For those of you working remote, what tools/technology are you using to stay engaged with coworkers? How often are you checking in with others throughout the day?
I've been hearing from managers that they are feeling anxious about trying to make sure their teams are actually working while at home. I'm curious how others are dealing with this?
So many ways to keep connected...the challenge is finding the time to fit it all in! Texting, FaceTime, GoToMeeting, Zoom, the office virtual chat rooms are all ways we stay connected. Let's not forget the old fashioned phone call too that let's you hear the tone that doesn't always translate in a written message.
I think you both brought up such a realistic approach that we have so many ways to stay connected, but it is a matter of finding time to do so.
When working in a physical office space it can be easy just to walk over to a coworker and run something by them for instant feedback but sometimes that quick walk over is often a great refresh too. So I challenge you to make time to communicate and if you want to run something by a coworker, take a walk around the block or at least around the room when you call them to get feedback. The human connection can be an instant stress reliever and also provide some insightful feedback.
The neo-classics: Chat System, Email, and Phone calls. I use the chat system dozens of times a day for quick "heads ups" messaging and Q&A. Emails when official records are in play, and I anchor everything with phone calls becasue they're still the best way to convey information short of face-to-face meetings. And while virtual meetings do provide some of that face-to-face communication, most of us are still simply not all that used to being on screen and that can inhibit the medium's communication effectiveness more than a phone call can, in my opinion.
Text only communication just doesn't cut it when such a huge part of complex communication is non-verbal.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nonverbal_communication