Communication

When we are at the office, we don’t always realize just how much we rely on informal communication channels. The stops at the open kitchen, popping into someone’s office, passing in the elevator. Not only do these channels connect us socially, these are also micro and constant inputs of information. These are the first and most likely channel of communication to be lost once employees are working remotely.

Once remote, be careful not to substitute formal communication channels for informal ones as this becomes messy and annoying for everyone. It is, however, important to encourage informal communication channels to remain open! People who mingle, should still be mingling!

Look to whatsapp, gchat, messenger, Wechat etc. to keep informal comms alive with the people you’d normally see in the office. If you’re a manager, create chat groups and designated digital places for people to connect, laugh, vent and most likely, complain about you! Camaraderie is key, even when we are far apart. Stay engaged and keep the gossip coming!

Conference Call Norms

The awkward silences, multiple people talking at the same time, video dropping in and out. We’ve been there and it’s no fun. But, conference calls are a standard of practice for meeting, especially when remote. On group calls, I strongly suggest creating and sticking to a set of norms to keep conversation flowing. It may seem silly at first, but it creates a sense of order and trust within an online meeting that is oftentimes missing. Outside of normal ones (mute when not speaking!), I strongly suggest including:

• 3-5 seconds of wait time (planned silence) after a question has been asked to make sure those on mute have a chance to unmute, and those with a delay in audio can also catch up and participate.

• assigning out suggestion or comment order to avoid lag time (eg. “Let’s hear from Carolyn, Dale and Drana in that order”).

• post questions and connectivity/hearing problems in a chat box rather than jumping on! When people interrupt because they can’t hear, it can interrupt the flow for those who can!

Schedule

I hear from people a lot that they don’t think they could work in their underwear from their bed as I’m doing right now because they won’t have the discipline to stay on top of their schedule. If you’re reading this from your bed in your underwear, I’m here to tell you, you can do it! But, you have to build the habit and you have to stick to it. But how?

• Wake up at the same time you normally would when you went to work. Don’t let yourself slide, or you will SLIDE.

• If you’re home with your partner or family or both, set boundaries. Even set an audible timer like a school bell to signal when time starts or stops.

• Agree on non-verbal cues to signal work time and be unavailable as you would be at work when you give those cues. Think headphones, “in office” sign etc.

This is a huge chance to shift the mindset of many companies from the 9-5, in office drag to the #wfh glam. Don’t blow it for all of us!