Whether you’re currently a remote worker or are looking for a new remote role, here are some top tips to help you navigate the world of remote working. 

Routine is key

This one is essential! If you think working remotely means every day is made up of just an hour or two of work and the rest of the time is spent catching up with friends and bingeing on your favourite TV shows – you’d be sorely mistaken.

Developing a daily routine is essential when working remotely, it will enable you to maintain productivity and focus. It’s up to you to develop a schedule that works for both you and your team – and own it.

Consistent communication

Clear, and more importantly, consistent communication is key for remote work success. This doesn’t mean you need to be talking to your co-workers all day, every day, but letting them know that there is a means of getting hold of you should they need you, is important. For remote working to work from both sides, your colleagues need to know that there is a common tool for communication – to share ideas and ask questions.

There’s a number of great communication tools on the market in today’s increasingly digital age, but our favourite is Slack. You can create various channels for a range of different projects, teams and chats – you could even create channels for just general chit-chat. Tools like this help everyone to feel connected especially when you’re working remotely.

Connecting with people

While working remotely does have many benefits, you will definitely need human interaction at some point throughout your working week. It’s important to connect with people in person from time to time and work on building a community in whatever way works for you – meeting up with clients, going into the office once a week, it could even be taking the time to meet a friend or going to a gym class during your lunch break. Build a community and ensure you take the time to catch up with them regularly.

Create a workspace… and no pyjamas

It really goes without saying, but make sure you get yourself ready for the day and definitely get out of your pyjamas. It doesn’t necessarily need to be anything fancy, just something that isn’t what you wore to bed.

Along the same lines, try to create a space, where your brain knows it’s time to work, this could be in the corner of your bedroom, a separate study, a quiet café or a rented office space. Designating yourself a workspace and putting on a fresh outfit and, will do wonders for your mind and will get you out of relaxation mode and into work mode.

Mix it up

It’s great to experiment during the first few months of your new remote working life. This will help you to develop a pattern that you’ll be able to sustain over time. It’s also totally normal to revamp your routine over time. These are just a few of our tips – now you can go out there and navigate the world of remote working while experimenting with what works for you!

Are you looking for a new remote working role? Take a look at the jobs we’re currently working on or get in touch with our specialist recruiters today.

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For Naomi Simson, Shark from Shark Tank Australia and founder of experience business RedBalloon, the outbreak of COVID-19 was like watching 20 years of her life disappear before her eyes. “The world changed in that moment,” recalled Simson “and we are catching up with it as fast as we can.”

How can a brand based on incredible getaways and unique shared experiences survive at a time when people couldn’t leave their homes? Simson leaned on her entrepreneurial instincts – balancing customer focus with operational discipline – and began preparing her teams for the day when Australia and New Zealand would reopen.

Simson’s decision was prescient. Just last week, the Australian government began relaxing restrictions on movement and economic activity. New Zealand has reopened schools, restaurants, offices, and retail trade. 

I caught up with Simson in this week’s Leading Through Change virtual event to ask her about staying positive through change, preparing for reopening, and reimagining business and societal relationships on the other side of the pandemic. Here are highlights from our conversation.

On innovating in times of crisis

“We’ve always been a nation of innovation,” says Simson, noting ideas are coming out for new ways of doing things as a result of COVID-19. 

“I think that we’ll see a massive wave of innovation, ideas and startup entrepreneurs. We need to look after the startup ecosystem. We will see a lot more innovation as we choose the road we want to take forward.”

On leading through ambiguity

“One of the greatest challenges is we’ve never been here before,” grants Simson. “This comes back to who we are as leaders.” 

Then, commenting on the importance of transparency and authenticity, “It’s really important that people can see us for who we are. I am worried for my business. I’m worried for my supply community.”

Simson reminds us things can never be completely under our control. “Our customers keep changing, customer sentiment changes, tastes, trends, they keep changing,” she says. “No matter what it is, businesses have to stay agile – this is just on a scale we’ve never seen before.”

