Currently, there are many things about the COVID-19 situation that we still don’t know. How long will the pandemic last before a cure or vaccine is found? What are the safeguards needed?
During this time, work teams need to know their work expectations, how to coordinate work to be done and even how long work from home (WFH) measures will be in place. If these information needs are left unmet, they can cause confusion, frustration or anxieties – leading to lower satisfaction and productivity at work.
To reduce such uncertainties and ill effects, team leaders and supervisors should be clear and intentional in their communication with team members.
Obstacle: The lack of mutual knowledge
“Mutual knowledge” refers to the shared information that everyone has. In a work context, this could be knowledge about an upcoming meeting, or knowing what conditions your colleague will face throughout the week.
In a WFH arrangement, the physical and psychological distance among team members contributes to a decline in mutual knowledge. Employees have to spend more time gathering necessary information, which affects decision-making and team relationships. Team members are less able to pick up specific social cues than when they were sharing the same workspace, and this can lead to staff being less likely to give their colleagues the benefit of the doubt.
Overcome: Have regular check-ins
Set regular check-ins at predictable times each week to connect with remote workers. This will give employees a space to raise concerns and questions that they may have with each other and with management. If the check-ins are done in a group setting, it is also an opportunity for employees to connect and catch-up with one another to build mutual knowledge.
For projects that require more collaboration, use video calls instead of emails. The opportunity for immediate clarification and sharing screens provide team members with the visual cues needed to reduce misunderstandings.