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Remote Work Best Practices

Wednesday, May 10th, 2017|

Artisan Creative is celebrating 20+ years in staffing and recruitment of creative professionals. Over the years we’ve learned a thing or two that we’d like to share with you. We hope you enjoy the 424th issue of our weekly a.blog.

More and more employers, employees, and freelancers are thinking outside the cube.

According to a recent Gallup survey covered in The New York Times, as many as 43% of employed Americans spend at least some of their professional time working at home or off-site, representing a four-point increase from 2012 and indicating a growing trend toward remote work.

This trend may seem liberating, however, with freedom comes responsibility. Remote work pumps different muscles of accountability and discipline.

If you’re new to remote work or plan to work remotely in the future, these best practices can help maintain or improve your productivity.

1. Get to know the team

When starting a new remote freelance assignment or a new full time remote job, you’ll want to learn everything you can about the company, its team, and its culture.

Since you will not be seeing everyone in person on a daily basis, it may take longer to get to know the team or manage issues as they arise. Miscommunication may affect your work and your relationships if you aren’t familiar and intuitive enough to mitigate them.

However, if you understand the people you work with and share their values and mission, you will have an easier time hashing out difficulties through email or video meetings.

2. Keep the Paths of Communication Open

When you are communicating as a remote worker, err on the side of generosity.

If you can, schedule regular check-ins to discuss how things are going and address any potential issues before they turn into active problems. It’s key to be open, honest, and thorough in all your communications. Setting up virtual zoom meetings or participating in your company’s slack channels can be a good way to stay connected.

Since most of your communication will be digital, take care to avoid digital miscommunication. Learn to convey your professional diligence and interpersonal skills through digital channels, and respond to any questions or concerns as quickly and thoughtfully as you can.

3. Find the Right Environment

For some people, working from home is a dream come true. They roll out of bed, start the coffee maker, and “commute” to their desks, twenty seconds away.

Others may work better in “third places” that are neither homes nor offices. These workers may find their ideal environments in coworking spaces or coffee shops. It is no coincidence that, as remote work has increased, new spaces and industries have appeared to accommodate those who still need to separate their work from the rest of their lives.

Wherever you decide to work, make sure the atmosphere is ideal for your productivity. If you are energized by the bustling ambiance, try working from a coffee shop. If you need quiet and isolation, find a peaceful place to work and set boundaries to protect it.

This requires some trial and error, so before you commit to full-time remote work, understand your own patterns, preferences, and boundaries. Any assignment is easier when you’re tackling it within your designated sweet spot.

4. Know Thyself

The right external environment is as essential as the right mindset. The relative freedom of remote work can empower you to play to your strengths.

The new world of work provides more freedom than ever before. Making the most of it requires wisdom, experimentation, and sensitivity to your own body and mind.

That’s where Artisan Creative can help. We work with a wide variety of talent with different styles and work preferences. We can help you play to your strengths and uncover opportunities where your skills and efforts will be the most appreciated. Contact us today to learn more.

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5 Ways to Know if Working Remotely Works for You

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2016|

Telecommuting is quickly becoming less of a trend and more of the norm. In fact, 37% of U.S. workers say they’re done it! Part of this is the practicality of the modern workplace — for many positions, it’s not necessary to be in an office. And for many workers, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is preferable to a higher salary.

So, where would you like to work? At your home office, or on the sofa? What about in a co-working space or a coffee shop? You might think that telecommuting would make a great part of your daily work routine, but it takes a surprising amount of self-discipline, concentration, and effort. See if working remotely is right for you by asking these five questions:

