As the concern for COVID-19 continues to grow, many employees have to work from home. Even though remote working is a fairly old concept, it is new for many people. To get through this difficult time, organizations’ leaders must be able to adapt and horn new skills. Some of the most important skills to get your team through this period include empathy, good communication skills, and composure. Working remotely presents unique challenges that require creative solutions. The following tips may help you when working remotely.
1. Replicate the Work Environment
Try to create a formal office at home. Replicating your work environment puts you in work-mode. Arrange your desk and physical media to look like your office at work. Establish a clear workspace. Treat it as a professional zone and avoid using it for any other activities. It is an instinctive way to associate the area with work.
2. Scheduling
Project managers and leaders may have a hard time trying to meet deadlines during the COVID-19 crisis. Without proper scheduling, employees may be unable to perform at maximum efficiency. Set up a clear schedule and stick to it. It keeps your team members on track and reminds them that you are still on target.
3. Don’t Compromise Your Goals
Even when going through a crisis, you should stick to your goal. Members of your team will naturally frighten and often lose their motivation. As a leader, I suggest that you keep reminding them about your objectives and why they are important. Sticking to a clear goal may encourage them to remain productive.
4. Plan Ahead
Do not fall into the trap of seeking short-term solutions. While all team leaders must find short-term solutions for emerging problems, you may want to look at the bigger picture. Anticipate future problems and plan for them. No one knows how long the situation will last so you must be prepared at all times.
5. Create an Accountability Plan
When working remotely, the lines of communication and accountability can get blurry. Create a system for all team members to give you updates on their work progress. You should be able to communicate your expectations with ease. If you don’t already have an accountability plan, I recommend that you create one as soon as possible.
6. Check-In
Check-in with your team members often. Even though it is important to ask about their progress at work, you should also ask about their mental state. Start every workday with a call or chat. Maintain a connection with your employees encourages them to stay in contact.
7. Stay Positive
All team leaders must maintain a positive attitude at all times. They should demonstrate patience and willingness to trust their team members. Even though it is important to push your goal, you must remain positive. Focus on results rather than the number of hours that employees put in.
8. Create a Work-plan
Come up with a work plan that answers any questions that may come up when working remotely. The work-plan should answer the following questions.
- The responsibilities that employees can perform when working remotely
- How remote working will impact the operations of employees
- What are your goals?
- What communication options are available? Contact all employees and find out how they can communicate.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog, and I hope everyone stays safe and healthy. If you have any questions or feedback about remote work, contact us at Agile Tech to find out more.
