Ask an Expert
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MARCH 2023 TOPIC: Work from Home: New Chapter & New Challenges
Marisa Moeller, Ph.D.
Owner of The Alternative Therapists Partnership, Inc. |
OUR EXPERT:
Marisa Moeller, Ph.D., is the owner of The Alternative Therapists Partnership, Inc. which offers a number of specialized holistic healing modalities. Marisa holds master’s degrees in English and psychology and a Ph.D. in psychology. She is a Reiki Master and holistic health therapist and is certified in several areas, including creative and expressive arts therapy, clinical hypnotherapy, and professional and life coaching. Marisa is also very involved in her community. She has been a Girl Scout leader for many years and was a regular volunteer for Barrett Art Center in Poughkeepsie, New York. She loves to read and collect antiques. She resides in Amenia, NY with her husband and daughter. |
I would like to sincerely thank Adriana Babino, Senior Cyber Security Advisor for the New York State Senate and Chief Security Strategist for iPRESIDIUM, LLC, for sharing her technical knowledge which I incorporated in some of my answers below. ~ Marisa Moeller
“I have a hard time staying focused at home. I used to be in the office at least nine hours a day. If I needed to run something by someone, I could walk down the hall. Now, I sometimes can't reach the person I need right away; then, I find I lose track of what I’m doing. I’m also distracted by other things, such as my kids coming home from school and needing my attention. What can I do to stay better engaged?” ~ Amelia (Rhode Island)
Hi Amelia,
You are not alone in your worries. Many people have expressed the same concerns while working from home. Take heart; there are a number of techniques you can put in place to assist you with this issue.
The first step is to "know thyself" and "mark it well!" This means you need to make a list that is all about employment and you. Fortunately, you are one of many who have been afforded a wonderful opportunity at this particular moment in employment history, so don't hold back.
Ask yourself some important questions:
Once you have determined what will work best for you, make any needed changes. Select a specific workspace location. It should be a designated space that will only be used for work. Whether it is the inside of a closet, the space just under the stairs, or an entire room, make it your own. Personalize your space with your unique style, such as adding some new paint to the walls or changing out some of the furniture. It’s important to keep your office organized, uncluttered and comfortable for you.
Next, set boundaries which define the hours and days you work each week. Do not blur the lines between work and personal time. Personal favors should not encroach on your workday, nor should you be answering all work emails and calls on your time off. As someone once said, "No is a complete sentence!"
Create a daily schedule for yourself and stick to it. Make sure you take breaks each day and include a lunch time. Perhaps an afternoon break can coincide with your children's return from school, so you can set aside time to enjoy a snack together. Set both weekly and daily work goals and reward yourself each time you meet your goals.
Finally, connect with co-workers daily. Be a bit more attentive to emails and texts from them throughout the workday. Offer to call or connect via a virtual meeting platform in order to discuss things a bit more in depth. If you need to bounce ideas off a particular person or team, try scheduling a standing virtual meeting once or twice a week. Communicate regularly with team members you are working on projects with or supervisors responsible for overseeing the entire team. Don't be afraid to set up a co-working day on occasion with a colleague/co-worker. You may be pleasantly surprised at how many people will take you up on it.
Hi Amelia,
You are not alone in your worries. Many people have expressed the same concerns while working from home. Take heart; there are a number of techniques you can put in place to assist you with this issue.
The first step is to "know thyself" and "mark it well!" This means you need to make a list that is all about employment and you. Fortunately, you are one of many who have been afforded a wonderful opportunity at this particular moment in employment history, so don't hold back.
Ask yourself some important questions:
- Are you an early riser, or do you work best later in the day?
- Do you like a structured workspace or a more casual set up?
- Do you prefer absolutely no distractions, or can you live with a few minor ones?
- Are you comfortable with five days in your home "office," or can you juggle a shorter work week?
- Do you require a large space, or can you work just as easily in a smaller setting?
Once you have determined what will work best for you, make any needed changes. Select a specific workspace location. It should be a designated space that will only be used for work. Whether it is the inside of a closet, the space just under the stairs, or an entire room, make it your own. Personalize your space with your unique style, such as adding some new paint to the walls or changing out some of the furniture. It’s important to keep your office organized, uncluttered and comfortable for you.
Next, set boundaries which define the hours and days you work each week. Do not blur the lines between work and personal time. Personal favors should not encroach on your workday, nor should you be answering all work emails and calls on your time off. As someone once said, "No is a complete sentence!"
