Are You Remote Ready?
Continuing business-as-usual is starting to look a bit different in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. As workplaces are required to move from the office to home for the health and safety of everyone, are you ready to easily make the switch?
Lay the groundwork now by prepping, planning and putting systems in place so you can seamlessly make the transition with minimal interruptions to your business operations or negative impact on staff wellbeing.
Laptop
Stay mobile ready by taking your laptop home with you each evening and weekend, in case the situation changes rapidly.
Sound
Check your microphone and headphone capabilities before you log into important teleconferences and web meetings from home.
Do you have the right accessories?
If you anticipate working from home, store a keyboard, mouse and cable. Ensure you have sufficient power boards and extensions leads.
WiFi working?
Reliable WiFi will be the key to working from home. Check that you can access everything you need before making the switch.
Passwords and Files
Check that you can access all your essential files from home and that your password/login credentials are up-to-date. Ensure you sync any necessary files and update cloud drives.
Workspace setup
Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean workplace health and safety doesn’t apply. Ensure your workspace is set up well with any necessary hardware such as monitors, an ergonomic desk and chair.
Need help with your Business Travel Arrangements?
Our Travel Managers are dedicated, experienced and knowledgeable. When you work with a Flight Centre Business Travel Manager you’re choosing peace of mind.
SET UP THE SUPPORT NETWORKS
Family and Kids
Daycares and schools may be closed, which means some team members will struggle to work, even from home.
Combat loneliness
Staff who live alone and need to work from home may feel especially isolated. Make time for non-work related chats and check in regularly.
Ergonomic expectations
Don’t expect every team member to be tied to their desk. Circumstances will vary and some may not be as well-equipped as others to work from home.
Facetime
Video chat is a great way to maintain personal connection while working remotely; it’s great to encourage sharing of individual environments.
Varied environments
Be mindful that some staff and team members may have family, room mates or partners in a similar position. Be patient with individual situations.
Roles and responsibilities
Set the ground rules and expectations early. Clarify responsibilities for staff working remotely. Delegation and prioritisation will also be key as not everything will be possible
Follow the leader
Is your chain of command intact? Re-evaluate if necessary, implementing contingencies in case of illness and absence. If leaders are out of action, who makes business decisions or takes on critical tasks?
Check ins
Short, scheduled check-ins will ensure everyone can work around their own environmental challenges. Keep in mind that some people will need to work at night if they have kids at home.
Communication
Decide on the best communication method or channel to be used for each comms type. Set expectations early for how to use these and don’t expect people to reply immediately.