Now we are in lock down people are adopting different homeworking styles. Although we are apart we still need to work together so it is important to recognise different homeworking types of team members, especially if you are a team leader or manager. Without recognising homeworking styles, teams will not perform at their best and in some cases may become dysfunctional.
So what type of homeworker are you?
An Isolationist.
An isolationist is someone who locks themself away to get their tasks done and is reluctant to respond to emails and other communcations.
Being an Isolationist is fine for you but what about your colleagues who need information or advice from you? You need to recognise that working in an Isolationist mode is quite selfish. At the very least, you must signal to your colleagues through your calendar when you are available to be approached. If you are Manager or Team Leader you need to set a good example of accesability despite your own work pressures.
It is quite likely that these team members are unaware that they are exhibiting isolationist behaviour. So tactfully pointed out how their behaviour is impacting their colleagues. Through coaching and mentoring convince them that a more collaborative approach will not prevent them from completing their tasks and may well improve the quality of their work.
A Time Shifter.
A Time Shifter is someone who has to cope with non-work activities during the day. For example yiu may take time out for home schooling and catch up with work tasks in the evening. So you are not available to your colleagues throughout the traditonal working day.
You need to make your colleagues aware when you are working by keeping your calendar up-to-date and indicating when you will be able to reply to messages.
The opportunities for virtual team meetings will be more restricted if members of the team are working at different times. Consider using non-verbal comunications but avoid bombarding colleagues with emails and messages. Try to find mutually agreed times for occasional videoconferences to avoid the isolation of colleagues.
A Reluctant Absentee.
Are you someone who has been reluctant to leave your familiar office environment and you miss the support and social interactions with colleagues? You may feel quite isolated and stressed in a homeworking environment.
Find ways of keeping in touch informally with colleagues using social media and other communication tools that you are comfortable with. Consider using video calls so you can see your colleagues' body language and facial expressions.
Be sensitive to their concerns and use coaching and mentoring to help them get to grips with communication and collaboration technologies. This will demonstrate that they can enjoy the virtual support of colleagues while working at home.
A Remote Manager.
You have mastered the use of communication and collaboration technologies and you are comfortable working at any location.
Don't assume that everyone is as comfortable and competent as you in working remotely. Colleagues may respond more slowly to your communications than you would expect. Show some empathy.
The good news is that they are likely to be effective and productive members of the team, however they may make other other team members feel pressured until they have mastered the skills of working remotely.
Assistance in Managing Homeworkers
JEC Professional Services can advise organisations on adopting the best practices to manage homeworkers.
A brief video introducing the different types of Homeworker:
enei - the Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion
GAP
Grand Union Housing Group
North Yorkshire Police
Regenda Group
Rendall & Ritner
SmartestEnergy
Warwickshire & West Mercia Police
University of Leicester
Read our clients' testimonials below
Client feedback
Jim Austin
Associate Director Of Transformation, Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust
John was able, at very short notice, to assist us in writing and consolidating our agile working business case. His ability to quickly understand our complex environment and translate our thoughts into actionable activities was outstanding. I am happy to recommend his work.
Caroline Watson
Partner, Global Action Plan
John delivered a Ways of Working and IT review for us at Global Action Plan. He was a great listener and won the work because his was the most accurate proposal for our needs. His work didn't disappoint us. He was thorough, has great client liaison, was patient with our queries and level of understanding of IT issues and new techniques. I'd be happy to work with John again and recommend him.
Denise Yates
Chief Executive, Potential Plus UK
John’s approach was professional, knowledgeable and experienced in areas such as agile working and technology. He listened to our needs and about the constraints we operate under. He sought the views of stakeholders and made recommendations which were practical, fairly simple to implement and which were relevant to all those involved with us.
Ed Nunn
Managing Director, OEG Interiors Ltd
John, many thanks for the session last week and your very insightful presentation on Agile Working and how it can be successfully introduced in the modern workspace.
I would certainly be ready to recommend your services and look forward to working with you on future projects.