“But I do know I can count on myself,” asserts Simson. “I do know where we are going. This is when our vision, our purpose, our sense of contribution are really important to us.” 

On the future of work

“What we’ve seen is it’s not about inputs, it’s about outputs.” Simson is confident people can collaborate in completely different ways. She recently posted on Instagram: ‘Work is not a place that you go, it’s something you do.’ 

“What is important is the connection piece,” says Simson, stressing the need to make sure people are included, that they’re listened to and that they feel safe. “The emotional resilience piece is something that as leaders we must stay completely diligent to.”

Simson’s motto of positivity – “If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me” – shapes her view of the future and hopes for her community. “I am grateful that we’re one day closer to our better normal, to the new world we’re able to create. Let’s make sure that this better normal we create, as leaders, we do not leave people behind.”  

That spirit of selflessness is what inspired Rivers Cuomo of Weezer to quote a letter he penned in Hero, a tribute to frontline workers: “You are the reason we will rock another day.”

source: https://www.salesforce.com/au/blog/2020/05/redballoon-entrepreneur-insights-leading-through-change.html

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Many of these “perks” have focused on the physical office space which may no longer be as relevant today. The time is now to reset employee experience during the Covid-19 pandemic to create a more meaningful and lasting emotional connection between the employee and their employer.

Gartner estimates than 88% of organizations have encouraged or mandated employees to work from home due to Covid-19. As work from home becomes the new normal for many, if not most, of us employee experience is a strategic business approach that touches every aspect of how the employee engages with the organization. As noted by Dr. Steve Hunt, Chief Expert, Technology & Work at SAP, “Employee experience management tells us the ‘why’ behind the perceptions employees have about the moments that matter to them and allows employers to get inside the heads of employees, turn on the sound, and understand what is working and not working for them.”

Future Workplace defines employee experience as the sum of all experiences an employee has with their employer over the duration of their relationship – from recruitment, to on-boarding and career development, to exiting the organization.

I see a number of reasons for why employee experience matters now more than ever. First, we are working up to three hours more each day as we work from home and juggle increasing demands from our employer, our spouse/partner, and our children. So, if you’re feeling Zoom fatigue, you are not alone! While employers and workers are reporting increased productivity working from home, the productivity gains are coming with a cost to our mental health.

A random sample of 1,099 US workers conducted by SHRM shows that 41 percent of U.S. employees feel burnt out from work, while another 23 percent report feeling depressed. This survey of the mental health of workers was conducted under the pandemic lockdown and found employees struggling with negative emotions, concentration, and feeling unmotivated to do their job. Notably, these rates were higher among women, younger workers, and those living with a vulnerable person. The toll Covid-19 is taking on employees is yet another reason for employers to focus on the employee experience, especially as some employers- notably Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, and Shopify – have announced they will allow employees (who meet key criteria) to continue to work from home permanently.

Third, and perhaps most important of all, workers are increasingly looking for ways to develop emotional connections during times of social distancing and feelings of isolation. With unemployment surpassing 40 million in the U.S., developing emotional connections with employees is especially important as now companies are reducing full-time workers and increasing digitalization and automation in the workplace.

source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeannemeister/2020/06/08/employee-experience-is-more-important-than-ever-during-the-covid-19-pandemic

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Even when we’re physically distanced, we can be emotionally present. Together with empathy and digital transformation we can rethink human connection and the future of work.

In reviewing the practices of employees who regularly telecommute, seven essential tips emerged. Keep scrolling to discover how you can be productive, dynamic, and focused while working remotely.

1. Set up a dedicated space

Your “dedicated space” doesn’t have to be a Pinterest-worthy home office. It could be a card table in your bedroom, an old door suspended by cinderblocks, or even your kitchen table nudged out of sight from the refrigerator. You get the idea.

Creating one place to work will help you focus. It signals to your body when it’s time to get down to business. If possible, try to choose a space that avoids distractions (like your TV!). For some, particularly those sharing a space, it may be hard to minimize disruptions. Work out a system with your roommates or family members, such as putting up a sign when you need to take calls.