Can you communicate well online or via video chat? Interacting with a team in-person is very different from being online. You need multiple communications tools to connect. If you feel like email is the only way to get in touch, you need to shake it up and practice communicating with instant messaging, video conferences, and teamwork platforms like Slack and Asana. Get comfortable using these technologies, and know when it’s best to hop on the phone. One last thing: if you can’t be available when everyone else is, you’ll either have to work twice as hard to stay on top of what’s happening, or need to connect more often to stay abreast of changes.
Are you able to initiate conversations and projects? You can’t be shy when you work remotely! Starting conversations with your co-workers or manager so you can get the ball rolling on projects is necessary. And if you’re a manager, it can be hard to be present and available when telecommuting. You’ll need to reach out to team members regularly, and set very clear goals and expectations, as well as offer support from afar.
Can you be a great team player without seeing the team? Since you won’t be interacting with colleagues in the breakroom or over lunch, you need to think about how you reach out and connect to co-workers. This means having team calls to catch up, setting up video conferences to brainstorm ideas, or scheduling virtual lunch dates. You may also have to boost team engagement by recreating “water cooler” conversation. Ask about personal topics like vacation plans or what was on TV last night.
Do you have a great task management system in place? Many telecommuters report they are just as productive as on-site employees, but poor management and engagement could mean telecommuting doesn’t work for a company — or for you! A lack of oversight can lead to major issues later. If you’re working as part of a team, talk to your manager about what work productivity really means, and how to prove it. If you’re a manager, make sure your team understands those goals, and hold them accountable. And if you struggle with personal responsibility, working remotely may not be the best option for you.
Is it possible to still meet occasionally? Okay, the whole point of telecommuting…is to not go into the office! But if you’re working for a company that’s located in the same city as you, it can’t hurt to visit the office now and then. This way, you can review things like quarterly goals or evaluate projects with the whole team at once, and then get back to work. Think of it as a fun way to catch up with people, too! Try to schedule a happy hour or some kind of after work activity so you bond and get to know the people you’re working with online.

Flexible work hours bring a specific set of challenges, but also many rewards! The needs of working remotely vary from those of the traditional office, so as long as you keep in mind these ideas, you’ll be able to keep your team engaged and motivated.

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Is Working Remotely Right for You?

Thursday, July 30th, 2015|

If you crave a more flexible work schedule or a nonexistent commute, working full-time or freelancing off-site is a great option. Although working remotely can be rewarding and exciting, it does present its own challenges. Here are a few things to consider about freelancing or full-time work off-site:

Is flexibility important? When you work off-site, it’s more likely you’ll be able to set your own schedule. If you need to watch the kids, you can take time off and finish your work later. If you prefer early morning or late evenings, you can get your work done then to run errands in the afternoon. Generally, it can offer a better work and life balance since you’re able to better determine how and when your work time is spent.

Can you manage your time well? Self-managing takes a lot of focus and discipline. It’s easy to get distracted at home. When you work from home, you’re expected to be responsible for finishing deadlines, even intense ones, without being managed by someone else. Consider whether you’re the kind of person who needs a supervisor or co-worker to help keep you on task, or if you feel your time management skills could use some improvement.

Do you want to save money? The cost of working adds up! Think of how much you spend per year on gas for your commute, lunches with co-workers, and appropriate business attire add up. When you work remotely, you can save money by not driving or eating at home. Even if you occasionally work from a coffee shop, you still will probably not end up spending as much as you might when you stop in for a latte every day on your morning commute. Also you may be able to claim some tax deductions on office supplies and tools you use like your Internet bill (see a tax specialist who can tell you more about this).

Is your workspace full of distractions? If you have small children at home, a needy pet, or other disturbances, your home workspace may make it hard for you to concentrate on your job. Then there’s your Netflix queue calling at 2pm when you want to procrastinate. Think about how you can separate yourself from your home and your home office, or if you’re able to set up shop in another workplace to create a distinction between work and home.

Do you prefer to work alone? Some people thrive in a group setting, while others prefer closed doors so they can focus on work. Some feel they get too distracted by others and others get too siloed on your own. Find out which one is best for your working style before you commit to working offsite.

Are you able to adapt quickly? Working from home, whether freelance or full-time, means you could be “on call” in the early morning or late evening. It depends on the job, but an expectation may be set that you’ll be able to answer emails any time you’re at home. Additionally, if you’re a freelancer, the needs of your clients can change drastically, so you have to be ready to support them. And for those working for a company full-time from home, their needs can change suddenly as well. Being able to adapt fast to new situation is key.

For those who enjoy working independently and have great time management skills, working remotely might be your next big move!

