With the Coronavirus epidemic, many of us practiced working from home and perhaps will continue so for an unforeseen time. Therefore it is necessary to know that similar to the office, remote work also has a code of conduct that is imperative to be followed. Many may be confused and unaware of the intricacies and unspoken rules, and it is due to this reason that leaders must make sure employees are aware and obedient of these guidelines regarding remote etiquette during COVID-19.

The most important part of remote working etiquette is mutual respect and understanding. As individuals are working in different locations, several implications can determine how one should act digitally. There is a high chance that not everybody is in the same time-zone, due to partially distributed teams in a company. Hence, first and foremost it is important to be aware of each-other’s availability and ensure it is communicated to everybody. Nobody appreciates a video-call in the middle of the night – it is a violation of space.

Similarly, enforcing the idea of a “9 to 5” working schedule can cause more harm than good. Remote working necessitates a balance between work and personal life due to household responsibilities. The success of remote working is owed to its’ flexibility, where employees can find their own flow. Therefore, managers should not penalize employees for not adhering to the exact office rules while working from home. However, this does not mean that necessary meetings, presentations or conferences are taken lightly, or frivolously. These should be considered with input from employees’ preferences and availability, and not solely the dictation of leaders. Another advantage of this method is to eliminate distractions that would have normally occurred if employees’ opinions were not taken into account.

As we established, even during remote work, communication is key. However, it is necessary not to go overboard. Constant messaging, email, or video-calling colleagues is a complete no-no. To prevent this from happening, you can use tools such as priority inbox to receive notifications from a selected list. Avoid reaching out to colleagues on their private social media, or number unless they have given permission to do so. It is helpful to establish a specific platform of communication rather than resorting to different tools on every occasion to prevent overlapping.

Lastly, ensure that you come across in a presentable fashion. One should never take the flexibility of remote work for granted. Not cleaning the remote office space or wearing appropriate clothes during a video conference can make others feel uncomfortable.

Although remote working has existed for several years, its’ etiquette are not entirely known by many. Therefore, it is now more important than ever to embed these Remote Etiquette During COVID-19 a common practice.

References:

1. Coronavirus And The Etiquette Of Working From Home, Feb 20, 2020, Financial Times.