Working Remote During COVID-19? Here’s How to Bring Your Company Together

When companies and organizations gathered together back in December to discuss their exciting plans for 2020, they probably didn’t anticipate a global pandemic shuttering their workplaces just a few months later.

As people continue to seek ways to care for their families and reclaim some semblance of normalcy, many employees are faced with the additional challenges to work productively from home — and we want to help. Our team of professional writers put their heads together (figuratively, of course) and determined a few of the most helpful practices we use to stay connected with one another while working remotely. We hope these tips can help the new wave of at-home workers create a safe and healthy work environment in the weeks ahead.

Bridging the Communication Gap

Physical distance creates a communication gap. We probably don’t realize how often employees develop action plans in the breakroom or roll their office chairs over to discuss a problem with coworkers until those options are taken away. Communication between managers, teams, and coworkers needs to be a priority even when outside of the office, and that doesn’t just mean using video conferencing (we’ll get to that in a minute).

Those in leadership positions should establish clear expectations and a regular cadence for formal communications as soon as possible. That might mean team meetings each morning before breaking off for the day’s tasks, surveys checking up on everyone’s current status at the end of each week, or sending regular updates. Managers should do everything in their power not to leave employees in the dark or assume they’ll hear important news from someone else — this is a time to lead with an open line of communication.

Several useful conferencing tools like Zoom have recently been made freely available at this time for those adjusting to remote work. Tools such as this add another potential layer of connectivity among coworkers advised to stay home as the COVID-19 virus continues to spread. Our advice is to utilize video calls with coworkers and clients whenever possible — conversations with other human faces are important, and group meetings will be much smoother without voices chiming in simultaneously.

Of course not everyone has a fancy home office setup, but that’s actually a big part of the video call bonding experience — we don’t always get a lot of insight into each other’s personal lives, even when the office is open. Keep the video on and don’t worry if kids or pets make guest appearances in the background. It happens. Coworkers and clients are human, and they understand this is something we’re all going through.

Encouraging Social Connections

Technology provides the awesome ability to interact across great distances, but it shouldn’t just be reserved for formal meetings. Employees still need to engage with one another organically. Allow space for GIF sharing, instant messaging, and general discussion (just don’t do it in a “reply all” email chain). Schedule time to jump on a video call and have a remote team lunch — don’t be afraid to get creative with how you stay in touch with one another.

Most importantly, aim to foster an environment where coworkers feel comfortable being transparent with one another. Often workplaces tend to encourage a more stoic attitude that celebrates those who persevere without complaint. For leaders and teams to really know how each employee is handling these unique stresses, there must be a greater measure of understanding and honesty among team members now more than ever.

Speaking openly with teams will also unearth challenges and creative solutions to problems many employees are probably facing. It may seem simple, but the biggest secret to bringing a company together when working far apart is to share in these common experiences. Whether it’s a brief discussion about teaching homeschool on the fly or advice for quick meals, coworkers will feel more connected as they share mutual circumstances and innovative solutions.

Empowering Employees

Allowing employees to work from home is a perfect time to actively show trust and confidence in individuals. For the sake of both managers and team members, steer clear of micro-management and unnecessarily complicated processes. It’s amazing what happens when organizations engage employees with an open line of communication, then put the power to accomplish work in their hands.

Obviously remote work isn’t a permanent solution for most businesses. When offices eventually reopen and coworkers return to their routines, things will be different — and that’s good! Companies should want employees to develop and display leadership qualities under abnormal circumstances. Imagine how much further an organization can go if employees return to work feeling more capable and confident in their abilities. Consider what that might do for managers and the skills it adds to team dynamics.

Teams may feel like they’re scrambling to stay afloat this week, but by emphasizing honest communication, allowing room for team bonding, and showing employees a genuine vote of confidence in their abilities, organizations can use this period of remote work for good. Bringing the company together and developing strong internal growth will only strengthen those well-laid plans for 2020.

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Comma Copywriters knows a thing or two about remote work, creating high-quality content for our clients through rain, shine, global pandemics and occasional earthquakes (and that’s just this week). Sign up for a free 20-minute Comma consultation today — we’d love to help lift the content burden for you in these heavy times.