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7 Reasons for Building Strong Social Connections at Work

Wednesday, February 28th, 2024|

In today’s fast-paced, competitive, and often hybrid work environment, fostering social connections at work is more critical than ever. Not only does it contribute to a happier and more cohesive team, but it also brings about several benefits that can positively impact both employees and the organization.

Here are seven reasons why building social connections at work is essential, along with ideas for encouraging these connections:

1. Stress Relief: A supportive social network at work can help reduce stress. Interacting with co-workers and sharing experiences can provide a valuable outlet for dealing with job-related pressures. Consider setting up “stress-free zones” where employees can relax and chat during breaks, or for remote teams set up a “watercooler” Slack channel, or offer Headspace as an option for stress relief.
2. Boosted Employee Morale: Workplaces where colleagues enjoy each other’s company often have higher morale and can increase job satisfaction.
3. Enhanced Engagement and Camaraderie: Social connections at work foster greater loyalty and commitment to the team and the organization. Those who feel connected are more likely to stay with the company longer and go the extra mile to achieve its goals. Promoting regular meetings where employees can openly discuss ideas and concerns is one way to nurture a sense of belonging.
Improved Productivity: Social connections can significantly impact productivity. Effective collaboration and communication among teams can lead to more efficient project completion. Encourage open communication channels and provide collaboration tools like messaging apps or project management software such as Monday.com, Trello or Slack.
Knowledge and Skill Sharing: Building relationships at work facilitates the sharing of skills and knowledge. Employees are more likely to share their expertise and mentor others when they have strong social connections. Establish mentorship programs or organize knowledge-sharing sessions to promote skill transfer.
Better Health: Social connections don’t just boost mental well-being; they also contribute to physical health. Encourage employees to engage in physical activities together, such as group workouts or walking meetings, to promote a healthier workforce. Remote teams can do the same and set up accountability partnerships to accomplish health goals together. Classpass or Burnalong offer solutions.
Fostering Creativity: Diverse social connections often lead to more creative and innovative solutions. Encourage collaboration across different departments and facilitate brainstorming sessions. Create spaces where employees from various areas can meet and exchange ideas to inspire creativity. If you are part of a remote team, encourage brainstorming sessions using tools such as Miro, Menti or Jamboard.

Here are a Few Ideas for Encouraging Social Connections at Work:

Open Workspace Design: Consider an open office layout that encourages spontaneous interactions and conversations. For remote teams set up one-on-one Zoom connections.
Social Events: Organize regular social events like happy hours, team-building activities, and themed lunches to promote interaction. Many online tools and games can facilitate the same for remote teams. Check out Letsroam for fun ideas.
Mentorship Programs: Create mentorship opportunities for employees to connect and learn from each other.
Collaborative Projects: Assign cross-functional teams to work together on projects to foster collaboration.
Wellness Programs: Offer wellness programs or fitness classes to encourage employees to lead a healthier lifestyle together.
Diverse Workgroups: Mix up workgroups to ensure employees interact with different colleagues regularly.
Feedback Culture: Promote open and constructive feedback to improve communication and relationships.

For additional tips listen to the artisan podcast for sessions on culture and well-being:

Desmond Lomax, of the Arbinger Institute, talks about belonging Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Rachel Cook talks about elevating the employee experience
Dr Heidi Hanna talks about Stress Relief

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14 Apps, and AI Tools We Love!

Monday, February 12th, 2024|

It’s that special time of year when our team celebrates Valentine’s Day and our love for the apps, AI, and productivity tools that simplify our lives and elevate our experiences!

With the right tools at our fingertips, our devices become more than just gadgets; they become trusted allies, boosting productivity, nurturing creativity, and adding a touch of joy to our daily routines.

To avoid overwhelming ourselves with too many apps, it’s important to periodically declutter and refresh our digital toolbox. Take a moment to review your apps, bid farewell to those that no longer serve you, and welcome new ones that align with your current needs and goals.

For Valentine’s Day we’ve curated a selection of 14 apps that inspire the Artisan Creative a.team at work, help us unwind at home, and simply bring us joy. Give one (or more!) a try and share your thoughts with us! Happy Feb 14!

