With the world looking very different now, compared to only five weeks ago, we have to adapt. Of course, there were many large companies already with a good percentage of staff working remotely, especially global companies, however, there remain many who have been 100% office based. These staff have never worked in a situation where they can’t interact through a face to face conversation across the desk, in a meeting room or over a coffee. I’ve been managing teams remotely for the past 23 years, so this is not too much of a change for me, but for those who have never managed in this way it may seem quite daunting, especially when relationships have been built from that daily face to face contact.
Added to the new way of doing business because of COVID 19, there may also be the stress of a massive change in people’s lives at home. Many will be trying to adapt to working from home at the same time as trying to care for and perhaps home school their children. As a manager maybe you too are having to deal with these issues. The result could be that the team is not as focussed as they were in the office. Here are a few tips that you might find useful and effective:
Plan regular discussion and help set expectations You will need to try and create the joint sense of purpose you had in the office with this newly formed remote team. Try not to overload people with emails or conference calls but take time to schedule regular discussion with each team member. During the call, ask them how they are doing and practice being present while they answer, to ensure you hear what they are actually saying. We call this ‘active listening’. It is amazing how often we are thinking of something else while someone is talking. Use a video camera if possible so you can see each other, it will make the conversation easier.
Try a team coffee break It is also important to keep the team ethic going and to retain some of the social aspects that would have been established within the office. Many good discussions are had over a coffee, so why not schedule some team coffee breaks when you take 15 minutes away from your laptops, make a coffee and talk about anything other than work.
Be flexible It’s important to show empathy and understanding to your team, these are unprecedented times. Give people time and space to adjust and be supportive to their needs. Allow flexible working hours, where possible, be understanding and accepting of kids or family pets in the background. Encourage your team to take regular breaks and to get out every day for their daily exercise.
Add some humour Where appropriate, find ways to bring fun to some calls, try and get the team laughing and discuss positives that are occurring during these extraordinary times. What about a fancy dress team call, just to change the mood?
There has been a lot of chatter around the world, over the last 18 months, about mental health and particularly in the workplace. During the past few weeks, many people will have struggled with uncertainty and their mental health may have been affected. This really could be an opportunity for companies to create kinder cultures, where people respect, help and support each other.
So, don’t be surprised if you see positive impacts on the way your employees respond to their work.
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