Create a daily schedule for yourself and stick to it. Make sure you take breaks each day and include a lunch time. Perhaps an afternoon break can coincide with your children's return from school, so you can set aside time to enjoy a snack together. Set both weekly and daily work goals and reward yourself each time you meet your goals.
Finally, connect with co-workers daily. Be a bit more attentive to emails and texts from them throughout the workday. Offer to call or connect via a virtual meeting platform in order to discuss things a bit more in depth. If you need to bounce ideas off a particular person or team, try scheduling a standing virtual meeting once or twice a week. Communicate regularly with team members you are working on projects with or supervisors responsible for overseeing the entire team. Don't be afraid to set up a co-working day on occasion with a colleague/co-worker. You may be pleasantly surprised at how many people will take you up on it.
“My entire office has been working remotely since the lockdown. Living and working in an area that has seen much of the damage and devastation caused by the Pandemic, many of us are still in fear of becoming ill, or possibly worse, if we must return to full-capacity office staff. As a result of such fears, my employer collected statistics to see if remote work is a viable option. Data collected by the company during this period has revealed that employees have been approximately 47% more productive. I am in middle management and have been involved in the collecting and analyzing of this data for my employer. New corporate management is trying to force us all back to the office full-time. What can I do?” ~ Rose (New Jersey)
Hello Rose,
Your question is a critical one that has been on the minds of many in the workforce. The threat is very real to those who continue to worry about the state of things. Illness can spread by frequenting crowded venues, which may include some office environments.
Having said that, it's my belief that the most important behavior an employer can demonstrate is that of ensuring that the health and safety of all their employees always remains a top priority. Perhaps you can request a meeting with your employer. Open up a dialogue to discover what safety measures they are taking (or will be taking) to reduce the risk of contracting and/or spreading any communicable diseases.
If your employer is requiring you and your co-workers to return to in-person work, you are entitled to “a safe and healthful workplace” per OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). So, it is important to receive – in writing – exactly which health and safety precautions are in place. Some of these health and safety precautions include: 1) Providing personal protective equipment. 2) Sanitizing and disinfecting the office on a regular basis. 3) Enforcing social distancing rules; to include ensuring that appropriate equipment and office spaces are made readily available for each employee.
Be sure to receive in writing your employer's office policies concerning sick days, telecommuting, and flexible work scheduling now that they will require everyone back in the office.
If you are still uncomfortable returning to an office environment full-time, you should discuss possible options with your employer. You may be able to negotiate alternative arrangements or contribute to enacting new remote work policies to ensure the safety of all employees. Of course, any new policies should complement current company policies and current company culture.
It may also be feasible to broach the subject of the results of the data that your employer collected regarding employee productivity while working remotely. Perhaps your Human Resource Department should weigh in on this conversation. They will explain considerations that should be factored in while also lending both support and advice during these talks.
It should not be assumed that these transitions will be seamless. Much work will have to be done by all parties involved in order to ensure business continuity while being cognizant of the value of work-life balance. Enhancing the quality of life for employees in conjunction with enhancing economic productivity is the golden goose. Working as a cohesive team to meet these objectives, while proving the resiliency of the business and its employees, will be its own reward.
Hello Rose,
Your question is a critical one that has been on the minds of many in the workforce. The threat is very real to those who continue to worry about the state of things. Illness can spread by frequenting crowded venues, which may include some office environments.
Having said that, it's my belief that the most important behavior an employer can demonstrate is that of ensuring that the health and safety of all their employees always remains a top priority. Perhaps you can request a meeting with your employer. Open up a dialogue to discover what safety measures they are taking (or will be taking) to reduce the risk of contracting and/or spreading any communicable diseases.
If your employer is requiring you and your co-workers to return to in-person work, you are entitled to “a safe and healthful workplace” per OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). So, it is important to receive – in writing – exactly which health and safety precautions are in place. Some of these health and safety precautions include: 1) Providing personal protective equipment. 2) Sanitizing and disinfecting the office on a regular basis. 3) Enforcing social distancing rules; to include ensuring that appropriate equipment and office spaces are made readily available for each employee.
Be sure to receive in writing your employer's office policies concerning sick days, telecommuting, and flexible work scheduling now that they will require everyone back in the office.
