126 - Marissa Goldberg: Communicating in a Remote Environment
Sep 7, 2023
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Marissa Goldberg, remote work expert, discusses the challenges and solutions of remote work, including virtual boundaries, effective communication, setting clear expectations, transitioning to healthier environments, building deeper relationships, and creating multiple work zones.
Remote work requires setting clear expectations for work hours and communication channels to prevent burnout.
To address the challenge of communication in remote work environments, companies should provide training on virtual communication tools and encourage proactive communication.
Deep dives
Importance of Setting Virtual Boundaries in Remote Work
One of the major challenges in remote work is burnout. Many people approach remote work by trying to replicate their in-person work habits, leading to communication issues and burnout. It is crucial to recognize that remote work requires a different approach and the establishment of virtual boundaries. This means setting clear expectations for work hours and communication channels. Implementing strategies like multiple browser profiles and separate password managers can help create friction between work and personal tasks, improving focus and reducing the risk of burnout.
Creating Effective Communication in Remote Work
Communication is another significant challenge in remote work environments. When working remotely, peripheral communication, the unplanned and informal interactions that happen in an office, is diminished. To address this, companies should provide training on virtual communication tools and encourage proactive communication. Managers should create an atmosphere that fosters open dialogue and sets aside dedicated time for synchronous communication, like instant messaging hours. New hires can be proactive by sharing regular updates with their managers and maintaining a written record of questions and discussion points to ensure effective and timely communication.
Transitioning from Unhealthy to Healthy Remote Work Environments
Some companies struggle to create healthy remote work environments, leading to issues like micromanagement and lack of trust. It is essential to address these challenges and transition towards a healthier work environment. This requires setting explicit policies and expectations for responsiveness, establishing autonomy, and recognizing accountability in remote work contexts. Providing training and support for managers can ensure effective project management and communication practices. Employees should actively communicate their preferences, needs, and working styles to foster better collaboration and create a supportive work environment.
Maintaining Mental Health in Remote Work
Remote work can impact mental health, especially when it comes to the lack of social interaction and isolation. However, it also offers flexibility and freedom. Individuals should take advantage of these benefits by creating a social life outside of work, spending time with loved ones, and exploring different workspaces like coffee shops or co-working spaces. It is important to find a balance between work and personal life, experiment with different work zones, and schedule regular breaks to prioritize mental well-being. Additionally, companies should promote a healthy work-life balance, encourage open conversations about mental health, and provide resources for support.
In this episode, Daphne interviews remote work expert Marissa Goldberg. Marissa has been working remotely since 2015 and has managed remote team members across 20 countries. Her business, Remote Work Prep, helps companies create healthy, effective, remote work environments. If you are interested in a remote role, this episode is for you.
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