• Give emails context: In written items, give context and over-communicate to avoid assumptions. Short bulleted info items on who, what, when, where, why should give the receiver the info they need to proceed, or ask follow-up questions.
• Be aware of tone: We all know that there are two types of communication– verbal and nonverbal. But really, there’s a third type that we’re all hyper-aware of now– written communication. It can be tough to show body language, tone of voice, or general attitude toward a subject when trying to construct an effective email. Know your audience. Be kinder than necessary. Wait to respond to emails that are triggering by learning to “simmer.” Kick negative patterns like uses caps lock for emphasis or never saying thank you to the curb ASAP! Stay optimistic– humor can be the relief valve we all need right now!

Working from Home Productively:

• Create a workspace that fits your needs
• Keep a morning routine and get ready for the day
• Set a schedule
• Take breaks
• Turn off notifications
• Create ambiance
• Keep loneliness at bay
• Try the Pomodoro Technique
• Set expectations
• Stay positive.

Engaging Your Remote Workforce as a Leader:

• Promote Balance: Employees are focused on caring for loved ones, managing their kids who are no longer in school, stocking up on necessities, and trying to stay healthy, all while trying to do their jobs. Having empathy and helping your people through this crisis is likely to have a significant effect on employee loyalty and retention in the future. Share concrete, yet simple, suggestions to encourage employees to practice self-care, exercise, and connect with others. Create fun prompts or challenges such as creating a photo collage of each employee’s home workspace, favorite vacation spot, or mood board.

• Communicate Confidently and Consistently:  We all know that uncertainty breeds fear! Set up regular 1:1s and team video meetings to stay in the loop with your employee’s current concerns, issues, and progress. Make feedback accessible by utilizing an instant messaging tool, such as Slack, Google Chat, or Microsoft Teams. Send regular email updates on best practices, health updates, or new information that is specific to your industry. Set clear expectations about work deadlines. Give employees a chance to vent. Listen more than you talk. Encourage them to ask questions.

• Become a Change Agent: New ways of working require a culture change. Crisis management is a cross-functional game and leaders are now expected to facilitate the new way of working. It typically takes about 30 days for employees to adopt new habits, tools, and technology. Provide training where applicable, create a buddy system for accountability, and encourage team growth during this period. In this high-stress situation, the natural instincts are to revert back to old ways of working but be sure to continually reevaluate priorities, shift resources, and track progress to become a champion of change.

• Adopt a Growth Mindset: Our goals for our clients is to emerge from this season of life and business, not having just “managed: the crisis but being stronger because of it. Become a business that is forward-thinking and technologically savvy by using this time to get creative. This “new normal” is an opportunity to become leaders of innovation, rather than coming from a reactive state.

Foster Healthy Company Culture Within Your Remote Team:

• Communicate, communicate, communicate! Along with emails and messaging apps, add in regular video conferences so team members can see each other and nurture their relationships remotely! Hold regular 1:1s and communicate consistently. Maintain transparency and gauge stress levels.
• Focus on the positive: Share wins and collaboration spotlights throughout the week by focusing on results that reinforce the company’s mission, vision, and values. Once a week give a chance for team members to share personal wins– it’s time to embrace the humanity of your remote team!
• Create mini-groups and task forces: Build accountability and collaboration even while remote. With in-person training out the window, this gives everyone a chance to teach the group and amp up their leadership skills. Spark innovation and be open to new ideas. 

At Culture Works, we know this can be a difficult adjustment period. Implementing these tips into your everyday work life will hopefully make the adjustment easier, and allow you to run your business efficiently and effectively!