If you are still uncomfortable returning to an office environment full-time, you should discuss possible options with your employer. You may be able to negotiate alternative arrangements or contribute to enacting new remote work policies to ensure the safety of all employees. Of course, any new policies should complement current company policies and current company culture.
It may also be feasible to broach the subject of the results of the data that your employer collected regarding employee productivity while working remotely. Perhaps your Human Resource Department should weigh in on this conversation. They will explain considerations that should be factored in while also lending both support and advice during these talks.
It should not be assumed that these transitions will be seamless. Much work will have to be done by all parties involved in order to ensure business continuity while being cognizant of the value of work-life balance. Enhancing the quality of life for employees in conjunction with enhancing economic productivity is the golden goose. Working as a cohesive team to meet these objectives, while proving the resiliency of the business and its employees, will be its own reward.
“I work for a large multi-media advertising agency. The company has recently allowed its employees to decide which we prefer moving forward: working remotely or hybrid working. I have opted for working remotely. It is not that I am not a team player or do not mix well with others; instead, I find that I get much more work done remotely. I can start as early or as late as I want, providing I have no virtual meetings scheduled. I can get right down to it and work into the wee hours if I like. What I am most afraid of is that I will be ridiculed by my co-workers – maybe even ostracized by them. I am fearful that they will begin to lose respect for me or even disrespect me during our interactions, meetings, and team projects. What can I do?” ~ Cassandra (England)
Hi Cassandra,
I am so sorry to hear that you are pondering these negative possibilities because you chose differently than some of your co-workers. I am assuming that some of your co-workers have also chosen to work from home. Compile a list of those who will now be working remotely and send a copy of that roster to everyone.
You may want to begin regular "virtual water cooler chats" with those co-workers working remotely like you. You can use any communication tool you normally use, or you may want to try something like Discord or Slack. Maybe even a quick Zoom Conference will do the trick. The important thing is to chat about anything that interests the group that’s not work-related.
Another idea is to make it a point to connect with your hybrid working co-workers on a weekly basis. Let them know you are always available to bounce ideas off or collaborate on a specific project. See if you can set up a virtual brainstorming event while you are all working remotely. You can even suggest using one of those interactive platforms like Mural. After all, hybrid working means these co-workers will also be working from home at certain times.
Never be afraid to praise a co-worker or team member for doing a good job. In fact, we should all take pleasure in the accomplishments of our co-workers/team members. I am not saying give false praise at every turn. Recognizing and implementing a supportive workplace culture leads to less conflict between co-workers/team members. Recognition and praise do go a long way.
Above all, do not be fearful of in-person interaction. Today, more than ever before, many companies are offering more effective and engaging in-person activities. Many experts in the field report that in today's "experience economy" companies recognize the need to create value for their customers and their employees. You are a part of your employer's team, so engage with your co-workers and supervisors when the occasions present themselves.
In the end, fostering inclusivity, diversity, flexibility and respect should be the responsibility of everyone in a company. When these concepts are integrated into everyday interactions between co-workers/team members and their supervisors, the work landscape is altered. What emerges is a consistently high-trust level in the work environment. How successful the entire company and its employees are will ultimately depend on how much they demonstrate mutual respect and cooperation for each other.
Hi Cassandra,
I am so sorry to hear that you are pondering these negative possibilities because you chose differently than some of your co-workers. I am assuming that some of your co-workers have also chosen to work from home. Compile a list of those who will now be working remotely and send a copy of that roster to everyone.
You may want to begin regular "virtual water cooler chats" with those co-workers working remotely like you. You can use any communication tool you normally use, or you may want to try something like Discord or Slack. Maybe even a quick Zoom Conference will do the trick. The important thing is to chat about anything that interests the group that’s not work-related.
Another idea is to make it a point to connect with your hybrid working co-workers on a weekly basis. Let them know you are always available to bounce ideas off or collaborate on a specific project. See if you can set up a virtual brainstorming event while you are all working remotely. You can even suggest using one of those interactive platforms like Mural. After all, hybrid working means these co-workers will also be working from home at certain times.
Never be afraid to praise a co-worker or team member for doing a good job. In fact, we should all take pleasure in the accomplishments of our co-workers/team members. I am not saying give false praise at every turn. Recognizing and implementing a supportive workplace culture leads to less conflict between co-workers/team members. Recognition and praise do go a long way.
