Heard of Coronavirus? We thought so. It’s taken the media and the world by storm and is terrifying nations by shutting down schools, businesses, theme parks, and more. One half of the media is in fear factor mode whilst the other is saying “just wash your hands”. Who do you believe? Who can you trust? Is this something we should be fearful of? How far is too far and where should that line between insanity and reality be drawn? It’s tough to process and there is certainly something to fear with this virus running amuck.

If you’re short on facts and you’re working in the office still, before you continue, check out our blog from a few weeks back on ways in which you can keep your office clean.

Due to the closure of many schools and businesses - one way establishments have avoided falling behind is through remote work. Even without an incurable virus, remote work has become a major trend with companies across the board. It’s a great chance to get work done...without contact. While it doesn’t have to be permanent if your company is “pro-office”, it’s certainly a great temporary option to keep business moving without the stress of germ spread.

However, if remote work is something you are unfamiliar with, it can be an intimidating transition for you (as a boss or HR professional) and your team. If you’re feeling insecure about this transition - Don’t fret. There are a few ways to ease into a temporary remote environment. Here’s how:

• Before going totally remote, be sure to communicate with each and every team their duties, expectations, contact information, and some sort of schedule. Many times the problem with remote work is that there is not a person 10 steps away from you that can help and sometimes trying to communicate via cell phone or email takes some time. So by having some sort of plan in place you can avoid any major speed bumps.

• Video Chatting is a major way to keep connected with your team and co-workers. Most companies loan laptops or monitors to employees to ensure that the employee is secure in their internet searches, downloads, etc. However, if employees do not have company devices and can’t video chat for whatever reason - find another means of consistent communication whether it’s calling, emails, etc.

• Encourage participation during this transitional period. Sometimes those quiet employees can slip through the cracks and, when working remote, this is even easier to do so when working remote. By coming up with that plan we mentioned and being prepared with tasks for each individual employee, you can accurately pinpoint participation and encourage even those quieter employees to speak up and join the conversation.

• Do what makes sense for your company. Don’t feel like you have to follow a regimented list of guidelines here. Every company, boss, set of employees, and location have different values, standards, goals, and employee engagement levels. So, don’t feel as though this is one size fits all. Just make a plan, do what feels right and makes the most sense, and go from there.

Has your team transitioned to a more remote style since the spread of the Coronavirus? If so, let us know how that’s working thus far and if it’s a positive transition or negative. Ultimately, if you’re the one calling the shots, it’s in your best interest to do what is right for the team. Keep an eye on the news, don’t panic, and if you must, practice quality without contact! Stay healthy, my friends.