Making the Most of the New Normal
By Steph Cohen and Jimmy Conroy
The work from home environment doesn’t seem to be going away any time soon. It’s tough to stay focused and produce the same quality work that you would in an office setting, but by utilizing these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to maintain that same level of quality and stand out amongst your coworkers.
Keep a clean calendar
A clean and organized calendar is not only good for the aesthetic but also helps section your day into manageable chunks. Try inputting blocks to work on specific tasks, so that during that time, you can channel all of your energy into putting your best foot forward in your work.
A detailed calendar also makes your coworkers’ lives easier. You can easily schedule meetings and catch-ups with other employees, as they have a detailed look into your day-to-day responsibilities and can find a time that matches up with their schedule.
Meeting etiquette
Even though you are able to tune into meetings from the comfort of your own home, it is important to present yourself well and follow the same etiquette you would if you were in the office.
A good way to present yourself well in virtual meetings is to log into them early. This not only shows your commitment to your team but will also account for any technical difficulties that may occur. This ensures that meetings start smoothly and on time.
Be sure to keep your camera on and your microphone muted during the meeting. This demonstrates that you are engaged and ready to chime in if necessary. This also gives your superiors the comfort of knowing that you are absorbing the information in the meeting and can rely on you to get the job done.
Email etiquette
Because there is less face-to-face interaction, it is important to be as thorough and professional in your emails as possible. Make sure your spelling and grammar are correct in your emails, keeping them valuable yet concise.
Be diligent about checking your email throughout the day, as more communication will happen outside of normal office hours. Set aside time specifically for going through your email and responding to them in a timely manner (put it in your detailed calendar!).
Always send thank you emails when necessary. The virtual setting can be tough on a person’s mental health, so it is always good to inject a little bit of personality when you can. Especially now, a little kindness goes a long way!