Staying connected to colleagues while working remotely
With increased connectivity and flexibility, many of us now work in hybrid roles and spend more time working from home. Here are some pros and cons of this way of working, plus tips to make it work.
In a post COVID world, workplaces have continued to expand their use of telecommunication options, and the use of online team working software has become the norm. Here are some tips for effectively using web-based communication and ensuring ongoing team connection and individual wellbeing when staff are not physically present with one another:
- Begin the call with a short icebreaker activity or casual ‘water cooler’ chat to check on people’s wellbeing before launching into the agenda.
- Introduce your colleagues to your cat, your kids or do a tour of your backyard on a video call! It is unrealistic to pretend that your ‘home office’ is not without distractions and some fun also helps people connect.
- Consider a ‘bake off’ online. Everyone brings something to a shared virtual morning tea and has coffee and a treat together online.
- Set clear agendas and stick to time on video meetings.
- Limit time on video calls – research shows that video conferencing can be draining on us emotionally and cognitively. If a call is longer than an hour, schedule a short break for people to log off and refresh.
- Turn cameras on! A shared expectation that if we need to meet then we need to see each other, creates a sense that this meeting and its participants are all valuable and have something to contribute.
- Ask the question… Do we need a video conference? Is sending an email better? Could I pick up the phone instead – this allows people to step away from their screen and connect with others verbally.
- Reading social and emotional cues can be difficult on video calls and misinterpreting the intentions of others in this mode of communication can lead to increased risk of workplace conflict.
- Consider scheduling in time to connect with colleagues on how they are going generally – visit the office on the same day if possible and be deliberate about connection by sharing a coffee or lunch.
Remember – staying connected while working from home matters because it keeps relationships strong, supports wellbeing, aids in collaboration and ensures team stability.