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For the first time since we were all forced in remote work in 2020, it finally seems like the debate surrounding it is settling down.
Companies that wanted their teams back in the office have adopted policies accordingly. Meanwhile, telecommuters with a passion for remote work have plenty of options, with vacancies offering just that. Also, many workplaces have adopted hybrid ways of working to get the best of both worlds, with studies reporting that more than half of working Americans are able to telecommute at least once a week.
This means that for most employees, remote work remains an essential part of their daily lives because, even when you work completely in person if you have a colleague joining from home, you inevitably get into a remote job. . dynamic. For many, this continues to be a challenge – remote work has its own specifics regarding communication, collaboration and general rules, which are not natural for everyone.
So here are eight little things anyone can do to improve their mood remote work experience and that of their colleagues.
1. Make your availability known
Are you out for lunch? Picking up kids from school? do you have irregular working hours? While the flexibility of remote work is one of its best features, make sure your team knows when you'll be in work mode for them. avoid misunderstandingsmissed messages and clash schedules.
For example, if you start work later, it may be wise to indicate that somewhere so early the birds know not to expect your input in the wee hours of the morning. This could be as simple as a relevant emoji on your Slack profile or a quick update in a weekly meeting.
2. Document processes
Since much remote work collaboration is asynchronous, try to document processes, decisions, and strategies so that everyone on the team can find their footing at any time. If you do not do this, there is a risk of confusion and RECAPITULATION — teammates can miss updates and managers can get tired of explaining the same things to everyone individually to get people on the same page.
If you haven't already, a good practice to adopt is to send meeting summaries and make it a habit for other important informal discussions as well.
3. Do not forget about time zones
Americans may be used to the time differences between the coasts, but with the rise of remote work, your team may have added some international talent. Emilia from Finland won't be available for your afternoon meeting because her day ended a few hours ago – and unless it's been agreed in advance, you shouldn't expect her to be.
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4. Use the same software and tools as your colleagues
To avoid constantly converting documents, downloading new software, or engaging in protracted debates about which tool is best, you should agree on a single set of tools to be used company-wide. Larger enterprises usually already have one established technological stacksand smaller companies should follow suit.
Remote work and communication require a variety of technologies for collaboration, work and management. If everyone starts using whatever they want, it will sow frustration, undermine cybersecurity, and leave information scattered.
5. Don't browse social media while dating
That's it – that's all the advice. You know it's counterproductive and affects the overall quality of the meeting and your capacity to retain information. Will you stop doing it after reading this? Let's be real – probably not.
So here's a pro tip and a fun read: to avoid getting in hot water, take off your glasses when you scroll through social media during a conference call.
6. Avoid common video conferencing issues
Mute your microphone when you're not talking, test your connection and technology beforehand, show up on time, activate your camera, be presentable, and make sure your background is too. By now, we all know these video conferencing best practices, but very few people take the time to practice them. As a result, it is extremely common for phone calls to be interrupted by basic technology issues, sowing frustration and hindering communication.
7. Respect different work styles
Everyone has their own ways of working that suit them best. Some people are gifted multitaskers who want to know everything that's going on and be constantly in the loop. Others thrive on deep work, and a single distraction can lower their productivity.
Therefore, while the former will be happy to receive a Slack message and engage in the discussion, the latter may find it irritating and disruptive. Some people will be happy to jump into a quick meeting to get on the same page, while others would prefer an email.
Respecting the way others operate can maximize the productivity of each individual. To do this, all you have to do is discuss it with your colleagues.
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8. Celebrate wins regularly
It's no secret that remote workers struggle with loneliness. One of the main arguments against remote and hybrid working is that it hinders team bonding and the development of a healthy company culture.
But this is not an inherent problem with remote work. Rather, fostering camaraderie and a healthy work environment requires more active effort in a remote environment than in an in-person environment. By making an effort, you can overcome the challenges of feeling and experiencing the realities of isolation.
A great place to start is celebrating wins – develop a shared virtual ritual that involves the whole team and helps people bond.
These eight tips will significantly increase your team's efficiency. But remember that for them to be effective, they must become fundamental to your operation. It's not a do-it-yourself kind of thing, but an ongoing collective effort to improve everyone's work environment.