What else do you need in your workspace? Good Wi-Fi is hands-down the most essential tool. If your connection is lacking, consider sitting close to your router or plugging your computer directly into an ethernet cord. If your budget allows, the following luxuries can help you emulate a space similar to a traditional office:

• Natural light: Studies show daylight can boost your energy levels, productivity, and health. If you don’t have a window nearby, consider working outdoors when you can.
  
• A second monitor: If you’re comparing documents, or need to multitask, consider adding a dual monitor. This is shown to increase productivity by 20 – 50%.
  
• Simple backdrop: Particularly for those working in small spaces, it may be hard to avoid clutter and distractions in the background. In a pinch, try hanging up a sheet behind you for a polished image while taking video calls.
  
• Noise-canceling headset: Block out the background sounds with a good pair of headphones. Bonus — if they have a microphone, your audio will come across clearer on calls.
  
• Standing desk and comfortable chair: Avoid spending eight hours hunched over a computer. A standing desk will allow you to move your body, and an ergonomic chair will protect your back.
  
• Decor that lifts your spirits: Sprinkle things that spark joy around you. A photo from your last vacation. A candle that makes you feel at ease. Make the space one that refreshes your heart and mind.

Remember: no gadget is more important than the brilliance you bring to your work. 

2. Make a (realistic!) schedule

Working remotely can blur the lines between work and home. You may be posed with new challenges — like minimizing personal disruptions, or on the other end of the spectrum, temptation to work 16 hour days. You can mitigate these situations by creating a productive schedule.

Begin each morning by organizing a to-do list of things that must be completed. Not only does this foster a sense of accomplishment, but it also helps you to clearly see when you can call it a day.

Beyond meetings, carve out time for the following:

• Rituals that make you feel good — like making coffee, listening to a podcast, or chatting with a friend.
• Opportunities to move your body. Consider which calls you could take on a walk. Schedule time for yoga. And always eat your lunch in a different space from where you work.
• Blocked time for work. Otherwise, your calendar may become booked with others’ priorities.

Consider ending your day with another routine — such as walking your dog. This activity can signal to your body that you’re done for the day, and physically remove you from your workspace.

3. Show empathy

How can you build relationships virtually without a firm handshake or hallway chat? Luckily, the most important thing you can do to strengthen a bond in person still applies to remote work: be empathetic. Practice deep listening. People will remember how you made them feel, and now more than ever people want to be heard.

Is the person on the other end of your video chat struggling with working from home? This setup isn’t ideal for everyone, and some team members may have unique needs to recreate feelings of closeness. Consider starting each conversation by asking how they’re doing using the traffic light method. Responses of green indicate good, yellow represents they’ve had better days, and red signals they’re having a hard time. Adapt your conversation based on their needs, and end the call by checking in again to see if their mood has improved.

A note on empathy: it applies to you too. Show yourself the same kindness you demonstrate to others. It’s okay to step away and recharge if you’ve hit a wall. Remember that we’re all learning and adapting to the future of work together.

4. Tap into virtual communication best practices

We have many different communication channels at our disposal. And each has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, you might:

• Make a phone call when something’s urgent
• Send an instant message for something quick or casual
• Email when a message isn’t time-sensitive or you need to align a large group who can’t connect live
• Tap into social channels like Chatter for quick collaboration, or lighthearted connection

Your team or company may have nuances to how these channels are used. Ask your manager or team members about their preferences to establish a shared understanding.

Video conferencing use has expanded in recent years as more teams become global or remote. And today, they’re an essential way to conduct business. Here are a few tips to build a strong virtual presence and be mindful of others:

• Take a few minutes to connect on a personal level before diving into work.
• Be “camera on” — nonverbal cues are critical to understanding one another and building rapport, plus it’s inclusive for those with hearing impairments who may wish to lip read.
• Schedule breaks in long calls — people have a variety of needs from needing to take medicine, a restroom break, or step away and pray.
• Remember to use video calls for socialization, too. You can host virtual team activities like volunteering, cooking, or sharing a meal together.

When making the shift to working remotely, it’s important to communicate more. Ask for what you need — whether that’s team meeting accommodations, communication channels, or additional 1:1s. We’re all evolving the way we work together. It’s normal to have rough days or feel like something isn’t quite working. Be transparent about those experiences in order to uncover better solutions.

5. Be flexible

Just like any new life experience, as you begin to work from home you may find the realities are different than what you’d envisioned. Remain flexible and open to adjusting things as you go.

If you’re working from home with a child during these unprecedented times, consider setting up an out of office message that indicates the times you’re typically available for live calls, and to expect a delay in your reply given your situation. This will help others set realistic expectations and show empathy. You may also benefit from creating a caregiver schedule if you have the luxury of help at home.

Be flexible to the needs of others, as well. Each of us has different roles, situations, and environments to consider.

6. Practice wellbeing

It was mentioned briefly above in our scheduling tips, but it’s so important we have to say it twice! As the lines of home and work blur, prioritizing wellbeing is particularly essential. Schedule time for a workout, meditation, or whatever brings you joy! Honor that commitment to yourself the same way you would a meeting with someone else.

It’s also essential to monitor your mood throughout the day. Give yourself the freedom to recharge when you need to. Learn more about the neuroscience behind our emotions and proven ways to manage our brain’s responses to stimuli in this blog.

7. Lead with trust

Those managing remote teams must adjust the way they inspire teams, measure, and recognize work. Use the tools and tips outlined above to stay connected and aligned. When it’s time to praise work, you might try giving a team member kudos on an internal social channel, start a video chat by sharing gratitude, or pass around a virtual trophy. 

Lead by example and you’ll find your team members extend this same trust to their colleagues.

Together, we can transform the future of work by telecommuting effectively.

Source: https://www.salesforce.com/company/careers/blog/best-work-virtually/?d=cta-res-bestwork-77

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Of course, there are no guarantees but by taking these steps you’ll also be making yourself a more appealing candidate in case you do need to search for something new.

1. Resilience, Flexibility, Adaptability and Thoughtfulness

These are four soft skills that are highly valued by most companies in today’s day and age. Of all of these, naturally, resilience is the most critical trait at this time. Doing whatever it takes to stay afloat and handle the unknown is essential.

Beyond maintaining that momentum, you’ll also need to evolve. Specifically, you should be paying attention to what’s happening at your company and looking at industry trends more broadly. Make it your job to meet the needs of the shifting circumstances.

Take on the tasks and projects that need to be tackled in this new reality to help your employer succeed right now. Whether that’s running virtual meetings or taking on a different role or additional responsibilities within a smaller company – go with the flow.

And if you can do all that while also being kind and thoughtful to your manager, teammates, and coworkers across the company, you’ll become known as someone who can take on anything as well as an excellent colleague no one would want to part with.

2. Be an Ideas Person

It’s not just about being flexible and adaptable when it comes to your own role; you also want to use your creativity to benefit the entire business. Bring new ideas to the table to help your company make it through the unforeseen obstacles of the present moment and those still ahead. It’s time to rewrite all the playbooks of how things should be done. Remember, there are no bad ideas. And even if your ideas don’t directly help, your creativity and resourcefulness will still make you a valuable employee.

3. Never Stop Learning

Even before the global pandemic, there’s always been continual learning is something that is essential for a career in tech. In order to succeed in your current role, keep an eye on the bigger picture in case you need to make a move later.

Pay close attention to the fields best positioned to grow during this pandemic – what tech skills are becoming more and more prominent? Reflect on skills you haven’t yet developed but may need and then focus on acquiring them, even for just one hour a week.

Taking this time to be both introspective and proactive can help your company in the here and now, as well as help you in the long run, since you’ll gain a reputation as a self-starter who takes the initiative to step up when needed.

4. Be a ‘Do-er’

What companies need while they pivot to adopt new business models and revenue streams and while unemployment skyrockets are employees who can get things done, fast. People who can roll up their sleeves and do the task at hand, no matter how small.

Those who are more likely to succeed now are the hardest workers with the greatest tenacity. Now more than ever, those who have grit, determination, and dedication will stand out from their peers.

