Working Remote: Surviving and Thriving

As more offices shift to remote work schedules, ensuring you and your team have the right tools and support to complete tasks is essential for success.

In the second installment of our Culture for Change Preview Series, we invited leaders from organizations across the country to share strategies and resources they are using to not only survive, but thrive while working remotely.

From developing a flexible schedule to maximizing productivity, our panel shared a wide range of remote working tips and insight for individuals and teams. Best of all, many of these strategies and tools can be utilized beyond COVID-19 to create more effective and efficient workplaces--whether working from home or from a physical office setting.

The session also served as the second installment in our Culture for Change Preview Series. Over the next several weeks, we will be hosting a collection of virtual sessions focused on providing community leaders like you with the opportunity to grow, learn and connect. These sessions offer a sneak peek at what is in store for our full Culture for Change Conference this summer!

To help share some tips you can use to support yourself and your team while you work remote during this time, we’ve put together a quick recap of the biggest takeaways from the session! A recording of the session is also available here. 

Panelists

Adapting to Remote Work

 Making the adjustment to remote work can take time, so it is important to remain flexible with your team while you all find your rhythm. As you adjust, consider some of the points our panelists shared about their transitions:

  • Take time to fulfill your personal needs and set boundaries for yourself if necessary

  • Create a level of accountability for care for yourself and others -- find a group of people/someone to hold you accountable

  • Remember to give yourself and your team grace during this time

Minimizing Distractions

Working from a home office can come with a variety of different distractions competing for your attention. Our panelists shared some great tips for creating a productive environment: 

  • Select a dedicated workspace in your home that has what you need to complete your work effectively (ex. computer, comfortable chair/desk, strong WiFi connection)

  • Block out time on your schedule to complete specific tasks to help stay focused

  • Communicate your work needs and your meeting needs with those around you in order to share your space fairly (think...when is lunchtime, who is cleaning up today, when am I available and not available to talk)

BONUS TIP: Consider creating a dedicated “non-work” space where you can relax and take a break!

Routines and Flexibility: Finding the Right Balance

This can be a great time to explore your productivity and determine how you work best. Try tailoring a workday that has your preferred mixture of routine and flexibility.

  • Consider what days and times you are most productive and schedule your work around those periods

  • Be flexible with your team as they adjust their schedules to meet new needs

  • Set aside some time at the beginning of each week to plan your goals and tasks

  • Have a set end time for work each day

  • Don’t forget to schedule breaks!

Supporting Your Team

Ensuring your team has the tools and resources they need to be successful is crucial during the transition to remote work. Our panelists shared some great tips to help develop the right support system across your team:

  • Listen to your team's needs and offer to purchase the essential items needed to be productive at home (ex. Monitor, keyboard, mouse etc.)

  • Make sure video meetings are productive and efficient to help fight Zoom fatigue

  • Utilize tools like Slack, group chats and other communications platforms to capture those spontaneous conversations that may normally take place in an office space. 

  • Considering organizing some informal team sessions (virtual games, happy hours, hot seats) to help boost connectedness and community.

  • Remember to give yourself and your team grace during this time

Additional Resources

Our panelists and attendees shared a ton of great online resources during the webinar. Here are some of our favorites!

The next installment in our Culture of Change Preview Series will take place on Wednesday, June 17 at 4pm! 

Based on community suggestions from our first two sessions, the third installment will explore innovative strategies you and your team can utilize to engage with and in your community as we all navigate these uncertain times. Featuring leaders from the Obama Foundation, United Way, Ballmer Group, and more local and national organizations, our panel will share impactful solutions being taken in response to COVID-19.

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