Give us a call: 800-784-9619 HOME ABOUT US JOB SEEKERS EMPLOYERS OUR BLOG CONTACT US GREENE RESOURCES > COVID-19 RESOURCE CENTER > WORKING REMOTE – TIPS, TRICKS, AND ADVICE Working Remote – Tips, Tricks, and Advice Transitioning to remote work is an adjustment under the best of circumstances. Making the transition during an uncertain situation with little to no notice can be a major challenge. With teams spread across the country from Wilmington to Raleigh to Utah, Greene Resources has experience working remotely and we’re here to share our best tips. Staying Productive There is no one-size-fits-all approach to doing your best work. Take the following tips into consideration and customize to fit your unique situation and preferences. Set up your ideal work environment, whether that is a table in the kitchen or a separate room complete with a stand up desk. Limit work tasks to only designated work areas. It may be possible to work from your bed, but probably not effective. Set up and stick to a schedule. Log in and off at the same times you would at the office. Eat lunch and take breaks at consistent times. Breaks are just as important at home as they are in the office. You may not have a break room to walk to for coffee, but you can walk around the block or take a few minutes to stretch. Communicating virtually Communication can be difficult when you can’t see body language or hear verbal cues. That doesn’t mean it can’t be just as efficient with a few adjustments. Don’t make assumptions on the tone of an email or chat message. Even if it may seem short or terse, the sender may just be busy or have a different communication style. If you are having trouble understanding an email or chat, give the person a call so you are both on the same page. Understand how your tone may come across in messages. Exclamation points may seem unnecessary sometimes, but they can go a long way towards communicating enthusiasm and friendliness! Be open with your team and your manager about any challenges that come up. They may be able to offer a solution or just a supportive shoulder. We’re all in this together! Working with Kids Being productive can be a little more challenging when your co-workers call you Mom and Dad. One of our experts shares how she does it. Keep a routine for you and them as much as possible, but be flexible by 15-20 minutes Schedule time for kids to do quiet activities like reading or coloring. Also incorporate breaks that allow them to let loose and burn some energy . Play in the backyard, take a lunchtime walk, let them play with a noisy toy, whatever they enjoy! Depending on their age, give your child choices in things like what snack they eat or whether they color or play with legos. This can teach accountability and give them a sense of agency. If you have kids of varying ages, you’ll need to schedule smart. Plan quiet time for one around nap time for the other. This applies to you as well! If you know you work better in the morning, plan to get up before the kids to accomplish critical tasks. Set boundaries that you and your children both respect. For example, your child may know that if you are in your office, he has to wait at the door if he needs your attention. Conversely, if they are in their designated space, show them the same respect. Connect with other parents, other coworkers, even clients. We are all adjusting to a new way of working. Reach out if you need help and be gentle with yourself and others. Managing a Remote Team As a manager, it’s not just you that needs to work efficiently. Your team needs to succeed remotely as well. Help them do so with these best practices from one of our most seasoned remote managers. Set expectations so your team is clear on what they are responsible for each day, week, month, etc. Encourage strong communication about work tasks, goals, progress, and challenges. Foster a sense of camaraderie by hosting virtual team events – coffee breaks, happy hours, even a casual group chat Make sure each team member has the right technology to help them connect virtually and succeed. Have resources they can rely on for troubleshooting when needed. About Us Our Story Our Community Involvement Our Culture Our Leadership Team Join the Greene Team Awards 6601 Six Forks Road • Suite 440 • Raleigh NC 27615 • Phone: (800) 784-9619 © 2021 Greene Resources. All Rights Reserved. Website Design and Web Development by Atlantic BT