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For the first time since we were all forced into remote work in 2020, it looks like the debate on this topic is finally calming down.
Companies that wanted their teams to return to the office implemented appropriate policies. Meanwhile, employees excited about remote work have many options, and job offers offer just that. Additionally, many workplaces have adopted hybrid ways of working to get the better of each worlds studies reports that greater than half of working Americans have the option to work remotely at least once a week.
This signifies that for most employees, remote work stays a key a part of their day by day lives, because even if you work entirely in person and a colleague joins your team from home, you inevitably end up caught up in the remote work dynamic. For many, it is still a challenge – remote work has its own specifics regarding communication, cooperation and general etiquette that do not come naturally to everyone.
Here are eight small things everyone can do to improve their and their colleagues’ remote work experience.
1. Communicate your availability
Did you go out for lunch? Pick up the 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 is informed when you may be in work mode to avoid misunderstandings, missed messages, and scheduling conflicts.
For example, if you begin work later, it might be clever to indicate that birds in such an early morning setting cannot expect your input in the early hours of the morning. It may very well be so simple as an appropriate emoji on your Slack profile or a quick update in your weekly meeting.
2. Document processes
Since most remote collaboration is asynchronous, try to document processes, decisions and strategies so that each team member can find their way around at any time. If you do not do this, there’s a risk of confusion and repetition – team members may miss updates, and managers may get bored of explaining the same things to everyone so all of them come to the same conclusion.
If you have not already, a good practice to follow is to send meeting summaries and make it a habit for other informal, vital discussions as well.
3. Don’t forget about time zones
Americans could also be accustomed to time differences between coasts, but with the rise of remote work, your team may have added some international talent to the mix. Emilia from Finland won’t be available for your afternoon catch-up as her day ended a few hours ago – and unless this has been arranged in advance, don’t expect it.
4. Use the same software and tools as your colleagues
To avoid continually converting documents, downloading latest software, or getting into long-running arguments about which tool is best, you wish to agree on one set of tools that will probably be used across the company. Larger enterprises typically already have an established technology stack, and smaller firms should follow suit.
Remote work and communication require a number of technologies to collaborate, work and manage. If everyone starts using what they like, it should create frustration, worsen cybersecurity, and leave information scattered.
5. Don’t browse social media during meetings
That’s it – that is the whole tip. You know this is counterproductive and affects the overall quality of the meeting and your ability to retain information. Will you stop doing this after reading this? Let’s be realistic – probably not.
Here’s a pro tip and a fun read: To avoid getting into hot water, take off your glasses when scrolling through social media during a conference meeting.
6. Avoid common video conferencing problems
Mute your microphone when you are not speaking, test your connection and technology in advance, arrive on time, turn on your camera, look presentable and make sure the background is the same too. We all already know these video conferencing best practices, but very few people take the time to practice them. As a result, it is extremely common for calls to be disrupted by underlying technical issues, causing frustration and making communication difficult.
7. Respect different working styles
Everyone has their very own way of working that suits them best. Some people are talented multitaskers who want to know every thing that is going on and stay awake to date. Others do best with deep work, and a single distraction can reduce their productivity.
(*8*), while the former will probably be pleased to receive a Slack message and engage in discussion, the latter may find it irritating and disruptive. Some people are pleased to have a quick meeting to get the same information, while others prefer email.
Respect for the way others act can maximize each person’s productivity. To do this, simply discuss it with your colleagues.
8. Celebrate wins recurrently
It’s no secret that remote employees struggle with loneliness. One of the important arguments against remote and hybrid work is that it makes it difficult to build team bonds and develop a healthy company culture.
However, this is not an inherent problem of remote work. Rather, fostering camaraderie and a healthy work environment requires more lively effort in a remote environment than in person. With effort, you may overcome the challenges of feeling and experiencing the reality of isolation.
Celebrating wins is a excellent place to start – develop a shared virtual ritual that engages the entire team and helps people connect.
These eight suggestions will significantly increase the effectiveness of your team. Remember, nonetheless, that in order for them to be effective, they need to turn into the basis for your actions. This is not a one-off activity, but relatively an ongoing, collaborative effort to improve the working environment for all employees.