We are all navigating in a strange new world with the news changing from day-to-day.  We’ve all had to be nimble and flexible in ways we have not expected.

In a meeting I was in this morning, we were asked what we’ve learned with our team working remotely.  My team is comprised of 3 different departments.  Two are working from home and one is onsite right now.  It has been different, but it has worked.

Here are some of the things I’ve learned from having a remote workforce:

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate!

• We are not setting up a lot of meetings, but we do have the option of using Skype for Business.  It has worked as we use it.
• I’ve asked my leadership team to communicate when:
  • a process is changing
  • a procedure is changing,
  • when they need help, etc.
• Missing the face-to-face interactions, we need to become very clear in our emails, instant messaging.  Keep communication simple and focused.
• Pick up the phone and call to avoid miscommunication that can at times happen in an email.

Get closer.

• I have been reaching out to individual team members to check on them and their families, find out how remote is working for them, their challenges and how I can help.
• I send notes and tell team members more than ever how much I appreciate them.
  • I visit our call center and “remote” team in another building to check in on them. I say “Thank you” a lot these days.  Note to self:  when this craziness is over, don’t stop saying “thank you” often.

Working remotely works.

• Introverts love it.  Extroverts miss their team.
• But this has worked.  It’s different, but it can work.
• Collaboration between workers and IT has been critical in making this happen in a secure fashion.

I’ve shared with my team that right now, it’s not business as usual, but it’s business unusual.  And we are up to the task.

What have you learned?