Professional Etiquette
56
WORKING VIRTUALLY
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Working remotely can provide a great deal of flexibility and perks that in-office work does not, but it also brings new challenges. Whether working remotely was a choice or a requirement, below are tips to help you remain efficient and effective.
up a workspace – Having a dedicated workspace in your home or at a co1 Set working space will help you set boundaries and get in the right mindset to work. While it can be beneficial to change up your workspace from time to time, using a dedicated spot also ensures you have a place to take video calls, keep your supplies, and avoid distractions.
clearly – Just because something is clear to you does not 2 Communicate mean it will be to someone else. Re-read your communication before sending it to correct any grammar mistakes that might cause confusion and consider how the wording might come off to another reader. It's important to provide enough detail for someone to understand your request or update without having to ask for clarification. In a remote environment, it's better to break down the communication request as much as possible.
3 Set boundaries – When the lines between work and personal are blurred due to remote work, it can be difficult to turn off the switch. Sometimes it is a positive that you can adjust working hours or answer an email while you’re on-the-go, but be sure to determine and communicate your boundaries so others don’t take advantage of your time, and you don’t get burnt out.
Utilize technological tools – Each company will have their own technology you’re expected to use such as email, video 4 conferencing, and inter-office communication. On top of the standard features, however, there are often more tools and features you might not have used before. Whether it's recording a meeting to listen to later, changing your notification settings, or using a service to schedule global meetings, utilize the technology at your disposal.
Get to know colleagues – Just because you are remote doesn’t mean you have to forego the office culture. Periodically, 5 take a step back from the day-to-day work and dedicate time to connect with your colleagues personally. While it might seem counterproductive, these types of activities build relationships and develop trust among team members.
Sources: (Henry, 2015) (Moore, 2020) (Slack, 2020)