5. Networking is Still Key

Whether you’re looking for new opportunities or not, networking is a skill that’s valuable to develop, especially in times of uncertainty.

While so many people are staying at home in isolation, many will likely appreciate you reaching out. Look out for webinars to attend and keep learning, set up virtual coffee dates with clients, coworkers, or reach out to furloughed colleagues to check in.

Now may be the time you can help others and become known as a generous team player. Or, if you need career advice don’t be afraid to ask. People love to help, and you might even make someone’s day by giving them a chance to make a positive impact.

With daily life in a state of flux, it’s natural to crave stability and security. While there are no guarantees, these steps will help you strengthen your position within your current company and bolster your skillset in case you need, or decide, to explore new opportunities.

Are you looking for a career change or for talented tech professionals to join your team?  Speak with our specialist consultants today.

The post How to Increase Your Job Security Now and Post-Pandemic appeared first on W.I.T. Republic.

Bhavana talks about her interesting career moving from the NASA Control Centre to the Salesforce ecosystem. She also discusses what she believes has contributed to her success in Salesforce and offers her top tips to others navigating a career in the ecosystem.

Third Republic (TR): To kick off, could you tell us a bit about your career, how you got into Salesforce and your journey so far?

Bhavana Singh (BS): In 2012, I managed another on-premise CRM system, and version upgrades were a nightmare. I couldn’t believe that Salesforce does three upgrades per year that happen while you sleep. It sounded fictional and magical! I fell in love with the Salesforce platform and decided to make a career change to be doing something, anything, on the platform. That was in 2012 and I am so happy with my decision as this platform has now enabled me to work for myself doing what I absolutely love.

TR: So, before getting into Salesforce you worked in the NASA control centre. What made you decide to go for a career change and leave NASA for a career in the Salesforce ecosystem?

BS: I really enjoyed working on NASA projects. But unfortunately around that time, NASA was facing budget cuts and projects were being cancelled. So, I shifted focus and my next job was working for a financial company. This is where I eventually came across Salesforce and became truly fascinated by the platform. When I left that job, I started my own consulting firm. I am a registered partner now and am very fortunate to be doing what I love for a living.

TR: Not only are you a Salesforce MVP but you were also awarded the Developer Golden Hoodie in 2018. What do you think has helped you when it comes to achieving these accolades?

BS: If you ask any MVP or a golden hoodie recipient, they will all the same thing – they never set out to win any of these awards. Both of these awards are a recognition and a celebration of individuals who have a passion for learning, the love for community and are always paying it forward.

I am honored to be chosen for both awards. When I was awarded the golden hoodie, so many young women reached out to me as I had inspired them to also further their technical career. I am really happy that I can be that role model and am truly grateful for Salesforce for recognizing and celebrating Women in tech.

You can find out more about MVP program here and about the golden hoodie here.

TR: What are your top tips for others navigating a career in the ecosystem?

BS: Learning: Always be learning. I am personally addicted to learning and trailhead. I joined the 100 days of trailhead last year. I would start my day with one hour of trailhead. That really instilled in me the habit of daily learning. I still follow it, even on weekends. It is addictive and fun.

Networking: If you are not part of your local user groups, you are missing out on a huge resource. Join local user groups as well as the virtual ones. There is a big Ohana presence on twitter. Take an active part in that. There is so much to learn out there and there are so many Ohana members who are generous with their time and willing to share their expertise. Network and promote yourself.

Invest in yourself: I make the best effort to go to a few conferences (Dreamforce and Trailheadx) and as many community events as I can every year. I see the cost as an investment in myself. And it hasn’t disappointed me. I always return from these things with new insights and new energy. I have made many lifelong friends that I have made at these events.

Certifications: Certifications are a way of proving to yourself that you have mastered the concepts related to that part of the platform. Employers and clients are also looking for candidates with certifications.

