supply) is a backup power supply that kicks in when the power goes down. 

By having a UPS on each computer, you have a redundant system for each of your staff and the backup power time is extended. 

You can purchase either a standby or continuous UPS, depending on your needs. Yes it’s expensive, but nowhere near the costs of a solar based system or generator.

Just remember that often a UPS only gives you limited amount of time, so be sure to save and backup your work in that time … 

3. Backup, Everything, Always (online and offline)

Use a combination of one of the many online file backup systems and on-site server based backup to ensure that you never lose any of your work. What could be worse than nearing completion of a 200 page report and having to start again? 

It’s mind-blowing how many people don’t have a proper system in place to backup their work in the office – power cuts make this extra important. I recommend spending the money to have a professional backup system designed for you and your team.

4. Landline to Mobile Phone Forwarding

This may seem obvious but have you considered forwarding land line calls to your mobile phones? Most land line providers have a functionality that enables call-forwarding. The bizarre thing is that many people are unaware of this and believe that you need a fancy PABX to an achieve this. 

Just be aware that there will be extra charges involved. 

5. Get your Offline Tasks sorted

Sometimes there are tasks around the office that don’t get done because everyone is too busy with their heads down, working hard. You’ll be shocked how many tasks are neglected due to focus on normal work patterns. Here are a few examples of things that can be achieved during a power cut:

• clear up your desk
• files any hard copy papers that have been sitting around
• brainstorm some new ideas for projects or client
• deliver or pick up items
• go shopping

Many thing can be accomplished without the need for computers or internet.

6. Have writing materials at hand (pen and paper)

Nobody uses pen and paper anymore? Wrong, plenty of people in today’s connected world still carry a diary around and use this as their main planning tool. Even the coolest bloggers on YouTube carry journals.

There is something cool and relaxing about writing things down – and when there’s no power, this may be a great opportunity to:

• mind-map your next blog post
• plan company events
• have a collaborative planning session using a white board
• perform other work-related tasks that don’t require a computer or tablet

By the time the power comes back on, you’ll have a stack of handwritten notes at your disposal, ready to be transformed into full-blown projects on your computer.

7. Go for a walk or plan an activity

Giving people free time is a great way to encourage people to be creative and is an opportunity for people to de-stress.

By taking a break to go for a walk or having fun together on a relaxing mini outdoor team activity, they gain the space they need to tackle their next challenge or come down from a busy work session.

Use a power cut as an opportunity to make time for these important activities.

 If you would like to book a team building activity with us, contact us and let us set it up for you.