The initials “WFH” have been gracing corporate calendars over the past several years, but we’re not all accustomed to the “work from home” model of production. Due to COVID-19 and social distancing, we’ve migrated our desks to our homes. For social media teams, working remotely is bittersweet. We’re fortunate to have most of our work product achieved online without the necessity of frequent client meetings or working with large files that struggle with remote server access. But that doesn’t mean we don’t face the challenges of readily available discussions and collaboration with other departments while out of the office. Plus, we miss our co-workers!
Social distancing doesn’t have to be anti-social with these 4 tips that help social media teams stay connected while working remotely.
- Establish Team Check-Ins
The necessity for over-communication is pretty high when it comes to remote work. Establish regular check-in times with your team to be sure everyone is on track. Communication lines should be open for questions throughout the day, but specified meeting times generate a pattern that keeps the communication flowing and engages the team members.
- Use Technology
Most social media professionals have a love-hate relationship with technology, but it is a lifesaver to help stay connected when working remotely. Services such as Zoom, UberConference and FaceTime add a personal touch to what can be a disconnected work style. When a new hashtag is trending on Twitter, don’t hesitate to see if the team is free to jump on camera to discuss engaging in the online conversation, similar to how you would when working side-by-side.
- Stay in the Know
When working in-person, conversations about popular trends, hashtags, influencers and breaking industry news tend to be in earshot from the social media department. Keep the buzz alive and incorporate your co-workers by sharing interesting tidbits and articles through a group email list. The quick break in your co-worker’s day could spark an interesting conversation and keeps everyone in the know when it comes to what’s happening outside their home office.
- Take Breaks with Others
Whether it’s watercooler chit-chat or a daily lunch group, we’re all missing and craving our regularly scheduled office camaraderie. Incorporate your co-workers into your breaks by FaceTiming during a walk or eating lunch together via Zoom. This work-from-home situation is a new routine for us office dwellers, so take an extra moment to check in on colleagues you would normally see in the office kitchen – meet the cat they’re always talking about or ask for their binge-worthy TV recommendations!
We’re all adjusting to social distancing and physical restrictions due to the coronavirus, but that doesn’t mean we have to be socially removed from our daily work lives. Communicate with your fellow social media team members, check in on how they’re fairing in these unusual times and remember to always – be in touch.
Visit our Deep Ads Thoughts blog to learn more about current advertising, marketing and public relations tips and trends. Plus, check out our Push n’ Pull blog for all things in the world of digital and social media.
