COVID-19: Working Virtually

This checklist provides tips and information to help you prepare to work remotely during the COVID-19 crisis situation.

During a crisis such as COVID-19, work teams often find themselves working quickly and outside of their normal routine. It is essential that managers and team members alike keep the lines of communication open for optimal engagement, productivity and morale.

Tips for managers

Connect with your team members as a group or individually to:

ensure team members are okay
update team members on departmental direction
identify a communication strategy, for example, confirm that employees are getting departmental messages, confirm frequency of communication touch points
share clear work expectations with you team members during this period

Confirm which employees are teleworking, are on annual leave or are on leave in response to COVID-19.

Support team members as needed, for example, determine which team members need one-on-one chats or more frequent check-ins.

Be flexible and human. Your team will be working from home and may have family members creating additional demands on their time. They may also be experiencing anxiety or feeling isolated and alone.

Tips for team members

Connect with your colleagues and manager to:

ask questions
confirm communication channels on how to get the most up-to-date information on working arrangements during the COVID-19 outbreak
clarify your manager's expectations during this time
share best practices regarding working remotely
talk about your concerns to avoid anxiety about any ambiguous expectations

Keep aware about which colleagues are teleworking or are on leave.

Be kind to yourself. This may be a period of anxiety for you and your loved ones, so take care of yourself. Do not hesitate to reach out to your supervisor, your team members or the Employee Assistance Program for support.