Working
Remotely
From the experts...
Belle has operated under an all-remote, work-from-anywhere model since our launch in 2013. With employees across the U.S., you might say we're an expert on working from home (WFH)!
Here is a collection of our tried-and-true tools, tips and resources for WFH.
Have questions? Send us a message or connect with Belle’s founder, Kate Finley, on LinkedIn.
COMMUNICATION
+ COLLABORATION
- Over-communicate. In the absence of in-person cues, be more explicit in your messaging.
- Use video calls whenever possible to recreate face-to-face interaction and pick up on nonverbal cues.
- Establish team norms and etiquette around communication channels (email, chat, video, etc.) and response times.
- Document important decisions, action items, and next steps in written form (e.g. meeting notes) for reference.
- Provide frequent status updates, both proactively and upon request, to keep everyone aligned.
- Encourage an environment where people feel comfortable asking questions and admitting when they need help.
- Schedule regular 1-on-1 check-ins to build personal connections and facilitate open dialogue.
- Solicit feedback from the team on what's working well (or not) in terms of communication.
- Address conflicts or misunderstandings promptly before they escalate. Don't let issues fester.
- Set up dedicated communication channels (e.g. