Working from home during power cuts and weak internet

Unreliable power and internet are a real challenge for many remote workers. You can't remove them, but you can plan around them.

Power

• Charge everything when power is on. Laptop, phone, power bank and headset.
• Get a power bank that can charge a laptop, or a small inverter or UPS if your budget allows.
• Use a surge protector to protect your equipment when power returns.
• Beware of fake power banks. Buy from well-rated sellers with a warranty.

Internet

• Keep a backup connection, such as a second SIM or a mobile hotspot.
• Before an important call, test your connection a few minutes early.
• Close extra apps and downloads during video calls.

Work that doesn't need the internet

Keep a list of tasks you can do offline, such as typing, formatting documents, planning and updating spreadsheets. Google Docs and Sheets have offline modes you can turn on, and Microsoft Word and Excel can save to your device. Save your work often.

Talk to your clients

• Tell clients early about your working hours and your usual challenges.
• Send a short message as soon as a problem happens: what went wrong and when you will be back.
• Schedule important calls for the times when your power and signal are most reliable.
• Build a little extra time into deadlines.

Back up your files

Keep copies of important files in a cloud drive such as Google Drive so a lost device or a power surge doesn't cost you your work.

For equipment tips, see Tech & tools, and my guide to free tools for remote workers.