One of the things that helps our productivity is knowing what to expect from each other at work. But when you’re working from home, people can’t tell what you’re doing, when you’re busy and when you’re available. They can’t just walk by your desk and see you’re on the phone or deep in thought.
For some, they’ll be constantly reaching out and interrupting your work. And if they’re used to quick turnaround time during traditional working hours, they’re probably expecting that to continue. Even though your situation may not allow you to put in your time during the traditional “9 to 5” (or 8 to whenever!) as before.
For others, they may expect that you’re busy and if you haven’t reached out to them, they’re reluctant to bother you even though that could slow down the productivity of the team.
Neither of these is a good outcome for you, your colleagues or the organization.
It’s a little like Goldilocks and the 3 Bears where sometimes it’s “too hot” or “too cold” when you want to get it to be “just right”.
To get it “just right”, this is a great time to agree on expectations and set boundaries.
Start by talking to others – including your team, colleagues and boss – about each person’s best windows for calls versus when they’re most productive in doing “deep work” where concentration is required, and compare that to the needs of the team or project. When there’s transparency on expectations and boundaries, everyone will be more productive because no one on the team will waste time worrying about when to reach out or what to expect.
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May is an executive coach, speaker, advisor, and author of the #1 international bestseller VISIBLE: How to Advance Your Career Without Playing Politics, Selling Your Soul, or Working Yourself into the Ground. She’s a seasoned business executive with a passion for helping leaders be the best they can be.
As an executive coach and mentor, May brings 24 years of front-line corporate experience and expertise, most recently as COO of Morgan Stanley Europe, to help professionals overcome (often hidden) obstacles, advance to the next level in their careers and reach their full potential.
