As COVID-19 continues its rapid spread, many companies across the globe are enforcing a strict work from home policy where possible.
While many of us are familiar with the flexibility and benefits a working from home (WFH) culture can bring, for a number of people this is a daunting prospect. The suddenness of having to work from home can lead to teams and colleagues feeling isolated and misinformed. It can also feel much more difficult to connect meaningfully with one another while in a remote environment. To help support everyone adjusting to this shift, we’ve pulled together some simple guidance, featuring tips, tricks and external sources to help you and your colleagues stay connected, maintain creativity and work collaboratively when working from home.
Working in social isolation and staying connected
There are a number of digital platforms out there that will help teams of all sizes stay connected. You’re probably familiar with Slack, Google Hangouts etc, all of which are great platforms and offer free or low-cost trial periods. Having had the likely potential of long-term working from home sprung upon us, we believe it’s key to identify how you should be using these platforms during a time of disruption.
Roll out conference calling etiquette
While some organisations may already have something similar in place, now is a great time to remind everyone of how some simple actions can ensure a conference call goes smoothly. We’ve all seen the memes of how things like not being on mute with distracting background noise can lead to potential frustration from colleagues! Here are our tips for good conference calling practice:
- Use video whenever possible – Albert Mehrabian identified that when taking in what someone is saying, 7 per cent of this is attributable to verbal communication, 38 per cent is attributable to tone of voice and 55 per cent is down to facial expression and body language; also known at the 7-38-55 rule.
- Take advantage of the chat function – When you’re in a larger group, it’s better to signal when you have a question or comment instead of interrupting the speaker, or give a thumbs up when you agree instead of chiming in.
- Context is key – As a speaker, remember to reference the page you’re on if going through a document or presentation as a group.
- Don’t miss out – Speak up or send a message if you can’t hear.
- Avoid side conversations – Stay focused on the conversation at hand, as anyone dialed in will likely not be able to pick up anything if there are distracting side conversations happening.
- Share ideas – Use google docs as your virtual whiteboard.
- Don’t be distracted -Make time for and focus on the meeting, avoid doing emails and other tasks.
- Have a clear agenda – Create and share an agenda in advance of the meeting with any objectives, so that the call is productive.
Kitchen catch ups or “water cooler moments” are just as important when you WFH. If an instance arises where you normally would have walked over to someone’s desk to ask them a question, don’t put it off or email them while you’re homeworking, instead phone them (ideally via video if possible). Similarly, if you would usually make a hot beverage in the kitchen and take a quick five minute break with a colleague, make sure you still do this and set up virtual coffees, lunches or tea breaks. Slack users can download a Google Chrome extension called Donut, which will allow colleagues to join a channel that will automatically pair members at random for a virtual meet-up every two weeks.
Are you a part of a small team or self employed? Join many experienced remote workers who have clubbed together on the Slack domain Remote Workmates. This is a hub of new and seasoned remote workers who support each other day-to-day to make remote working independently or in small teams a fun opportunity to mix and talk to others in a similar set up. Another option is joining Focusmate, who are currently offering three free sessions per week. On both platforms you’ll find a WFH buddy to share your interests and meet over a virtual cuppa.
This regular activity in your work schedule provides some escapism and gives your eyes a rest from the screen. Much like being at work, taking short breaks has its benefits – don’t stop even though it may be a shorter walk to the kettle! You can also get creative within your channels during your working day and sign up to challenge, such as those being ran by 64 million artists. Or why not start a #mostimaginativesnackoftheday competition, or send a daily meme to your WFH buddy? These can be a welcome distraction and brighten your day.