Above all, do not be fearful of in-person interaction. Today, more than ever before, many companies are offering more effective and engaging in-person activities. Many experts in the field report that in today's "experience economy" companies recognize the need to create value for their customers and their employees. You are a part of your employer's team, so engage with your co-workers and supervisors when the occasions present themselves.
In the end, fostering inclusivity, diversity, flexibility and respect should be the responsibility of everyone in a company. When these concepts are integrated into everyday interactions between co-workers/team members and their supervisors, the work landscape is altered. What emerges is a consistently high-trust level in the work environment. How successful the entire company and its employees are will ultimately depend on how much they demonstrate mutual respect and cooperation for each other.
“My company has gone almost completely remote/virtual now. I feel like I don’t know where I stand anymore. Meetings are a lot harder. You’re muted most of the time. I don’t feel like I can get my opinion heard as easily on video conferencing. Would you suggest follow-up emails? I don’t want to make a pest of myself, and I don’t know if others are feeling the same way.” ~ Anonymous
Hi Anonymous,
I completely understand your frustration. Almost every working individual in the world has had to adjust to this different style of employment over the past three years. Some individuals have utilized this remote/virtual type of work structure for only a specific period. However, others will be using this method of employment for an indeterminate amount of time. For some individuals, this can be frustrating, disconcerting and, at times, even intimidating.
There are a number of things an employee can do when feeling stifled by this type of meeting structure. First, if an agenda for each meeting is not provided, the employee should ask for one beforehand. Having an agenda of what is going to be discussed will allow you to prepare. This means you should have the ability to add notes to the agenda and do any pre-reading and/or research before the designated meeting date. If agendas are not being used, perhaps you can ask your supervisor for one.
Always make it a point to log in early to each meeting. This gives you an opportunity to chat and "check in" with others as they all begin to log in. Five to seven minutes is a good amount of time to engage in some light conversation. Make an effort to learn a bit more about your colleagues/co-workers.
You should always keep your video on when bandwidth permits. This means you turn your video on from the start, you are dressed appropriately for a business meeting, and you have everything you will need at your side for the duration of the meeting. Shutting the video off and/or getting up to get something to drink, grab something off-camera, answer the phone, do other work, leave to take your dog for a walk, etc. is both distracting and rude. Being present in the moment definitely goes a long way!
Keeping yourself on mute during a meeting is proper etiquette. Of course, this goes for all those participating in the meeting with the exception of the individual speaking at any given moment. When one person has the floor, everyone else should remain muted. This allows for all the background noise and distractions to be kept to a minimum. This does not mean that you or any other employee should be prevented from unmuting yourselves. If this is happening, have a discussion with your supervisor and with any co-workers who are experiencing the same issue. It could be something as simple as the host and/or supervisor has no idea he or she is doing this.
Remember, you are not being a pest! Sending follow-up emails actually completes each meeting. Everyone can confirm decisions that were made, align next steps and/or further plans, reiterate who is responsible for what, and make it possible to obtain clarification, if needed. Make sure to copy everyone involved in each meeting when you send out your follow-up emails. Also, thanking everyone involved in the meeting and asking for any feedback allows you to hear from some of your co-workers who may not have had a chance to speak. Sending a “thank you” email makes it possible for further communication to take place outside the virtual meeting format.
In addition, you may want to suggest that you and your co-workers get together for a virtual lunch chat some afternoons. Alternately, you may want to suggest an in-person, co-working outing at a location you all agree on. Clear and effective communication amongst co-workers/team members makes for a pleasant and productive work environment.
Hi Anonymous,
I completely understand your frustration. Almost every working individual in the world has had to adjust to this different style of employment over the past three years. Some individuals have utilized this remote/virtual type of work structure for only a specific period. However, others will be using this method of employment for an indeterminate amount of time. For some individuals, this can be frustrating, disconcerting and, at times, even intimidating.
There are a number of things an employee can do when feeling stifled by this type of meeting structure. First, if an agenda for each meeting is not provided, the employee should ask for one beforehand. Having an agenda of what is going to be discussed will allow you to prepare. This means you should have the ability to add notes to the agenda and do any pre-reading and/or research before the designated meeting date. If agendas are not being used, perhaps you can ask your supervisor for one.
Always make it a point to log in early to each meeting. This gives you an opportunity to chat and "check in" with others as they all begin to log in. Five to seven minutes is a good amount of time to engage in some light conversation. Make an effort to learn a bit more about your colleagues/co-workers.
