There’s no doubt about it, we’re working differently and we’ve had to adapt quickly. Take a step back to make sure your new career habits are working for you.
Now that we’re here, there’s no going back and business as usual, as we knew it before, will never again be possible. The stats are in, and less polluted air, happier employees (and pets!) and big savings for many companies are a reality we have been forced to realise is not only possible, but easier than we thought.
THE NEW BUSINESS AS USUAL
If there’s one thing about remote working that has everyone waving in agreement, it’s Zoom fatigue – a phenomenon where people are experiencing heightened tiredness, stress and burnout due to an overdose of digital communication and
always being available for work because you can’t go home from, well, home. And it makes sense. We’re using video chats for everything: meetings, friend catch-ups, performance reviews… Colleagues are constantly asking you to jump on a video
chat, where before they’d just pop over to your desk to talk in person. And with your workspace and home becoming
one, many employers and clients are taking advantage of the idea that you’re always at work. So we’d like to ask: Does
our new business as unusual have to be as digitally focused as it has been so far? Here’s how you can have a productive
work day away from the office.
Don’t always use video
The pressure of making yourself and your space look presentable on camera can be avoided if you join meetings
in voice only. This way, you can get up out of your chair, and maybe take a walk or sit outside during your meeting.
Sometimes a simple phone call will do
If there’s something that can be resolved with either a quick call or an email, encourage this in opposition to
a full meeting. We’re pretty sure your colleagues will also be grateful.
Manage your emails
Set aside 30 minutes at the beginning and end of each day to respond to your emails. Turn off your desktop/browser
notifications and be strict with yourself about only checking emails during these times. If someone needs to get hold of
you urgently, they’ll find a way, so don’t worry about missing anything important during the down hours.
Follow meeting etiquette
When you do find yourself in a digital meeting, make sure you’re muted when you are not speaking and raise your hand when you want to say something. Encourage others in the meeting to do the same, leading by example, or briefing new players at the start. This will minimise the annoyances of noise and everyone interrupting each other, making the meeting less overwhelming, frustrating and taxing.
Your time is your time
Stop replying to emails and accepting work calls after hours – simply don’t respond or pick up the call. You can
communicate to your team and clients as to when you will and won’t be available. We recommend you also send out an email saying, politely, that you will no longer be responding to work queries over WhatsApp.
ALSO SEE 5 WAYS TO BE MORE PRODUCTIVE AT WORK
