Unexpected Remote Work is Different than a Planned Transition
Chris Coladonato, CPTD
Want to see what’s possible when you slow down, make space for yourself, and unplug from the busyness of life? Hint: You’ll feel calmer, more creative and connected. | Keynote Speaker | Coach | Forest Bathing Guide
As you see all the posts out there with tips on working remotely, one thing to keep in mind is that going to work from home during situations like this isn’t the same as a planned transition to working from home. It's not all "kittens and rainbows" as I like to say! Often, we can't set up the “perfect” space or be completely undisturbed as schools shut down and children, spouses and partners will be home more now.
Leaders can and SHOULD help their employees through this transition and provide them with the support and resources they need to be successful. Here are three things for leaders to keep in mind:
- Set your employees up for success by sharing tips for getting started with working from home and make sure they have what they need to be successful. Check out these resources from Workplaceless.
- Check in with your employees OFTEN while they work from home especially during this time of uncertainty. This is more than sending an email. Pick up the phone, reach out on your instant messaging tool or gather folks together on your web conferencing tool. You might want to hold more check-in meetings or have a fun virtual gathering (or two!) during these times. It’s important to stay in regular contact about more than just work. Remember that we are humans first, employees second. Here are a few tips on connecting from afar.
- Remind your employees of company resources they can leverage to look after themselves. Working from home during situations like these can raise anxiety levels if they watch the news, try to run to the grocery store during lunch hour and find shelves cleared or have children, family, partners or roommates home unexpectedly. Connect them with any mental health resources or employee assistance programs if needed.
This is a unique time for all of us and leaders have an opportunity and obligation to support their employees through these anxious times. We are all in this together!
Team Performance Expert | I-O Psychology Practitioner | Helping Leaders Build High-Performing Teams | Host: Teamwork Sandbox Podcast | Senior Organization Development Consultant
4 年Chris Coladonato, CPLP - having work remotely, full time as a part of a larger plan - this ad hoc, now working remotely situation is vastly different in feeling. It's very different when teams are all used to working remotely versus those who are new to it, or slightly familiar with it. I too wrote an article about this - seems we're all discussing this right now! Thanks for the community support!https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/how-successfully-work-virtually-during-covid-19-tips-fraction-m-ed-/
Supporting Inclusive and Meaningful Connections
4 年Chris Coladonato, CPLPThank you for sharing your expertise!
Vice President, Learning & Leadership at Bozzuto
4 年Thanks Chris! Your experience in this area is a great resource for those of us who find ourselves - and our teams - “accidental” remote workers right now. I’ll take all of this advice and anything else you want to share!
Great tips Chris!?
Flexible work specialist | Helping teams thrive in the age of workplace flexibility | #futureofwork and #futureoflearning strategist and product advisor | #async #flexiblework #remote #hybridwork #learninganddevelopment
4 年YES to checking in!!! Great tips, Chris!