Work from Home Tips

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Here are some of the actions we've taken and what we've learned the past few weeks to be sure our teams were ready to work from home to assist you with all of your transportation needs: 

INVEST IN TECHNOLOGY

  • Don't skimp on equipment: Get your employees the most up-to-date technology they need to be successful from home and/or send them home with the equipment they need to do a great job for your customers. We did both. Now is not the time to learn who has outdated personal equipment. 
  • Increase the number of IT Hotline response team members for faster resolutions to employees' technology issues. We cross-trained multiple departments to focus on the immediate and day-to-day technology glitches that were new to those not used to working from home. 
  • Portals of success: This is a confusing and rapidly changing time. We created a central hub of communications related to COVID-19 that link to employee resources and updates, business support for Customers and Carriers, and links to IT videos, documents and hotlines for working from home. 
  • Don't think you know it all: We added a "Work from Home" Idea Bank category to our employee intranet where any employee can share ideas and experiences. It generates everything from new work-from-home efficiencies, organizational tips, communication ideas, tools they have discovered and ways to stay engaged with their teams. 

We also hear a lot from our managers and supervisors about their tips on how to keep their teams connected and motivated. Here are some of our favorites: 

INVEST IN YOUR PEOPLE

  • Keep the cadence: Communicate with your teams with the same cadence you do when in the office. This includes holding regular 1 on 1s, team meetings, etc. 
  • Check in on their emotional health: Have at least one interaction with each direct report every day. Not having routine interactions with coworkers can easily allow for your team to feel untethered. Ask them how they're coping and give them some room to share their challenges and emotions. 
  • Check in on productivity: Be sure to overcommunicate your priorities which may not be as obvious when you're face-to-face. Don't assume what's your priority for tomorrow is as obvious to them. 
  • Mix up the video conferences: Invite others to your team's video conferences. It breaks up the routine of seeing the same people all day long and we've noticed it provides a nice infusion of energy. 
  • Be generous with praise: Remote working can create stress and even loneliness, especially for extroverts. Recognize the big and little things. A word of praise goes a long way in this environment. 

INVEST IN YOUR NEW WORK ROUTINE 

  • Where: Have a comfortable place to sit with a view. Designate a specific space as opposed to jumping around too much. Be on your feet when you can. 
  • When: Set office/working hours. 
  • Keep your workspace clean and organized: It brings structure at a time of chaos and uncertainty. 
  • Schedule alerts for family: To minimize distractions and background noise, let your family know ahead of time when you have video conferences. Don't assume they know your schedule. 
  • For kids: If you have kids at home, make a list of fun things they can do to keep them occupied. Consider some ideas from our Employee Culture and Morale list. 
  • For furry kids: Keep plenty of treats nearby. 
  • For motivation: Play good music. Often. Music is said to release endorphins, quell anxiety and stabilize the immune system. And to quote one of our managers from one team "Groovin' keeps the freight movin."

INVEST IN YOURSELF 

  • Routines matter: Shower each morning. Be sure to get your workout in. Starting the day with a routine helps maintain discipline. 
  • Care about your look: Fix your hair and put makeup on just as you do for the office. You'll be looking at a reflection of yourself all day in video conferences. 
  • Let your intentions be known: Check in with your manager each morning and let them know what you'll be working on and will complete for the day. It creates a sense of connection and focus. 
  • Be virtually social: Check in with the coworkers you usually talk to during a typical day. You wouldn't sit in solitude and not speak to anyone at the office, so you shouldn't do so from home, either. Stop and think about even those you chat with less frequently. Let them know you're thinking of them too. 
  • Breaks: Determine a set time to walk away from the computer to grab a bite, stretch, clear your mind. Working from home can sometime tie you to screen time even longer since many communications that used to be in person are now screen time. Set an alarm to get a three-minute break every hour to stretch. 
  • Get outdoors: Schedule time to take a walk, outside where possible. The fresh air and natural light will revitalize you. Consider fitness and step counters to motivate the movement. 

(Also Available: Ready for Business and Employee Culture and Morale Tips) 

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