Communication
Replace Water Cooler Interactions
• Use technology and communications platforms, such as Slack, WhatsApp, or Facebook Groups, to replicate inclusive, real-time informal interactions
• Check in with your team during the day; post questions; share best practices; form groups around topics (i.e., food, exercise, wellness, parenting, eldercare, books/movies)
(NOTE: All communications technology must conform to software/platform terms of use and CUIT policy)
Recognize Different Communication Styles
• Ask team members to share preferred modes of communication (i.e., phone call/video chat, text, email, etc.)
• Consider preferences, and establish guidelines for when to use email, instant or text messages, or voice or video calls
• Be flexible with colleagues whose care responsibilities or other constraints prevent them from use of video in a virtual meeting
Consolidate Regular Communications
When working remotely, we receive more emails than usual. Below are some best practices for the use of email:
• Make emails succinct; use a clear subject header; include a call to action; note when a response is required; use bullets rather than paragraphs where possible; use line breaks strategically
• If important information is being updated on an ongoing basis, consider maintaining an easily accessible website with the most current information
• Establish and communicate expectations for response times
• Strive to convey warmth in emails; in the absence of body language, the intended tone of a message may be lost.
Encourage Boundaries and Rituals
• Establish and share personal preferences for time, location, or conditions for different types of work (i.e., email; calls; “deep work” or writing)
• Respect boundaries regarding others’ use of a personal cell phone