Trust Is The Strongest Foundation For Productive Remote Working.
Long before the pandemic took hold and the majority of business shifted to a working from home set-up, we had already been embracing flexible working practices for years. We’ve also represented Polycom as a client – one of the global leaders in video collaboration solutions. So, I like to think we are well-versed and know a thing or two about remote working.
Our philosophy is that if you have a Mac, a phone and access to WiFi you can do your job from anywhere – as long as the work gets done. So, how do we make flexi-working work for us? The number one component to a successful virtual set up is trust.
Research shows that people in high-trust organisations are better at collaborating, more productive and show greater loyalty than those working in low-trust companies.
Our cultural cornerstones are centred around trust, honesty, openness and transparency. We pride ourselves on the fact that we have this type of culture – everyone knows what is expected of them and is encouraged to speak up if they need to address an issue. This candour transcends into every aspect of the business including our flexible working policies.
We actively encourage remote working but expect every employee to be responsive, connected and switched-on – just like if they were physically in the office. Not answering calls or going ‘off-grid’ does not happen in a bricks and mortar office so there is no excuse for it happen when at working offsite.
Every team member is expected to start the day promptly with an ‘all team’ video call to run through priorities for the day. Everyone is required to be washed, dressed and ready for action! We trust in the team to treat remote working just like any other normal day at the office.
Another way we support an open attitude is to keep workflow chats live throughout the working day. This allows us to check-in with colleagues and ask questions – like we do when together in person. There is no reason to sit in silence at home. We actively encourage virtual team discussions and brainstorm sessions. Not only does it build trust, but it also helps with team bonding which is so important when working remotely.
It is all too easy to be consumed by an influx of emails without a moment to pause. Regular breaks and time away from a computer screen are paramount when working at home. But it is courteous to let your co-workers know if you are taking five minutes to make a coffee or get fresh air. The team is required to let their line-manager know when they are taking a break and must have their phone on them for any urgent client or press requests. It is also paramount that employees check-out with their boss at the end of the day. In an office environment, you do not usually get up and leave without saying goodbye or asking if there is anything else to do before you head home. The same principle applies at home. Just because you are already at home it is polite to let your manager know you are finishing up for the day.
We are firm believers in putting trust in every single member of the team from the get-go. Trust is given, not earned. My advice to others is simply to set clear boundaries from the beginning - and you can’t go far wrong!
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