Preparing For Home Working - A New Way of Working

 As a largely remote working business, we have lots of experience of the do’s and don'ts of home/remote working. Here are few tips to support you adjust to a new working routine and culture. Firstly, three key factors you’ll need to consider for this new approach;

1.     Set expectations – There will be increased nervousness and anxiety across your team. Be clear, honest and realistic on the immediate, near and long-term plans. Some of your people will have never had to work by themselves and this will require support, guidance and clear communication. 

2.     The right tools for the job – To ensure remote working is successful you’ll need the right tools, policies and support structure in place. Think about those in rural and remote areas – do they have the infrastructure for a complete digital solution? How well do your welfare and support mechanisms support this new approach?

3.     Learning and mindset – Remote working will require new skills. An alternative method to traditional training is digital microlearning – breaking down large amounts of information into bitesize sessions that can be accessed on your laptop, tablet or mobile phone. Digital microlearning is a popular choice for business as its more cost effective than traditional training and e-learning and can assist in emergency situation to fill a void and promote knowledge and skills development. No complex LMS systems are required, content can be straightforward to develop and quickly uploaded and shared for use.

A few tips to promote a positive approach to your new working environment;

• Agree with your team a regular meeting rhythm. Daily / weekly digital ‘huddles’ are a great way to promote communication, inclusion and prevent isolation and loneliness. Some of us actually like going into a place of work for a sense of community and belonging – ensure that you promote as much positive inclusion and engagement as you can.
• Utilise, the tools you have and explore new options. Lots of virtual chat tools are readily available; Zoom, MS Teams, Skype for business, Facetime, WhatsApp etc ++ many more and these are a great way to facilitate your ‘face-face’ check-ins and huddles!
• Start the day positively, find your own personal rhythm and routine for your new working day. It’s easy to become distant and distracted. Plan your day, take breaks, drink plenty of fluids and maybe even cook yourself a great lunch!
•  Share and collaborate, use chat features to promote a positive virtual culture, and contribute from behind the screen / phone / tablet! 
• Take the additional time at the beginning and end of your working day to invest within a worthwhile activity – use microlearning to support learning new ways of working, read a book / get a workout in / have fun with some creative cooking, do something. Use this new ‘commuting time’ productively.
• Not everyone has a home office or space to create one. Be mindful of this. Try and create a space which works for you. Ensure you have enough privacy if in a shared household but realise early on that personal commitments; partner, children, pet needs etc will create background noise and activity. Be understanding and thoughtful if disruption does impact your digital meetings with your colleagues - it happens.
• Be brave, close the laptop and switch off when it’s the right time to do so. Ensure your home time really is home time.

TDP can provide you and your people access to our;

• Virtual and online professional coaching for leaders, managers and team support & development
• HR/OD support to help you set up and promote a positive remote / home culture - polices, process and system support
• Digital microlearning and virtual facilitation platform - bitesize learning to keep your teams engaged, support skills and knowledge development for new ways of working
• Risk management, contingency planning and future planning support
• Innovation and trouble shooting during times of disruption

If you need assistance contact me via Linkedin DM or email me on the details below.

[email protected], conversely contact our team;

Email; [email protected] / call 01422 347560

Visit www.tdp-development.com