Otter: Whether you’re jotting down ideas, transcribing a podcast, recording meetings, or preserving those brilliant midnight musings, Otter’s intuitive voice recorder has you covered. I used Otter when I was writing my book and it helped me dictate my thoughts before I forgot them.
Notes & Voice Memo: Sometimes, the simplest tools are the most powerful. These native apps come pre-installed on your phone and are perfect for everything from jotting down recipes to creating grocery lists.
Canva: Unleash your creativity with this powerful tool to create social media assets, internal communication, and an array of templates to create quick artwork anytime, anywhere.
Pomodoro Timer: One of the simplest time management tools out there. Set your preferred timer and work towards your most productive self.
Trello: A must-have for remote teams, Trello keeps us connected and organized, no matter where we are or what project we are working on.
Spotify: Set the perfect soundtrack for your workday. Music is a powerful positive trigger and has the power to enhance every moment from fostering creativity to promoting relaxation.
Netflix: Because sometimes, a little entertainment is just what we need to unwind.
Grammarly: A must-have for any writing assignment. Elevate your writing with Grammarly’s AI-powered writing assistant and catch those nasty spelling and grammar issues. A must-have for any resume writing.
reMarkable: LOVE this tool. It feels like paper, but it transforms the way you take notes and sketch ideas into a digital notebook. I especially love that it does not have web browsing capability, so it keeps me focused.
Krisp: We’ve been a remote team for close to 15 years. Work-from-home is amazing, although sometimes noisy. Krisp helps us reduce background noise during interviews and client meetings with noise-canceling magic. Our artisan podcast is recorded using Krisp.
Duolingo: Learn something new! Currently, our a.team is learning Spanish and Japanese using this app.
Slack: Another must-have for remote teams. We especially love the integration options with other apps to make the daily workflow and communication seamless.
Loom: Easily create and share video messages to communicate more effectively with your team. We use it to record our SOPs, and to communicate internally and externally with clients.
ChatGPT: No explanation needed! This productivity tool helped me refine this blog post.

At Artisan Creative, we believe in fostering harmony between life and work, and we’re dedicated to helping teams and careers thrive. Get in touch with us today to start a conversation about how we can support your success journey.

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Episode 8: Onborading

Wednesday, December 13th, 2023|

Congratulations!! You’ve hired your newest employee, now let’s talk about Onboarding them.

Let’s do a Pulse Check

What is the onboarding strategy?
Is the infrastructure (the SOPs, training manuals, LMS, etc.) available to teach and onboard?
What additional resources do you need to successfully onboard and train?

A robust onboarding & training program creates ongoing engagement, a sense of belonging and continues to highlight your employer brand as well as enhances your new employee’s experience.

It’s critical that their first few months are connected, welcoming, and inclusive and that resources are being allocated to onboard and train them, regardless of their experience or seniority.

Even a senior-level candidate with years of experience requires onboarding and training. Although they may know how to do something, they still need to learn how to do that work within your company’s environment and culture.

Candidates are not mind readers and it is an unrealistic expectation to assume a brand-new hire knows what you are expecting without clear and open communication.

Create a feedback loop and touch base often.

The same three principles we just reviewed for hiring also apply to onboarding

Prepare your onboarding before your candidate starts. This is especially crucial for a remote team member as it takes extra planning to make them feel connected and included.

Send a welcome kit to their home with branded swag/plant for their desk
Make sure all their equipment. Logins and access are set up on day 1
Organize an in person (or remote) welcome lunch to get to know the rest of the team members.

Reviewing your processes, SOPs and products through your new hire’s eyes, can create opportunities for improvement and enhancements that you didn’t expect.

Create an orientation and shadowing program to review technical know how and to learn about the culture,
Stagger the training. Too much info at once is too much
Tailor the program to their learning style (Visual, Kinesthetic, Auditory)

And

Be Present, Open, Inclusive, and Build trust
Make yourself available to the candidate for any questions
Do an end of week wrap to hear of any challenges, opportunities, or feedback

Having an unwavering commitment to building trust, with a focus on preparation, creating processes, and having the presence of mind to do so are the foundations needed to transform your hiring practice.

Happy Hiring!

