How to Rock Working from Home – Pandemic or Not
As news of the global pandemic spreads due to novel coronavirus, communicators are in overdrive working to communicate clearly by disseminating plans, news and updates.
My email is filled with COVID-19 messages from my kids’ schools, community groups, businesses and clients about their new protocols and plans to protect folks. Then, there are the companies I’ve done business with – Anthem, Delta, Fresh Market, Instacart, Lowe’s, Marriott and Starbucks. They’ve blasted me, too. I’ve read them all. I appreciate their proactive approach.
Empathy and understanding
Most of these communications include tips – like hygiene and handwashing – but the most effective communications show true empathy and genuine understanding.
When the University of Virginia closed in-person classes on March 11, my wife, Michele, an alumna, received a detailed message from its president, James Ryan. His authenticity, compassion and leadership shined through as he wrote, “We are in this together, though I recognize that the impact will be uneven.
“We will make it through this together by supporting each other, thinking creatively, and staying connected even if physically separated. I cannot pretend, obviously, that this is how I hoped this semester would unfold. No one can. But I eagerly await the ingenuity, compassion, and kindness that this common challenge will surely unlock within our community. If there were ever a time to be both great and good, this is surely it.”
UVA isn’t alone in its decision. Many employers are telling their employees to plan on calling in instead of coming in.
Our advice for working remotely
As millions of Americans prepare to work and learn remotely, it’s vital that we all reframe the concept of work. For our first 14 years of Rhudy & Co.’s existence we worked remotely without an office.
Our structure was a competitive advantage. Our clients agreed, and that allowed us to attract and retain exceptional talent. In 2017, we opened a collaborative workspace in Richmond, Virginia’s Scott Addition neighborhood, and we still find our team does its best work outside of the office.
For those who are asked to work or take classes from home, here are six of our team’s favorite tips to stay engaged, connected and energized about working remotely.
Click on the image above to download a PDF with our 6 tips for working remotely.
As UVA’s President Ryan wrote, “ingenuity, compassion, and kindness” will carry us all through the challenging times ahead.
We’ll get through this together working differently and perhaps just a little more creatively.
Jonathan Rhudy is optimistic these unprecedented times will lead to new long-term approaches to being productive, innovative and getting work done.