We know that many of our clients have transitioned their teams in part or whole to working remotely during this COVID-19 pandemic. Fundriver’s team works fully remotely year-round and has for many years, so to support our clients during this time, we’ve put our heads together to share our top tips for working remotely! Here are some things that have helped our team:
1. Keep a positive attitude
A good sense of humor and a positive attitude are especially important when working from home. Something as simple as smiling – even if no one sees it – can help improve your mood. Turning on some music, sharing a funny story with a coworker, and keeping your workspace neat can all help to improve your attitude.
2. Take breaks
Stand up to stretch, take a walk (around your living room if needed), or do something else to clear your head. It’s a game-changer. Just because you are home doesn’t mean you don’t need breaks. (For more ideas, see our article Why Focus on Health at a Virtual Company.)
3. Develop routines
Without having a morning commute, it is helpful to have a morning routine to help transition into the workday. It may be nice to work in your pajamas, but changing into exercise clothes or taking a walk before you start will help you transition into the workday without having that drive to the office.
4. Designate a work space
Designating a specific location in your home as your work space can help you to mentally transition from home to work and back again. Being able to work from home during quarantine means you’re able to work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; it’s important to find ways to disconnect, and a designated work space has been helpful for some of our team members.
5. Communicate proactively
Communication with your team members and others you work with is important, but doesn’t happen as naturally online. Be intentional about reaching out to your team to keep in touch and collaborate effectively. Instant Message, email, or even a phone call just to check in can all be as effective at building and maintaining relationships as bumping into each other at the water cooler.
6. Plan ahead
Childcare, housework, and other complications of home life can interfere with work. Planning ahead, though, can help with this; if we know we are likely to have disruptions at certain times of the day, we try to avoid scheduling meetings during those times.
7. Ask for help
This is a trying time for everyone; we all need to be extra patient with each other, ourselves, and our loved ones. We’ll all have times when we are unable to keep juggling all the obligations we have, and this is a great opportunity to reach out to others for assistance, so that we can all support each other through this time.
8. Be honest
Not every day is a good day, especially when you are trying to wear multiple hats of worker/caregiver/teacher. Some days are loud and some days are unfocused, and it is harder to give your coworkers your full attention on those days. We try to be flexible with internal meetings and dialogues, and feel comfortable talking about rescheduling if a participant is having “one of those days.” Flexibility and understanding can go along way, and everyone benefits when all participants are fully present.
We hope that you’ve all transitioned well to working remotely, and want to ensure you know that we’re here to support you throughout this time!