Whether you have experienced the world of telecommuting before or not, your workplace dynamic has likely changed. For many of us, physically separating ourselves from others causes challenges. While we are divided by distance, we do not need to go into social isolation.
Here are 6 tips for working from home to ensure that we all stick together during this time apart:
- Craft a daily routine. To put it simply, do what you would do in the office. Follow a schedule, put on your favourite dress shirt or top, structure your breaks, and in general, create rituals. A routine will help you stay focused and keep your energy levels high.
- Start and end the day with a video call Start and end each day with a team video call at the same time. It gives a chance for the team to connect on what has happened throughout the day. Finally, a video call lets your team connect on a personal level about things going on in their lives.
- Make meetings matter. Ever heard someone say, “Well, that could’ve been an email” after a meeting? Being away from the office means many of us aren’t getting as much social interaction as we usually would, opt for a virtual meeting rather than an email and encourage attendees to turn on their cameras for a little face to face interaction. Be intentional about who you invite and ensure everyone is clear on meeting expectations and outcomes.
- Prioritize real connections, digitally. Take a minute and grab a coffee or have lunch with your team. Just because you are at home doesn’t mean you have to eat alone. You might not smell the coffee beans, but those digital face to face interactions are essential for combating loneliness and reminding your team about the community of which they are a part. At F12.net, we love Microsoft Teams for its seamless virtual meeting platform.
- Keeping things light doesn’t mean making light of the situation. The situation is severe and will be affecting people in different ways. Be empathetic and aware that each person has their own coping style. During this time, we can all use some positivity so start meetings by connecting personally rather than jumping right into the business at hand, encourage your team to share a funny story to kick off a 1:1, or have a remote team movie night via Netflix Party to continue to stay connected
- Remember to take care of yourself (along with your loved ones). Whether it’s feeling isolated, anxious or stressed, the time you spend Social Distancing will test each of us on some level. Take some time to plan how you will prioritize your mental health and reach out to your company to ask about support services they may have available.
While our community may look a bit different right now, the sentiment is the same. Look out for each other and put a little extra effort into maintaining connections.