Working from home has become more popular than ever in recent years. While it was already growing in popularity, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have made remote working a reality for people all over the globe. This has made the push to improve communication when you work from home a key concern.
It’s estimated that 50% of people in the UK regularly work from home, and there are plenty of benefits to remote employment. It allows you flexibility, can reduce stress levels, and studies have shown that people who work from home tend to be more productive.
Thankfully, we live in a world where technology makes it possible to work almost anywhere. Staying in communication with your fellow employees or the people who work for you is so important. Perhaps more so when working from home. So, how can you improve your communication with those you work with when you’re tackling your job remotely?
-
Improve Communication: Schedule Daily Meetings
One of the best ways to encourage communication each day is by setting up virtual meetings. Using programs like Zoom or Skype makes it easy to host meetings every day and gives you the opportunity to actually see the people you work with.
You can choose how long you want these meetings to be, but even a 10-minute check-in to see what everyone is working on and how everyone is feeling can make a big difference.
Additionally, it doesn’t always have to be about work. Don’t be afraid to host “virtual” after-work get-togethers to see what your co-workers or employees are up to. Chances are, you would talk to each other about your lives during the day if you were all together. Thankfully, you can make that happen virtually, too.
-
Invest In the Right Programs
Again, technology has made it easier than ever to stay connected with the people you work with. If you’re working at home but many of your co-workers are still in an office, your business might want to consider Unified Communications.
Unified Communications (UC) is a way to bring multiple communicative platforms into one convenient location through a phone. Some of the most common platforms that can be included are instant messaging, email, fax, and VoIP. You can find out more about UC here.
-
Improve Communication and Keep Your Office Culture Alive
One potential struggle remote workers have is separating their home life from their work life. It can start by putting together a great home office that will encourage productivity. It’s also important to have the right mindset as you sit down to work each day.
Try developing a daily routine to get you in the mood to work from home just as you would if you had to go into the office. Get up at the same time, get dressed, and do anything else that you would do if you were going out.
Set specific working hours for yourself, and make sure anyone who lives with you understands that you cannot be bothered during those hours. By treating your work day at home the same way you would if you had to go into the office, you’re more likely to stay in constant communication with your fellow employees.
Working from home is obviously something that is here to stay, and communication options will continue to grow. For now, take as many opportunities to stay connected with your employees as possible, and you’ll be able to reap the benefits of working remotely.
