Stay at Home: Smart Commute Markham,
Richmond Hill's Tips for Teleworking
In recent weeks, many Smart Commute MRH (SCMRH) workplace employees have begun teleworking in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Although 49% of SCMRH workplaces have access to telework hardware or software, and/or a formal telework policy, this is a new experience for many employees who are adjusting to the changes in their work and commuting habits.

SCMRH would like to thank our workplaces and employees who are able to telework and do their part in keeping our community safe and healthy. We also extend our gratitude and appreciation to healthcare professionals during this time, particularly those at York Region Public Health, Markham Stouffville Hospital, and Mackenzie Health.

Please see the following list of helpful links, resources and suggestions to ensure you stay healthy, productive and connected while teleworking.
Stay Informed about Teleworking
There are many great resources to assist you in maximizing your productivity while working from home. SCMRH's Telework Best Practices is a helpful guide to establishing personal rules and procedures for teleworking. Please note that our team is currently assembling our first telework program guide to assist SCMRH workplaces that are interested in implementing a formal telework policy, and will be available to workplaces upon completion.

You may also see telework tips for employers and commuters on our website.
Stay Connected with your Coworkers
It is easy to stay connected with coworkers and clients by using the following platforms for meetings, conference calls, or presentations:
Stay Focused on your Tasks
Maintain your daily routine and avoid distraction at home by doing the following:

  • Designate an area that has the Ten Essentials of the Home Office.
  • Establish "core business hours" with your colleagues. For example, try to schedule meetings or conference calls between 11 am and 3 pm, when everyone is available.
  • Use a shared calendar to communicate your daily tasks or inform your coworkers when you will be "away from the office."
Stay Healthy while Teleworking
Follow these tips to maintain your physical and mental health while working from home:
  • Practice the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, stare at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to prevent eye fatigue.
  • Take a break and walk or cycle around your neighbourhood while social distancing. Please see York Region's Trail Maps and Cycling Maps for North and South York Region.
  • Subscribe to York Region's #yrmatters e-newsletter to receive updates regarding dealing with COVID-19 in the region.
Stay Entertained!
Take a short break (it's recommended to take two 15-minute breaks in the morning and afternoon) to catch up on some reading or a podcast!

If you missed SCMRH's Cycling Webinar series, you can access the presentations here:

Need some telework inspiration? Click here to read about Reta Lew, our Telework Sustainable Superstar!
Stay up-to-date with the Smart Commute Tool
For those who must continue to commute to and from work, SCMRH can help you plan your transit*, carpool or cycling routes using our Smart Commute Tool. Please see our updated Smart Commute Tool Guide for information on how to register for an account, find carpool matches, and log your trips.

In the meantime, we encourage you to log your telework trips on the Tool to track your travel impact.

*Please visit www.yrt.ca to see route or schedule changes.
An Update from York Region
On March 23, York Region declared a state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please click here to read the statement from York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson to learn more about the services available to the public at this time.
COVID-19 Resources
Health Canada - information about symptoms and treatment, preparation, and federal economic and financial support.
Public Health Ontario - links to facts, guidance and best practices, and the Ministry of Health's COVID-19 self-assessment tool.
York Region Public Health - includes information about social distancing, closures of public places, and locations of three regional assessment centres.
Stay in touch with SCMRH

The SCMRH team is teleworking, but we are staying connected with our workplaces.
We can be reached via e-mail at [email protected] , or by phone at 289-844-3026 during our core business hours, which remain Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill | www.smartcommutemrh.ca