You should always keep your video on when bandwidth permits. This means you turn your video on from the start, you are dressed appropriately for a business meeting, and you have everything you will need at your side for the duration of the meeting. Shutting the video off and/or getting up to get something to drink, grab something off-camera, answer the phone, do other work, leave to take your dog for a walk, etc. is both distracting and rude. Being present in the moment definitely goes a long way!
Keeping yourself on mute during a meeting is proper etiquette. Of course, this goes for all those participating in the meeting with the exception of the individual speaking at any given moment. When one person has the floor, everyone else should remain muted. This allows for all the background noise and distractions to be kept to a minimum. This does not mean that you or any other employee should be prevented from unmuting yourselves. If this is happening, have a discussion with your supervisor and with any co-workers who are experiencing the same issue. It could be something as simple as the host and/or supervisor has no idea he or she is doing this.
Remember, you are not being a pest! Sending follow-up emails actually completes each meeting. Everyone can confirm decisions that were made, align next steps and/or further plans, reiterate who is responsible for what, and make it possible to obtain clarification, if needed. Make sure to copy everyone involved in each meeting when you send out your follow-up emails. Also, thanking everyone involved in the meeting and asking for any feedback allows you to hear from some of your co-workers who may not have had a chance to speak. Sending a “thank you” email makes it possible for further communication to take place outside the virtual meeting format.
In addition, you may want to suggest that you and your co-workers get together for a virtual lunch chat some afternoons. Alternately, you may want to suggest an in-person, co-working outing at a location you all agree on. Clear and effective communication amongst co-workers/team members makes for a pleasant and productive work environment.
“What are some ways you can feel more connected with team members if the company you have just joined conducts business completely virtually, and you've never met your colleagues in person?” ~ The Sanctuary Team
Hi All,
Feeling "more connected" with colleagues, co-workers and/or team members means deliberately making connections with each other. Individuals make connections by building relationships on a more personal level. This personal interaction allows us to get to know one another better. When we get to know each other better, we begin to form bonds and make attachments.
True, this can seem daunting especially when one has never met one's colleagues in person. It is important to realize, however, that the need for connection is both psychological and emotional. Feeling connected to co-workers contributes to our sense of who we are as a colleague/co-worker/employee. Our work identity emerges and eventually flourishes through these contacts.
Taking the initiative to reach out to colleagues by asking them questions about their work and interests is a start. Making a point to connect with each individual colleague separately via virtual meetings is a great way to build relationships on a more personal level. Communicating with one another more often is another essential way we stay connected. This can be done via emails, text messages, and video chats. Remember, it is all about networking!
Tread carefully, though, when asking questions that may be too personal. We are all unique individuals with many different belief systems, values, and past experiences. What one colleague may feel is a perfectly acceptable question, another colleague may believe is too personal.
Ultimately, we must all be aware that the goal here is to build rapport and comradery within the framework of our employment. There will always be certain individuals we click with immediately, while others will always remain acquaintances. As long as mutual respect and cooperation are present, work can be more enjoyable.
Hi All,
Feeling "more connected" with colleagues, co-workers and/or team members means deliberately making connections with each other. Individuals make connections by building relationships on a more personal level. This personal interaction allows us to get to know one another better. When we get to know each other better, we begin to form bonds and make attachments.
True, this can seem daunting especially when one has never met one's colleagues in person. It is important to realize, however, that the need for connection is both psychological and emotional. Feeling connected to co-workers contributes to our sense of who we are as a colleague/co-worker/employee. Our work identity emerges and eventually flourishes through these contacts.
Taking the initiative to reach out to colleagues by asking them questions about their work and interests is a start. Making a point to connect with each individual colleague separately via virtual meetings is a great way to build relationships on a more personal level. Communicating with one another more often is another essential way we stay connected. This can be done via emails, text messages, and video chats. Remember, it is all about networking!
Tread carefully, though, when asking questions that may be too personal. We are all unique individuals with many different belief systems, values, and past experiences. What one colleague may feel is a perfectly acceptable question, another colleague may believe is too personal.
Ultimately, we must all be aware that the goal here is to build rapport and comradery within the framework of our employment. There will always be certain individuals we click with immediately, while others will always remain acquaintances. As long as mutual respect and cooperation are present, work can be more enjoyable.
