Article | Evolving Workforces

CBRE’s 7 Tips for Successful Virtual Working

March 24, 2020 5 Minute Read

By Peter Andrew Lewis Beck

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Maintaining regular personal connections and effective team collaboration is always important for productive work, but it’s even more critical for remote working teams. CBRE’s Workplace practice has compiled the following best practices for virtual working as a reference guide for employees and managers alike.

Our practice in the United Kingdom has produced a video to correspond with this content: Making Virtual Working Work. We will continue to share further guidance over the coming weeks.

CBRE’s 7 Tips for Successful Virtual Working:

  1. KEEP IT SIMPLE

    Lead by example, set clear expectations and promote positivity

    Consider the perspectives of the: “Client, Business, Team, and Individual"

    Provide guidance and tips, rather than complicated policies

  2. FOSTER A NEW MINDSET

    Measure performance rather than perceived presence

    Build a culture of trust and empower people to take individual responsibility

    Upskill: give people the training and support they need to drive confidence

  3. MAKE IT HUMAN

    Schedule informal virtual chats, lunches, and happy hours for team socialization

    Use video: face-to-face interactions build relationships and support engagement in meetings

    Look out for your colleagues: working remotely can be isolating so check in with one another regularly

  4. WORK TOGETHER

    Agree on how the team will work together when it comes to schedules, flexibility and expectations on timing

    Discuss how virtual working is going and adapt to changing needs and improvement ideas

    Agree that it’s okay to step away for the occasional personal appointment as long as the team is transparent with one another

  5. BE TECH SAVVY

    Ensure everyone has the technology and tools needed to work effectively and provide support for anyone struggling

    Develop good virtual meeting skills

    Ensure clear and consistent file sharing and storage protocols are in place

  6. STAY HEALTHY

    Ensure plenty of natural light, good posture, fresh air, and movement to boost mood and productivity

    Remember that healthy nutrition and good hydration fuel both the body and brain

    Try to find the right balance between work and life by setting a daily schedule of when to sign on and off

  7. LOCATION, LOCATION...

    Working from home is just one option for virtual working - discuss and agree what works for everyone as a team

    Be aware of confidentiality and security risks, especially if working in a shared space or area with other people around

    If possible, balance virtual work with time in the office to maintain personal networks and company connectivity
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