Creating Extraordinary Virtual Teams: Best Practices for Working From Home [PART 4 / 4]

For some, working from home comes naturally, but for others the refrigerator and television are overwhelming temptations. Here are some simple things we encourage among members of The Winders Group and you can also do to get more accustomed to working from home. 

• Get Dressed - Sorry, virtual teams does not mean working in your pajamas or rolling out of bed just in time for your first Zoom call. Take a shower, put on a collared shirt or blouse and eat breakfast before you get to your desk.
• Create a Routine - Whether it’s the order you check mail and read the morning news, what time you eat lunch, or scheduling a time to walk outside twice-a-day, maintain regular office hours and establish a routine to help keep order throughout the day.
• Eliminate Distractions - Establish a workspace that’s off limits to others and set expectations with family about your work hours such as a visual cue like a sign or a closed door. Communicate with colleagues ahead of time if it’s possible you’ll be interrupted by a dog barking or a five-year-old sticking their head in front of your camera.
• Follow the Calendar - Shared calendars give visibility to what other team members are doing and gives individuals a way to remain accountable to themselves. Personal appointments can be set to private so colleagues can see a block to avoid booking your time.
• Take Five - Being tethered to your desk all day is not a badge of honor -- in fact, it’s quite unhealthy. Force yourself to walk across the house to refill your coffee, or set a recurring alarm to remind yourself to get outside for some fresh air and a little sun on your face.
• Have Fun - If teams looked forward to bagel Friday, for example, consider employing a new tradition. One game we like to play at TWG is “what’s in your cup?” Once a week or so, we stop talking about work for a minute while everyone shares literally what they are drinking at that moment. Being spread out across the U.S. and internationally, and depending on the time of day, you never know what answer you might get!

Whatever your jam, whatever your industry, whatever your role, you can play a part in creating an amazing virtual team if you take care of yourself, create a working environment you enjoy and make an effort to show up in powerful ways for yourself and your team.

EDITOR'S NOTE: See below for all other installments of this four-part series.

PART 1: Tools & Technology

PART 2: Communication & Culture

PART 3: Virtual Meetings