For the remote workforce, the most important but the least talked about skill is... š„drum rollš„... Communication skill!
It's not about how you conduct your meetings over Zoom, or how long is your status update email.
If you are managing or working for a remote team, here are some of the essential communications required:
In a 100% remote work setting, your teammates cannot see your presence in person. But to constantly monitor chat messages or emails could be very distracting. If possible, announce your availability.
For managers, what hours do you want the team to be available online? How frequently do you expect them to check-in with progress update?
For employees, what hours do you need to be away to run errands? Even if that's during the time it's least possible that you'd be contacted, it's still a good idea to block it out on your calendar or set a proper away message.
What are the tasks you gonna work on today? Use tools like Range to do daily standups, so you can track the team or personal progress, communicate early on any shifts on the delivery timeline, etc.
Put something into writing. For developers, always check-in your code even if it's still a work-in-progress. If doing research, write down notes. Spend some time to write a short summary of the tasks you've worked on daily, on a calendar or a notebook.
Be proactive in communications, but give people enough time to respond. Be considerate and give ample heads-up if possible, it can remove or at least reduce stress in any work environment.
Make sure you set aside enough time for communications daily. Be organized and proactive in your communications.
Is your team communicating well in the 100% remote setting? What other challenges you've experienced in remote work environments? Please feel free to share in the comments!
Image credit: "Child Inside from Burning Man" (View more)
yes! team communication!!