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Teleworking Tips from Self-Proclaimed Experts

Two years ago, the Brightfind office went completely virtual.  The decision was made when we noticed our flexible telework policy was leading to largely unused office space, but increased productivity. It’s been a fantastic choice for Brightfind, but we admit, there was a learning curve—both for the company as well as for individual employees.
 
While Brightfind is business as usual, we realize many organizations did not share our advantage of having time to prepare for the switch to telecommuting that was brought on by the Coronavirus. To help those who are new to working remotely, Brightfind team members came together to share their best tips and lessons learned from two years of telework.

Setting Up a Remote Work Station

"Create a dedicated workspace."
AL
Development
"Use the video option as much as possible during meetings and conference calls. It definitely adds a sense of engagement and collaboration that you may not get with simple audio."
FRANK
Executive Team
  • “Leverage technology such as Slack to communicate. Include channels for “water cooler talk” for conversations about everything from great TV shows, to favorite recipes, to kids’ shenanigans.” 
    — Lauren, Marketing

  • “Eat lunch away from your desk. It lowers the risk of spilling anything on your laptop and provides an oft-needed change of scenery.” 
    — Megan, Executive Team

  • “If possible, switch between a sitting desk and a standing desk to break the monotony of being in one place.” 
    — Al, Development

  • “Invest in a comfortable office chair.” 
    — Vince, Creative

  • “If your spouse or roommate also works from home, set up shop in different areas.”
    — Lauren, Marketing

  • “Establish house rules for kids who may be at home. For instance, if the office door is closed nobody can enter unless he/she is bleeding…a lot. When not in meetings, keep the door open to address quick and easy needs.”
    — Megan, Executive Team

Concentrating and Avoiding Distractions

"Explore time management methods such as the Pomodoro Technique, which involves using a timer to break down work into 25-minute intervals, with short breaks in between."
VINCE
Creative
"Remove dogs from your workspace before calls. When they scratch on the door, hit the mute button."
JESSE
Development
  • “Remove children from your workspace before calls. When they scratch on the door, hit the mute button.”
    — Jesse, Development

  • “Work in a room without a television to avoid extra distractions.”
    — Kim, Project Management

  • “Use a good pair of noise-canceling headphones. Even if you can’t listen to music while you work, café sounds and white noise are extremely helpful for concentration.”
    — Vince, Creative

Staying Mentally and Physically Healthy

"Meditate every day. "
NAZHIN
Creative
"Drink lots of water. Use a cup instead of a large vessel, so you’ll be forced to get up and walk to the kitchen throughout the day."
AL
Development
  • “Have virtual lunches with the co-workers whom you used to enjoy in-person lunch dates.” 
    — Peggy, Human Resources

  • “Take a walk. A little fresh air can go a long way.” 
    — Lauren, Marketing

    • “Say hello or wave to everyone you see on the walk.” 
      — Peggy, Human Resources  

  • “Eat a full lunch at lunch and something healthy in the afternoon to avoid snacking all day.”
    — Nazhin, Creative

Work-Life Balance

"It’s difficult to “leave the office” when you work from home. Set a start and end time, so that your family, friends, and personal time do not suffer. "
MEGAN
Executive Team
"Block your shared online calendar for lunch breaks!"
KIM
Project Manager
  • “Three words: Virtual happy hour.”  
    Lauren, Marketing

  • “Post funny and compelling things on inner-office communication or social channels. Getting comments starts dialogues, which make you feel connected.”  
    Peggy, Human Resources

Just Smart Advice

"Over-communicate. Be careful not to take for granted all of the ways you communicated previously (in staff meetings, around the coffee machine, peering over someone’s cubicle). Don’t be afraid to over-communicate with your teams—talk about what you’re working on, share successes, collaborate on challenges, express frustrations and offer praise."
MEGAN
Executive Team
"Keep a blazer near your workstation for impromptu client video calls."
NAZHIN
Creative
  • “Embrace the benefits! Use the time that normally would be spent commuting to and from work for something productive, such as a workout video.”  
    — Lauren, Marketing

  • “Take a few minutes during the day to call your sister. Or better yet, your mother!”  
    — Peggy, Human Resources

  • “Dress for Success. Even though you could stay in your pajamas, you might feel more ready to take on the day in your business clothes.” 
    — Megan, Executive Team
Finding What Works for You
When you began remote work pay special attention to what works and what does not work for you. It may help to jot down the positives as a reminder to make those things a habit. Also, take note of what distracts you and find your alternative. Is it dirty dishes in the kitchen? Be sure to clean the night before or work in a different room. Couch start calling at 3 p.m.? Plan that hour for working on a favorite project or to meet with someone about an upcoming deadline
 
Don’t be afraid to mix things up. Are you more productive at a desk? Outside on the deck? Curled up on the couch in front of the fire? Try them all and see what works best for you! Also, remember like with any change, it will take time to figure it all out.
 
Remember, We’re In This Together
Most importantly – have compassion. We’re in unchartered waters, and many colleagues may be trying out working from home for the first time. Be patient if their microphones are fuzzy, their toddlers are screaming, they’re wearing yesterday’s clothes, or they’ve spilled coffee on their shirt. . . we’re all in this together!
 
If You Heed No Other Advice…
We’ll end with a piece of advice from a Brightfinder who prefers to remain anonymous. If you decide to work in your robe, ensure your video is turned OFF!  Sound advice. Sound advice, indeed.
 

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