During these trying times, your business may have opted to use Microsoft Teams as your primary source of conversation and communication. Maybe you were already using it before. Either way, Teams can make your stay at home much more comfortable, and Tridius has all the tips you need to make your remote work flourish.
How To Manage Staff Remotely
The first positive is remote communication methods. Online meetings become simplified and streamlined through the integrated video chat system. You can create a session and set an online join option so members of your team can opt in to the video regardless of where they’re working. It covers video and voice chat so you get the full, nearly-in person experience.
Conferences can be challenging to manage by yourself, especially if your team has more than six people. This can make the conference call feel crowded and may either result in a shouting match or wasted time as team members try to talk over you or ask questions. Leave yourself time for everyone to have a discussion, pause after main points for questions, and remind those in attendance that they can use the chat window to share their ideas even when you’re still speaking.
You can also record the meeting so members that aren’t able to make it have a chance to watch later. The recording generates a transcript so they can search for important talking points. This makes meetings more reviewable and more comfortable to manage than ever before. Meetings are only the first way you can simplify your staff management capabilities.
Getting Better Remote Work Productivity
Beyond team chats and using Teams calling features to stay connected, you need to set yourself up for success. Use a space in your home that helps you concentrate on the task at hand, and if the background distracts members of your team during meetings, there’s a built-in blur feature to help bring the focus back to you. More communication is better than less, especially when everything is working through remote teams.
Working from home means balancing your personal life and your work life even more closely than you would in the office, since they’ve now combined. Communicate your schedule through the calendar section of Teams to ensure everyone is on the same page for project deadlines, meeting times, and more. Give them reliable times during the day that they’ll be able to reach you and let them know when you’ll be away from the computer, either for lunch, to pick up the kids, or more.
It can be difficult to know when is the best time to take a break now that you don’t have to commute, talk to coworkers in the office, or otherwise. Set a deadline for the end of the day and keep it consistent. Stay hydrated, well-fed, well-rested, and reduce stress through breaks, exercise, or whatever helps you the most. Unwind by talking to team members through Microsoft Teams, or order from the local coffee shop. Do what helps you most to, in turn, help those around you.
It can be difficult to know when is the best time to take a break now that you don’t have to commute, talk to coworkers in the office, or otherwise. Set a deadline for the end of the day and keep it consistent. Stay hydrated, well-fed, well-rested, and reduce stress through breaks, exercise, or whatever helps you the most.
Microsoft Teams Tips and Tricks
While there’s an entire blog dedicated to the tips and tricks you can use in Teams, keep a few points in mind that will help you operate more efficiently. Use the different channels to speak with friends, colleagues, and your team separately. You can make your own chat rooms or channels (within reason), so have fun with it and make sure you stay connected. Set reminders to check in with team members daily to see how they’re doing, if they need help, or if they just want to chat for a while.
Bring the team together through the Microsoft Whiteboard feature in Teams to create daily check-ins, alerts, and meeting times. Give them something to think about, brainstorm together, or play games to help everyone relax. There are many different ways for Teams to bring your team communication together. Use Teams to encourage everyone to have more fun. Share pictures and ideas, create contests, and play games through different channels, chats, and conferences.
Simplify Remote Work
Remote employees are the ideal Microsoft Teams users, especially when they become full-time remote workers during situations like the present COVID-19 threat. Use teams as a method to support all of your members no matter where they are. If you need help, Tridius is here to lend a hand. Our expertise in Microsoft products stems from our dedication to IT and Microsoft. As a Microsoft Gold Partner, we understand all the ins and outs of the Microsoft applications you use daily. Whether you need an application development specialist, application management assistance, or an all-around IT expert, Tridius is here to help. When you need a helping hand to get through the quarantine and beyond, call Tridius today.
