In times like these, it’s important that we band together and draw on each other for strength, ideas and possibly — at the right moment — a little wit to get through it all.
The IN GOOD CO team has been remote since our inception. It hasn’t always been a walk in the park, but it was a conscious choice and we think it’s been amazing for our team.
Now, as we navigate a world where remote work for long stretches might test individuals and teams across the country, we want to share some insights in hopes they are helpful and make working together (while apart) just a little bit easier.
This moment of change is a huge opportunity for leaders at every level to shine. Remote work offers more autonomy and demands more accountability. We’ve found approaching this an opportunity and highlighting it to your team helps everyone rise to the occasion.
Pro tip: Avoid micro-managing. Just because you can’t see people working, don’t mean they aren’t. Dedicate the first part of your day (be it 10 minutes or an hour) to check-in, share expectations and problem-solve — then let your team loose to do the rest!
There’s a good chance a lot of us will be WFH with kids, so regular routines and rules are changing. There will be a great need for tolerance, understanding and empathy.
Pro tip: Managers, brief your team and confront any issues (or fumbles) head-on. Transparency is what will get you (and your team) through.
Make space for your team to connect beyond project-related meetings and emails. Regular Monday Catch-Up Calls and Fri-Yay emails have done wonders to help us bond, stay in touch and on the same page despite being thousands of miles apart.
Pro tip: Divvy up Fri-Yay emails with your team. Include big wins, milestones and other things you’d naturally have a chance to celebrate in an office.
Good news: Your commute is 100+ times shorter.
Good news (again): You can use it wisely.
Many people who start working remotely struggle with the transition from office to home-office. They miss singing in their car, or the confounding solitude that you can find on the train when surrounded by people. It’s important to create rituals to help you get into your work-groove and stop overworking. (Remote workers tend to work later—believe it or not!)
Pro tip: Use your former commute-time to ease into work. We’re talking: yoga stretches (because workout classes are off the schedule for a bit), brew your favorite style of coffee, find the perfect outfit (seriously, get dressed), zhuzh your desk, etc. Whatever it is, find a new routine and stick with it.
Planners rejoice! We are endorsing a shared team calendar.
When everyone blocks out time for tasks on a shared calendar, it’s easier to know when someone is heads down! And all things are equal here — whether it’s an intense work-task or watching the kids — let your team know so things can flow. This way, you can still connect with your team about important tasks while juggling your new work hours.
Pro tip: If you don’t have a task tracker or project management app in place, check out Toggl — it’s super-visual, affordable (if not free) and helps keep all your projects running smoothly.
Forgetting to drink water is real. (Trust us, it will happen!) Studies show proper hydration is vital to keeping us healthy. So, find the largest glass you have and grab a coaster for your desk. It’ll be a visual reminder to take a glug or refill your glass. (Even if it’s half-full.)
Pro tip: Listen, we’ve all been there. It’s 3 pm and you didn’t know you were hangry until something set you off. Embrace meal prep. Nourishing and caring for yourself is more important than ever.
We’d be remiss to not mention the most fundamental tenet of kicking remote-work-butt: over communicate. There’s a tendency to share progress less when you’re all remote. Avoid big reveals (or big miscommunications) by making efforts to touch base with your team, share often, show them what you’re working on and collaborate.
Pro tip: Sharing progress online is a bit more deliberate (and less natural) than walking over to your colleague’s desk for a second opinion or a brainstorming sesh. Likewise, don’t forget (or hesitate) to ask to see things. Communication is a two-way street. Don’t let concern fester. Ask if there’s anything that would be helpful to get input on. If the answer is “no,” accept it and keep moving . Your team’s got this. ◈
Want more? Have questions? Want to share your tips? Give us a shout at hello@weareingoodco.com.
ASPIRE TO INSPIRE
— IN GOOD CO
weareingoodco.com