However, don’t just cram learning to take the test. Only take the test when you have spent sufficient time mastering the concepts by doing them. We are so lucky that we are able to get free developer orgs and are able to test anything we want hands-on. Put this resource to use for yourself. I have a developer org that I have maintained since 2014. Every time I learn a new concept, I try to create a working example there so that I can refer back to it in the future.

Have Fun: If you are not having fun at your job, then you won’t be able to give it the energy and passion it deserves. If you don’t like what you do, change it when you can. If you are not able to change it right away, spend time off hours developing skills that will allow you to change it in the future. Having fun is really key to advancing in your career.

If you do these things, your career can’t help but be elevated

TR: As a woman in tech, what are some of the challenges when it comes to starting a career in the Salesforce ecosystem?

BS: I believe the challenges are similar to women starting a career in any technical ecosystem. Our numbers are small and we sometimes don’t see role models that we can look up to. But I believe things are so much better in the Salesforce ecosystem compared to other places I have worked before. I have so much support provided by other women in tech and allies.

Two years ago at Dreamforce, I found out that there are less than 5% of women CTAs in the world. I feel a movement started around that time. There are so many of us now studying to become CTAs. I believe we will see the number go up in the near future. Salesforce does an excellent job of providing support to women in technology and by being an equality and diversity role model.

If you’re a Salesforce professional and would like to join Bhavana Singh, in our Q&A series, please get in touch with us today!

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1. Demonstrate valuable soft skills

Businesses are increasingly making hiring decisions based on key soft skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, adaptability and collaboration. And while these traits will serve you well throughout your career, during an economy-transforming pandemic, these abilities are crucial to success in a new role.

•  Flexibility: your primary responsibilities might have changed slightly as a result of current circumstances. Rather than panic about it, use this as an opportunity to show your agility. Chances are, your role and responsibilities will revert back in the future and those who can adapt will be the most successful.

•  Proactive and productive: your colleagues may be more preoccupied than usual learning how to do their roles virtually or troubleshooting new challenges. Demonstrate that you’re self-sufficient and don’t wait for others to reach out. Take it upon yourself to learn programs, set up meetings to get to know colleagues and educate yourself on the culture, protocols and policies as much as possible.

•  Attitude: it’s important not to ignore if you’re feeling anxious, uncertain or overwhelmed and to seek support, not just in the current circumstances but at any time during your career. However, be careful about venting to your new team or engaging them as confidantes for personal challenges, even if others seem to be doing this. Remember, this is still a trial period and first impressions really do count.

•  Problem-solver: tech professionals who are able to anticipate and create resourceful solutions to challenges are always highly valued in businesses. Don’t hang quietly in the background, right now, you have a unique opportunity to demonstrate your problem-solving skillset.

2. Be vocal

When working in an office, it’s easier to see who’s putting the work in. It’s more difficult as a remote employee, especially when you’re trying to prove yourself. So, while working at home, be sure to:

•  Be patient and take the lead: your boss will likely be incredibly busy with crisis management at the moment, so although you’re new to the team, it’s important to be patient with them and understand that you might need to take the lead on creating an agenda for catch-ups. Send a bullet point checklist of what you’re working on, and include questions that will help you move forward.

•  Get to know your colleagues: as a new starter, you’ll build a lot of new relationships by driving the process. Set up Zoom meetings with your coworkers to get to know them and learn how you can best support them in your role.

•  Seek opportunities: since everyone is likely working out this new way of working, it’s important to identify problems you can solve, or reach out periodically to individual colleagues to remind them of your willingness to help.

3. Your workspace

It’s important to carve out a workspace that sets you up for success. Noise, disruptions, and poor lighting are just a few things that may get in the way when working from home. Many who live in cities will have a challenging time shutting out the sirens, honking horns or even noisy neighbours. Do the best you can and test different options (e.g. headphones), while learning the tools available on the technology platform you’re using (e.g. notification settings). Use video conferencing when available and show up on screen as you would appear in the office.

One of the top challenges when working from home is setting boundaries, but as a new employee who is proving themselves, you may be conflicted between going the extra mile and officially closing down shop at the end of the workday.