Watch the previous episodes in this series:

Episode 0: Introduction

Episode 1: Transforming Your Hiring Mindset

Episode 2: Writing Impactful Job Descriptions

Episode 3: Recruitment & Sourcing Strategy

Episode 4: The Candidate Experience

Episode 5: The Interview Mindset

Episode 6: Interview Timing

Episode 7: The Follow-up

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Hybrid Onboarding Best Practices

Friday, July 21st, 2023|

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Reposting this onboarding graphic from a while back as it is even more relevant today as we navigate the remote and hybrid workforce.

As managers, we have to create a sense of culture, belonging, and teamwork amongst teams who may not be physically together in one place. Onboarding, whether remote or in-person, is essential to the development of empowered, dedicated, and productive teams.

A successful onboarding process allows for greater employee retention and engagement. Here are some things to try and connect your remote and onsite teams with each other for a successful hybrid experience.

Utilize the technology that is already widely available:

Collaboration technology such as monday.com or Trello allows for teams to connect and collaborate successfully. Zoom and Teams allow us to stay connected and to see each other. Since 55% of communication is non-verbal, being able to see one another on video conferences allows for better connection.

Keep the communication going:

Communication is key to onboarding success, especially when managing employees remotely. Create trust and encourage your new hire to give feedback, voice concerns, and ask questions. It is important to set clear expectations, give constructive feedback and keep the lines of communication open.

Over-communication is essential when working with a dispersed team. Planning daily huddles and video meetings, using Slack, or other messaging tools keeps the lines of communication open.

Document your SOPs Build a library of your standard operating procedures so that new hires (and the rest of the team for that matter) can easily access this info. This will save you and other managers from responding to the same questions over and over, as well as set the standards needed for the team to adhere to. Tools such as Loom and Trainual build a knowledge bank of best practices and training.

Remote does not have to mean impersonal: Working from home can feel lonely or disconnected, you make new hires feel as welcome as if they were walking into your office on their first day. Sending a welcome gift from Snackmagic or the Goodgrocer, reach out on their first day with a welcome message, schedule a Zoom team lunch with the whole team to provide a genuine introduction, and create a positive employee experience.

Keep up the team spirit: Working solo from our homes does not mean we have to be in a silo. Create a cohesive work remote environment to enhance your company culture by having group social Zoom gatherings. Gatherings such as online cooking events, painting classes, or planning for a virtual scavenger hunt helps builds teams connect, build trust, and grow engagement.

Onboarding is much more than an orientation, it helps assimilate new hires into their work environment and culture. It is important to create an ongoing onboarding process that promotes greater efficiency and employee retention.

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Celebrating Margaret Jung’s 28th year with Artisan Creative

Saturday, March 11th, 2023|

March marks the 28th anniversary of our senior account manager, Margaret Jung, with Artisan Creative. It is a momentous occasion and cause for celebration. Working for the same company for over a quarter of a century is quite the feat, especially in this day and age.

Those of you who have been fortunate to meet Margaret, know that she enters every room with the biggest smile, loudest hello, and is filled with joy and enthusiasm.

Working for a company whose values are aligned with hers, the opportunity to create a difference in people’s lives and to build long-lasting relationships is what motivates her. Her energy, enthusiasm, and drive come down to one phrase: creating relationships based on trust.

She is a consummate business development professional, highly knowledgeable in the world of creative and marketing recruitment, and has a first-rate understanding of the design marketplace.

Margaret shares 28 lessons learned along the way to stay strong over the past 28 years.

Stay positive
Be open to change
Be realistic
Work with and hire the right people–it goes a long way
Know you have a team to back you up
Support your team
Believe in the core values of your company and share the same philosophy with your team
Be accountable to yourself and the team
Be self-aware
Know your capabilities
Keep yourself motivated
Have a boss who gives you constant encouragement and advice
Lead by example
Have the mindset of being your own boss (especially in a remote business model like Artisan Creative’s)
Have good communication skills with both internal and external stakeholders
Understand that things aren’t always black and white
Compromise when needed
Don’t be afraid of having difficult conversations
Sometimes you need to just pick up the phone to get your point across (emails and/or text can get lost in translation)
Follow-up, follow-up, follow-up…
Control what you can control and what you can’t–move on
First impressions are lasting impressions
Stress can be managed. It’s not the end of the world
Be true to yourself, know your limitations, and stick with it
Having the 3D’s- drive, determination, and discipline
Having Empathy for others especially since we are in the “people” business
Be good to yourself – take breaks and do what makes you happy- life is not always about “work”.
Finally, life is so much better when you are laughing.

