Working Virtually

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.

Set up a workspace – Having a dedicated workspace in your home or at a coworking 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.

Communicate clearly – Just because something is clear to you does not 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.

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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.

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Utilize technological tools – Each company will have their own technology you’re expected to use such as email, video 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.

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Get to know colleagues – Just because you are remote doesn’t mean you have to forego the office culture. Periodically, 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)

REMOTE WORK ETIQUETTE

Whether you are the sole remote employee, or your entire team or company works virtually, remote work brings its own set of challenges and considerations. Unlike when everyone is in the same physical location, people could be working in multiple time zones, following different schedules, and using various platforms and tools to keep themselves on task. To help minimize miscommunication and ensure everyone can remain productive and efficient, consider the following guidelines.

Keep your calendar updated

As remote work provides more flexibility, you might not be working the same 9-5 you are used to in an office. Be sure to keep your calendar updated with time out of the office for vacations, appointments, and meetings so others can see when you’re available. If your schedule changes, or you need to step out for an errand, let your team know so they aren’t expecting you to be available.

Be considerate of time

Before scheduling a meeting or sending an email, consider who needs to be involved and what you need as a result. If you don’t need to talk something out, you probably don’t need to put another meeting on someone’s calendar. If a meeting is warranted, provide an agenda and relevant materials in advance so everyone can come prepared. Don’t forget to consider time zones if you have people working in different locations and avoid requesting meetings or sending time-sensitive work at inopportune times.

Communicate frequently

When you are separated from other employees, communication becomes more important. Without frequent touch-points and clarification, it can be easy for projects that require collaboration to lose momentum or stall out altogether, so ensure everyone on your team is informed about your work schedule and progress on projects.

Don't make assumptions

If you're confused or have a question about a project, consult your readily available resources first. If it's still unclear, ask for clarification rather than risk assuming something incorrectly.

Sources:

(Henry, 2015) (Moore, 2020) (Slack, 2020)