How To Effectively Lead WFH Teams
By Vincent Low
It’s been 6 months since the DORSCON level was raised to Orange and Work From Home (WFH) measures kicked in. It’s been quite an experience learning how to maximise productivity while maintaining a clear work-life balance.
This WFH has given me the additional challenge of overseeing projects and running my team remotely. Until a vaccine is developed, telecommuting seems here to stay. I’d like to share my experiences and learnings with you on how to effectively lead a team in WFH setting.
Check in daily to avoid miscommunications and misconceptions
Now that we can’t be physically present in the office together, face-to-face communication has been substituted with texts, calls and video conferences. What I’ve noticed is that information and details can be lost in translation through virtual communication.
Therefore, be it through texting or calling, managers should take the extra step and have a daily check-in with their employees to avoid any potential misunderstandings.
The idea is to create an open avenue where employees know they have a safe space to ask questions, raise concerns and be heard. This way, not only will you get to minimise miscommunication and confusion, tasks can be carried out more objectively and efficiently.
Structure detailed communication options
To ensure smooth communication between team members, I recognise that it’s crucial to establish a structure for where, when and how often employees should talk to each other.
For example, set the expectation that voice-only calls are for large meetings. Instant messages on messaging platforms are for daily casual conversations. Calls on personal mobile phone numbers are only permitted when something is urgent.
Email alone is too slow and insufficient to convey information. With this system, my team is on the same page and knows how to reach each other more productively.
Allow more workplace flexibility
With WFH, the boundaries between work and home have been blurred drastically. It’s not uncommon to hear stories of employees being emotionally exhausted from simultaneously juggling domestic chores, office tasks and taking care of their children’s well-being.
I’d like to think most people do want to put in an honest day’s work. That’s why I trust my team and allow them flexibility on when to complete their tasks. So long the work gets done, there is no need to add to their stress by supervising them closely.
Offer both emotional and professional support
Allowing more workplace flexibility is only part one of acknowledging how COVID-19 has impacted us. The second is to recognise that the people we work with need more emotional and professional support than they anticipate.
As a manager, caring for the well-being of your team is as necessary as ensuring KPIs are met. This is because building a happy team in the workplace is essential for maintaining the productivity of your employees.
During the daily check-ins with your team, lend them a listening ear and ask how you can make their work easier. Offer solutions and make them feel supported. Above all, be kind to them. You never know what they’re dealing with at home.
Managing WFH Teams
These are unprecedented times, there is no playbook on how to deal with such volatility in our personal and professional lives. With the experience that I picked up, the best advice I can give is to remain adaptable and work on solving problems as they come. I hope with these suggestions, you’ll be more effective when leading your WFH team!
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