Fortunately, you can do both. Strive to be available during regular working hours via phone, email, text or whatever communication methods are regularly used in your workplace. However, communication is key and it’s important to let your team know if you need to be offline. If regular hours usually end at 6pm, let your team know how to reach you after hours in an emergency. This way you don’t need to be tied to your email or laptop. You’ll both earn respect and protect your sanity.

Remote workforces were on the rise prior to the global pandemic, with businesses in the tech sector being particular early adopters. However, current circumstances of social distancing and self-isolation have forced businesses to learn that they can survive working 100% virtually.  So whether you find yourself temporarily working from home or starting a new job virtually, it’s likely that this new way of work could become much more commonplace.

If you’re looking for top tech talent to join your team or are a tech professional looking for a new role, please get in touch with us today!

The post Tips For a Career Move During the Pandemic appeared first on W.I.T. Republic.

Timing

It seems that many people sign in to video meetings a few minutes early so if you’re hosting the meeting try to sign in five minutes beforehand to get everything set up.

Introduce everyone on the call. If it’s an external meeting this is important. You want to create a welcoming environment just like you would if you were conducting the meeting in person.

It’s common for video meetings to overrun as it’s assumed everyone is at home so has the time to spare. However, your colleagues and employees need a break between all of these video meetings. Sometimes these meetings are even tougher if you’re cooped up in one room and not getting much exercise. Taking a short break in between is really needed. 

Timing is key so be sure not to start late and finish on time.

Dress appropriately

If it’s a professional meeting? Then dress the part. There are numerous stories now about people being dressed inappropriately for video meetings. In general, try not to wear distracting patterns. For professional meetings, keep it simple and remember to think about how you’d dress if the meeting were in person.

Nonverbal behaviours 

If your video is on and you are on a professional call. You need to look at the camera and stay focused. Try to remember to look into the camera so that you appear engaged. Give your best attention, rather than trying to multitask while you are on the call. People can generally tell when you are not focused on their conversation. Would you be multitasking if you were in a face-to-face meeting with people?

Treat the video call like a face-to-face meeting. Avoid moving around too much while you’re on the call. Remember that your video is on unless you turn it off so watch what you are doing and be sure that it is what you want people to see.

Remove distractions 

Try to have all meetings in a dedicated room to avoid distractions, such as dogs barking, housemates coming in etc. 

Or at least keep your audio on mute until you’re talking. It’s good practice to keep your audio on mute at all times unless speaking (or in a 1-on-1 meeting). This way background noise and distractions will be eliminated and it’s one less thing for you to worry about.

Also, check out your background to make sure it is appropriate and professional or well suited to the occasion. You don’t want people to see your piles of washing in the background. Many sites now allow you to set up a virtual background so that they cannot see your real background.

Show your face 

At least periodically during the meeting. People feel more connected if they can actually see each other. Plus, the host may want to see that you are in fact listening.

Check your tech

Make sure everything is running properly. Do some test runs before you start.

Don’t interrupt

Wait for a pause before talking. This can be difficult on a video call since it is not as easy to see everyone to know who has interrupted the conversation. But try your best to wait for an opening before speaking over others.

Think about a video call like a face-to-face meeting. Professionalism is still key while you’re on a video meeting, whether it’s with a colleague you speak to all the time or an external meeting with clients. If you wouldn’t do something in a face-to-face meeting, don’t do it in a video meeting.

Don’t forget to smile! With all of these video meetings taking over our lives, a sense of humour and a smile can go a long way to making the meetings more pleasant for everyone!

If you’re looking for top tech talent to join your team or are a tech professional looking for a new role, please get in touch with us today!

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However, remote developers can miss out on skills that those in the office might pick up naturally. And in the face of a widening skills gap, upskilling and training is becoming increasingly important.

So how can you ensure you keep your remote workers up-to-date with the latest skills?

Create a learning culture

Learning is an integral part of a Developers career trajectory. According to one survey, almost 90% of developers say that they’ve taught themselves a new coding language without taking a formal course. Spending their own time learning new skills necessary to do their jobs.

