Page 18 - COVID-Proof-Your-Agency

Chapter 2 – It’s a Pandemic. What’s Next? | Blew, Caldwell, Masiello

6. Producers have increased their sharing of information through social media. It helps

them to maintain the feeling that they were still open for business.

 Managing Staff: Moving your staff to a remote or virtual office requires new skills in

managing, communicating, and motivating. Make sure you follow these basic steps:

1. Provide tips for working from home, not everyone knows how to do this. Set regular

office hours. You are still running a business but be aware of employee’s special

needs or family situations.

2. Plan your work daily and update staff workflow priorities on a regular basis.

3. Encourage your staff to find a proper and quiet workplace. Review privacy rules and

office ergonomics.

4. Avoid distractions in the work area.

5. Take regular breaks as if working in the regular office.

6. Use the right technology. Remind employees to communicate their needs to their

supervisor. Encourage everyone not to suffer in silence.

7. Establish daily check-ins with supervisors and make them regular and predictable.

8. Identify several communication technology options, to enable easy discussions and

meetings.

9. Provide opportunities for remote social interaction. You should allow time during

video conferences for the staff to share a few stories and ideas about working from

home. Consider having everyone share something positive at the beginning of

meetings to establish the right mindset.

10. Provide Leadership and Support! Don’t assume that everyone is able to handle a

crisis in the same way, or they can adapt easily to change. They have their own

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