In these almost 3 weeks of remote work, we have experienced and learned many things, among which I would like to highlight:
- Stabilize digital connections with Skype, Teams and the use of VPN.
- Set up a work space at home, selecting, if possible, the most appropriate place that “takes you away” from the noises and distractions of home.
- Creating a work schedule that is compatible with the family reality involves explaining at home that we are teleworking and negotiating time together, especially with the children, without forgetting the adults.
- Incorporate active rest breaks to avoid stress and physical exhaustion.
- Improve communication and collaborative work among team members, maintaining connection through collaborative tools such as Teams and mobile.
- Improve online meetings, with better time control and focus on the agenda.
- Optimize the use of Teams, Jira and Confluence as teamwork tools.
- To use, in some cases, digital boards such as Miro, online tools such as Funretro and Planningpoker or Scrumpoker.
- To be empathetic with the colleague with problems, to have personal and close conversations that cohesive team relationships and reinforce the sense of belonging.
- The quality of the online meeting:
- With clear agendas and prior preparation.
- Holding meetings that do not exceed 1 hour.
- Being concrete, avoiding digressions and long interventions.
- Maintaining the connection and interest of all participants, asking direct questions or queries, or asking them to indicate what they understood.
- If you didn’t hear or don’t understand, ask for a repeat.
- Respecting the right to speak with active listening.
- Have someone take on the role of moderating the meeting, avoiding conversations that go off the agenda.
- Muting the microphones.
- Controlled use of the camera if there are connectivity problems, but use it whenever possible, or at least on a rotational basis.
11. Record work sessions and share them with those who cannot be online.
12. Increase remote social practices that increase team cohesion, such as a virtual drink, a chat room to discuss various (non-work) issues, among others.
13. Healthy teleworking involves:
- Comply with work schedules.
- Showering and dressing for “teleworking”.
- Respect meal and break times. Do not eat at the keyboard while working, or stay at the computer for several hours at a time.
- Stretching and exercising. A sedentary lifestyle can become your worst enemy.
- Eat healthy. Avoid the snacks full of fat and sugar. Avoid overweight.
- Take care of yourself and your family.
In today’s times, having health and a job is a great privilege. Being grateful, compassionate and self-managing our emotions will be part of our learning and personal and professional growth.
Courage, like everything in life, this too shall pass.
María Esther Remedios
@soy.agile.coach