As an employer, you need to ensure remote workers are encouraged to spend their time upskilling and measure this time as a positive step towards their business goals.

Build a community

From our own experiences working with developers, and the tech industry in general, we know that there is enormous value in the community. The tech community is well-known for its openness and willingness to be supportive. Which is, of course, vital when working remotely.

Businesses can leverage this desire for collaboration by providing access to internal or external communities. Platforms such as Slack allow remote workers to freely engage, ask questions, exchange information, and bond over shared experiences with their coworkers.

Set goals

When it comes to training and upskilling developers, every team member has a different skillset and training need. This means employers must establish individual plans for each remote worker allowing every individual to reach their highest potential.

However, it’s crucial to leave as much freedom to your employees as possible. Most people prefer to learn on their own terms, so it may be counterproductive to impose a certain training/learning plan. It’s also important to think about training and certifications that will be beneficial to your company’s overall growth.

Relinquish control

It’s important to give your employees a degree of choice when it comes to learning. Giving your developers the opportunity to choose how they learn will make them feel appreciated and will build trust. This will also lead to increased productivity and a healthier, more successful working culture.

Equipping employees with cutting-edge skills will keep them happy and impact your company’s bottom line. Tech has always led the way when it comes to effectively implementing remote working.

And as the modern workplace evolves, other businesses need to step up in order to stay relevant and attract top talent. Accepting remote working as a positive is most certainly part of this.

Are you looking for talented tech professionals to join your team?  Speak with our specialist consultants today to hear about the hottest talent.

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Find opportunities to offer value

People like people who help them. So if you establish yourself as a person who adds real value, you automatically endear yourself to people. And the best part? You can do all that value-adding from the comfort of your own home.

Look for ways to help, to support, or to make valuable connections for people in your network. The tech industry is full of forums for you to offer your advice, share experiences and answer questions. You can even use social media, such as LinkedIn groups and Twitter, as a way to interact with and help out your peers.

The key to success with this tip? Be genuine! Don’t just look to help people in the hopes they’ll help you down the line. If you come from a self-serving place, people will pick up on that. Instead, make a list of where you genuinely feel as though your experience and skills can help, keep active in community groups and if the opportunity presents itself, jump on it.

Use social media to establish yourself

Getting your name, company, or project out there on social media is a great way to establish yourself as a thought leader. Many tech professionals are incredibly active on social media (specifically Twitter and LinkedIn). So ensuring you’re active on these platforms, will help to not only increase your social network but will also give your career a healthy boost. These days, you can contribute your expertise from wherever you are and use it to develop contacts globally.

Bottom line? The more you get your name out there, the more people will see it – and the more your network will grow.

Join community groups

The best networks are built organically. So, joining online community groups is a great way to have more informal conversations with your peers. These groups give you the opportunity to share your own knowledge and experiences, as well as ask your peers questions. Joining these groups and attending events can help you build some of the strongest and most authentic connections.

These groups put you in touch with other like-minded people in the industry. And building a network of like-minded people is not only essential from a social perspective, but it can also boost your career. It’s a win-win!

Start a podcast

Podcasts are having a serious moment. And they’re good for more than entertaining you during a long drive or during your lunch break. They can be a great way to connect with people across the ecosystem.

Of course, starting a podcast is definitely a lot more labor-intensive than sharing your advice in community groups or posting on social media. But if starting your own podcast is something you’re genuinely interested in. And if you’re willing to put the work in to develop and market your show, it can be an incredibly valuable networking tool. A podcast provides you with the opportunity to interview various people in the tech industry and get your name out there. It might start small, but it could almost certainly lead to more opportunities down the road. And because you don’t have to be in the same place (or even the same time zone) as your guest, you can manage the entire process remotely.

Think having your own podcast could be for you? Here are some helpful tips about getting started and a list of podcasting resources to get an idea of how to get started.

Working remotely certainly presents some challenges in terms of connecting with new people. But with a little creativity and willingness to put yourself out there (sometimes stepping outside your comfort zone), you can network just as successful as you could in a more traditional office setting.

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