As we all know, COVID-19 has changed the way we live and work. The ‘new normal’ is working from home, keeping safe social distance, and ensuring we are germ-free by keeping our hands sanitized and clean. Even breathing feels like a challenge when we have a face mask covering our noses. Many companies have implemented new directives to work from home and conduct meetings virtually. The biggest set of challenges many face currently is making working from home effective and productive. It is very easy to slip away from tasks, commitments and meetings when you’re in the comfort of your home. To combat that, mastering the art of virtual communication is key. Many are facing constant setbacks in their ‘new’ working environment, from noisy kids, to slow internet connection. These unwanted distractions can cause drawback in the workload and efficiency in delivering tasks. So, here we have laid out ways you can enhance your communications to improve your working efficiency and adapting to the new working culture.
Be Precise On The Team’s Expectations
Do weekly collective planning and share responsibilities within each team member. This will result to well-organized shared workload with clear directions. If this part is done properly, working efficiently will be smooth with no conflict.
Put Aside Time For Frequent Touch Points
It’s crucial to have a fixed timing daily for a short and concise stand-up meetings to share the teams work progress. This also allows you time to mitigate any arising matters for an effortless work progress. We know working from home can be very challenging when it comes to discussing key issues or resolving challenging issues, but if it’s done in the right manner with spot-on communication, things can be pretty stress-free.
Participate In Virtual Meetings With Good Etiquette
Everyone dresses sharp for work as we come across many people in our daily life. This shouldn’t change despite working from home. The clothes you put on sets an attitude for the day and the work you do. If you decide to work in your pajamas, you’re very likely to feel fatigue and lazy throughout working hours. Therefore, dress up and put on make-up despite having virtual meetings. Do not pull back from turning on the video during a conference call. Instead, be visible and conduct all communications related to work in a professional manner, despite working remotely.
Prioritize Documents And Clear Communications
Jot down notes or summarize talking points after every virtual meetings conducted. Show forwardness in meeting and discussions. Outline key ideas, plan required actions and discuss any unclear matters. Being proactive will enhance work efficiency and leaves very little room for miscommunications or disputes.
Make Yourself Visible
It is also important in any teams that the lead and subordinates are very clear of each other’s roles. If you are a lead in a team, be sure to share what are you currently working on and ask for assistance if you need to. Be proactive in replying timely emails and requests. This does not only reflect discipline, but portrays how seriously you take your work to be. Working from home does not mean you have the liberty to take full control of your day. Being visible from any working environment is crucial as a company can only run and make progress when people work together, collectively.