How to Foster Open Communication and Collaboration in Remote Work
Stefanie Palomino, the chief product officer and general manager at ROOM3D, an immersive and gamified virtual meeting platform, believes that remote work lends people a certain amount of freedom in how they go about doing their jobs. However, it’s not always good for employees. In this arrangement, people often end up working more, and meeting culture takes over because people can no longer see their colleagues in an office setting, which is a natural habitat for collaboration and communication.
Moreover, when you’re talking to people online, understanding each other is usually more difficult because you’re less in tune with what’s happening in their lives at that moment. Jumping on a call with someone also doesn’t come naturally to everyone.
Ultimately, to reduce the number of meetings so people can focus on other tasks, employees need to find new ways to foster a culture of open communication and collaboration, and individuals and teams need to introduce boundaries and rituals into their workday.
Structure Work Routines Around People
With remote work come hours of video conferencing calls and employees who’ll show up and not contribute a single word. People will often refrain from unmuting their mics and many won’t turn their cameras on, leaving the speaker with only a dark screen to talk to.
Making matters worse, on a call with a lot of attendees, important information can be left undiscussed. Even setting up a quick five-minute clarifying call can be tough to negotiate sometimes.
To trigger active listening and get people invested in a meeting, try a Socratic dialogue structure. In this approach, a moderator will ask participants to summarize what the previous speaker said and encourage them to build on top of the full conversation.
Conversations like this involve examples, definitions, sub-questions and assumptions, and help people look for arguments that prove a point instead of validating their opinions. It’s a proven way to kick-start constructive dialogue and get multiple perspectives on a topic so that you can arrive at a shared viewpoint. It also shows employees that every perspective is valuable, which fosters an environment of trust.
If there is an elephant in the room, bring it to people’s attention and put their minds at ease before it becomes a larger issue. It’s key to remain open and proceed with sensitivity and accept that others may not agree with your opinions. Leaders should be the role models here and should ask questions and encourage team members to speak up and take initiative.
Remote work has become a norm in today’s world, and it has brought about a certain amount of freedom in how people go about doing their jobs. However, it’s not always good for employees. In this arrangement, people often end up working more, and meeting culture takes over because people can no longer see their colleagues in an office setting, which is a natural habitat for collaboration and communication. To reduce the number of meetings so people can focus on other tasks, employees need to find new ways to foster a culture of open communication and collaboration, and individuals and teams need to introduce boundaries and rituals into their workday.
With remote work come hours of video conferencing calls and employees who’ll show up and not contribute a single word. People will often refrain from unmuting their mics and many won’t turn their cameras on, leaving the speaker with only a dark screen to talk to. Making matters worse, on a call with a lot of attendees, important information can be left undiscussed. Even setting up a quick five-minute clarifying call can be tough to negotiate sometimes.
To trigger active listening and get people invested in a meeting, try a Socratic dialogue structure. In this approach, a moderator will ask participants to summarize what the previous speaker said and encourage them to build on top of the full conversation. Conversations like this involve examples, definitions, sub-questions and assumptions, and help people look for arguments that prove a point instead of validating their opinions. It’s a proven way to kick-start constructive dialogue and get multiple perspectives on a topic so that you can arrive at a shared viewpoint. It also shows employees that every perspective is valuable, which fosters an environment of trust.
If there is an elephant in the room, bring it to people’s attention and put their minds at ease before it becomes a larger issue. It’s key to remain open and proceed with sensitivity and accept that others may not agree with your opinions. Leaders should be the role models here and should ask questions and encourage team members to speak up and take initiative.
In conclusion, remote work has its advantages and disadvantages. To make it work, employees need to find new ways to foster a culture of open communication and collaboration, and individuals and teams need to introduce boundaries and rituals into their workday. By doing so, they can reduce the number of meetings and focus on other tasks. A Socratic dialogue structure can help trigger active listening and get people invested in a meeting, while leaders can be the role models and encourage team members to speak up and take initiative.
The COVID-19 pandemic has revolutionized the way we work, and millions of people are now working from home. Although this change has provided some benefits, it has also posed challenges, including how to maintain a productive work-from-home routine. In this article, we will explore some unforgettable rituals that can make your work-from-home experience more efficient and enjoyable.
1. Establish a Morning Routine
One of the keys to productivity is starting your day on the right footing. Having a consistent morning routine can help you wake up feeling refreshed, focused, and ready to tackle the day. Start by waking up at the same time each day and create a ritual that works for you. This could be anything from meditation, yoga, exercise, or a healthy breakfast.
2. Act Like You Are Going to Work
Working from home doesn’t mean “working in your pajamas.” To maintain a productive mindset, make sure you get dressed, as you would do if you were heading to the office. This act will put you in the right frame of mind for the day, and it will also help you separate your work life from your personal life.
3. Make Time for Breaks
When you are working from home, it is easy to blur the lines between work and personal life. However, making time for breaks is essential, even if it’s just taking a five-minute walk or having coffee with your spouse. Breaks help clear your mind, increase your creativity, and keep you energized and focused throughout the day.
4. Create a Designated Workspace
Just as you would have your own cubicle or office space in an office, it is crucial to create a designated workspace when working from home. This area should be quiet, comfortable, and free from distractions. This space will help you focus, minimize distractions, and make it easier to separate work from leisure activities.
5. Set Achievable Goals
It is easy to get overwhelmed when working from home, but setting achievable goals can help you stay on track, motivated, and productive. Create a to-do list every morning, and make sure you prioritize your tasks. At the end of the day, reflect on your accomplishments, and celebrate even the smallest wins.
In conclusion, working from home has some fantastic advantages, but it also poses unique challenges. By establishing a morning routine, creating a designated workspace, and taking regular breaks, you can revolutionize your work-from-home routine. Embrace these rituals, and you’ll be on your way to a more productive, successful, and enjoyable work-from-home experience.