FIRST WEEK OF REMOTE WORK – DAMAGE CONTROL OR FIRST STEPS?

When our reality changes overnight, the role of the manager is to act efficiently in seeking solutions that will help the team navigate the difficult situation. In the initial steps, it is worth considering three issues: the method of communication and information flow; the method of organizing work in the new realities; the way of dealing with emerging emotions.

In the event of a sudden change, an uncertain work context, we should primarily ensure a smooth ‘landing’ in the new situation, which means taking care of the comfort of daily functioning and the efficient execution of tasks. This means that from the very beginning we should expect a drop in productivity, engagement, and the ability to achieve set goals. At the same time, being aware of this, we should console ourselves with the knowledge that the initial hiccup rarely translates into a long-term drop in team productivity if we act efficiently in three areas:

Method of communication and information flow – in the first step, establish with employees the method of information flow within the team as well as between individual members. Jointly decide which tools you want to use in the context of seeking information (should we write to each other, call with every topic?) and conveying information (how to inform about problems or task completion?). More about specific tools HERE #.

The way we organize work – the second issue is deciding how we organize our workday as a team. If we don’t have each other at hand (as usual in the office), it’s worth setting time intervals during which we are available and can, with a clear conscience, ‘race’ to complete various tasks. Believe it or not, often with ‘home office,’ employees have reservations like: ‘Can I still call him at 4:15 PM about work-related matters?’.

Once we have set time intervals (e.g., we are all available from 10 AM to 4 PM and manage the rest of the time freely), it’s also worth taking care of the space where we will manage tasks. A place where we stay up to date with what awaits us, what others are currently doing, and what has been completed. A shared place for task management also helps to discipline oneself in situations of relaxation. More about specific tools HERE #.

The ABCs of dealing with emotions – you go to the store and see empty shelves. And so for three days in a row, you try to get toilet paper, which you simply ran out of. You only need one ‘pack’ of this commodity, which has become scarce. Does it not cross your mind that this situation might actually suddenly get significantly worse?

Whether we like it or not, the surrounding reality affects our emotional state, which is, after all, a source of motivation to act. Although, of course, in the media (mainly social media) we find many calls to remain calm, there is a slight breeze of concern, fear, and sometimes even anxiety in conversations with others. Without specialist knowledge, it will be difficult for us to argue about how much the situation actually requires our attention and involvement (which will take away from our daily work), it is worth focusing your actions as a manager on dealing with the actual state of affairs. What exactly is worth doing?

Be sensitive to emotions

Regardless of how well you are coping with the situation, others may not have such skills. How did you feel when someone criticized you while a close family member was seriously ill? How do you feel when someone points out what you should have learned if you are just about to enter a room where you have an exam in 10 minutes? In the presence of negative emotions (worry, fear, anxiety), it is worth increasing the amount of positive feedback (appreciation of desired behavior) compared to negative feedback.

Allow for breaks and chats (on the chat)

Talking about topics that are important to us unites and builds a sense of community. Whether we want it or not, people will spend time exchanging opinions, gossiping about what is currently happening. Allow it, because (assuming there is no spreading of defeatism) it gives us a temporary sense of greater control over the situation.

If necessary, discipline people not with control and demands (“you have a deadline to meet!”) but by focusing attention on key tasks (“let’s finish this presentation for the board and then we can discuss what supplies to stock up on: “pâtés or canned fish”).

Humor. But is it worth joking about such a serious situation?

It’s hard to give a definitive answer to such a question. I am not asserting that we should do this either. I know, however, that humor can reduce emotional tension, helps in gaining perspective on problems, and provides, at least temporarily, a sense of relief. Knowing my team, I have also noticed that for some people, this is a natural way of coping with emotions in stressful situations. Observing the flow of information between people (social media), it becomes quite clear that humorous memes about the whole situation are taking a back seat to the main messages.

It is worth emphasizing that as a team (and society in general), we are facing a very serious situation, especially in the context of what we do on a daily basis (e.g., ensuring the safety of our clients). At the same time, no one will lose a hair from their head if we joke in casual conversations that this whole situation is not an opportunity for extended CoronaHolidays ☺

See now: Hello 2: how to take care of emotional comfort in a difficult situation? #