What to do When the Internet is Down at Work

By Miranda Carter

Being a Millennial, I can hardly remember a time without access to the Internet. In fact, some of my earliest memories still include the sounds of that dreaded full dial-up! Fast-forward 20 years or so, and now Millennials are entering the workforce where 90% of jobs require Internet access. But what happens when the Internet goes down or your Wi-Fi won’t connect? Many of us have no idea what to do. But believe it or not, there are still things you can do to make your workday productive:

1. Organize your workplace

Most workdays are pretty busy, resulting in your desk becoming cluttered and disorganized. Having a clean and organized workspace can hugely affect the productiveness and overall efficiency of your day. By spending less time looking for things, you reduce time and stress on yourself. Organization can also display a sense of professionalism and reflects how you view your job. By having things filed and in place, it demonstrates the importance of detail and planning to potential clients. So if you are given time, make sure to tidy up!

2. Make a calendar and prioritize!

This too goes along with organization… we see and hear about so many different things throughout the day that sometimes items fall through the cracks. That’s where a calendar comes in. handy. A calendar is much more than just a list of dates and events. Making a calendar can help you make sense of all the craziness around you and really hone in on what you’re doing. By prioritizing and laying out a plan, you begin to appreciate the outcomes by understanding the process it took to get there.

3. Freshen up on your AP writing skills

In a world that’s constantly changing, it can be hard to keep up on the little things. This is especially true when it comes to AP writing rules. Each year, they release a new version that goes over the new rules. When you’re constantly working and starting new projects it can be hard to keep up to date. Losing access to the Internet frees up some of your time to freshen up! Get back to basics and pick up the latest AP Style Book to learn something new!

4. Get to know your co-workers

Sure, you’ve sat at a desk next to Stan for the past two years, but what do you really know about him? Taking the time to get to know your co-workers is really important. Within a business, cooperation is key. If you’re not working together, then things just don’t get done. On top of that, disagreements between employees can lead to extra tension and stress you don’t need. When given the time, say hello and make small talk. You might surprise yourself and realize you have a lot in common! This can help make the overall atmosphere more pleasant and create a strong company culture.

Even though we live in a fast-paced world, sometimes we just can’t connect. Life happens. It’s time we get back to a place where it’s okay to not have Internet access. Things can still get done even while you’re disconnected. So take a deep breath, the virtual world will be there when you get back!