'There is no one size fits all approach to remote working'

For many organisations, remote and distributed working is a new muscle that they’re just starting to develop. And building a new muscle isn’t easy, especially in times of crisis, according to Julien Codorniou, VP, Workplace from Facebook.

 “A key part of managing a distributed workforce is understanding there is no one size fits all approach to remote working,” said Codorniou.

As individuals, we have different working preferences, habits and personal demands. However, often trying to enforce mandatory ways of working just won’t work in the long-term.

One of the best things a manager can do right now is to check in with their direct reports to understand their communication preferences and the support they need as they transition to remote work.

“There’s also a need for guidance. In such unprecedented times, employees are looking to their organisations and leadership as a source of reliable information," added Codorniou.

"Leadership must embrace this responsibility and find a way to share guidance with employees wherever they are. Whether that means using live video to speak to employees in real-time or pinning posts within collaboration tools to ensure critical comms aren’t missed.”

NAB have been using Workplace to communicate with their staff during the pandemic.

The bank’s Chief People Officer, Susan Ferrier, highlighted the need for clear and concise communication is pivotal during this period.

“Our frontline banking teams are continuing to serve our customers around the clock through this crisis, so keeping our colleagues informed and connected so they can help our customers at the time when they most need it is critical,” said Ferrier.

“With an unprecedented number of our head office colleagues working remotely, we’ve needed to find ways to keep them connected with their leaders and with each other. Workplace is central to achieving that.

“Communication during a crisis must be multi-way and constant. We’re giving our colleagues the opportunity on Workplace to ask any question they want of their leaders and our goal is to answer every single question with transparency and candour.”

Workplace from Facebook offers the following tips for organisations and individuals to maximise effective remote working:

For organisations:

1. Include everyone. The organisations that get remote working right will be those that invest in tools that connect everyone. When considering tech investments, think about how you’re going to connect with your frontline workers as well as HQ employees
2. Share critical updates. Be prepared to keep employees up to date with the latest information and guidance. Consider sharing live leadership videos each week
3. Encourage video calling. Video calling can be a powerful tool and ensure a personal touch when people are apart. Champion it throughout the organization 
4. Support team bonding. When employees are remote working, too often it’s the social interactions that get dropped. Encourage teams to stay in touch with virtual coffees, catch ups and lunch breaks
5. Embrace analytics. With tools like Insights you can understand where collaboration is happening in your organisation and how the workforce is engaging with announcements to make sure everyone is feeling supported and included 

For individuals:

1. Manage your time appropriately. Empower yourself to switch off notifications when you need to concentrate, turn on ‘do not disturb’ while on calls, go for a walk if you need to and close your laptop at the end of the day
2. Use the right channels. Make the most of everyone’s time by considering when that lengthy chat could be resolved with a quick call and whether a post is really relevant for every member in the group
3. Trust in your co-workers. Things can get lost in translation when you’re not face to face. Assume positive intent from your colleagues and jump on a video call if you need to clarify something 
4. Ask questions. Remember to share questions and feedback with your organisation as you transition to remote working to ensure your voice is heard
5. Join groups and make time for socialising. Keep up with your colleagues through virtual coffees and social groups – if you can’t find a group aligned to your interests, make one!

Workplace from Facebook will be hosting a webinar on Building a connected culture for remote workers on Thursday 14 May. To register, click here.