If you need help with recruitment to hire a position on your team, reach out to Margaret. You’ll see what we mean.

Thank you, Margaret, for an amazing 28 years. Here’s to creating even more impact and new relationships in 2023 and beyond.

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The Art of Listening in the Digital Age

Sunday, March 6th, 2022|

From an early age we are taught how to present and to speak better—whether it be debate classes in high school, or Toastmasters sessions as adults, there is a big emphasis in our professional world to be better communicators.

However, the art of communication indeed requires both the sending and receiving of information, and when was the last time we learned how to listen better?

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, communication is defined as a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior.

The importance of listening skills in our post pandemic, remote, digital world is even more important as teams are dispersed across different time zones.

Artisan Creative has been remote for 11 years— and as a remote team we continually work on becoming better communicators with one another, as well as with our clients and candidates.

In fact, Clear and Open Communication as well as Building Trusted Relationships are two of our core values. And, for us embodying listening best practices in all forms of communication is paramount to embracing our core values.

Last month, the Artisan Creative team read the book “You Are Not Listening: What you are missing and Why it matters” by Kate Murphy. Her studies reinforce and support our efforts as a team to continue to learn, grow and improve together. Several of our team members are members of Toastmasters to seek new ways to communicate better as well as utilize improved listening techniques and communication skills in our internal and external processes.

The author explores quite a few fascinating studies on listening. Specifically, that 55% of communication is non-verbal. 55%! And that 38% of that nonverbal communication is communicated in our tone of voice.

What are we missing in that 55% when we can’t see or hear the recipient? What are we missing without seeing people and noticing expressions, body language and gestures? What happens when we don’t hear intonations and tone?

Digital communication has incredible benefits, there is no disputing how it has allowed for immediate connection, the ability to have remote teams, and to expand productivity and immediacy of action.

What is the potential impact of non-verbal digital communication (Slack, WhatsApp, email and social media) on culture, morale and connection?

It’s important to set parameters to determine the type of conversations we need to have and which conversations are okay via Slack; which require a phone call, and when is it best to hop on Zoom. On our team, we avoid long-winded texts/slacks to explain something—we set up a video call, pick up the phone, send a voice memo, or better still, record a Loom video as needed.

How are you incorporating more connection and listening in your digital communication? Please comment below.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our 601st a.blog.

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Returning to the Office…or Not?

Friday, October 15th, 2021|

It’s the question of the moment, shall we go back to the office or stay remote? We hear this question from clients and candidates alike. Each has a great point of view for either scenario.

The reality is that today, more and more candidates are opting to stay remote. However, as the new year approaches, we will see a return to the office. However, this office may be a different office environment than the one you left 18 months ago.

Here are three tips to keep in mind:

Access to Open Spaces

Take strides in re-configuring the office environment to allocate enough space and distance between co-workers. Where possible, take advantage of open-air environments and create outside seating with access to power outlets. Converted parking lots, rooftops, and balconies will provide additional space and create a more open collaborative environment.

If being outside is not possible, invest in air purifiers and filters, and lots of plants to create an open-air feel for those who have returned to the office.

Embrace Technology

With the possibility of a hybrid workforce, companies are revamping their technology and collaboration tools to provide seamless communication between those back in the office and their colleagues who remain remote.

Examples include better microphones and cameras in conference rooms, and larger screens will enable team members to better see and hear one another and reduce physical separation.

Additionally, touchless/paperless technology will continue to reduce contamination. Collaboration tools such as Google Jamboard, Mentimeter, or Miro will further foster cross-collaboration between colleagues in the office and those who are at home.

Stay Adaptable

The pandemic is not yet over, even though great strides have been made. There is no predictability as to what may or may not happen in the coming months, and staying adaptable and agile is essential and have contingent backup plans.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our 595th a.blog.

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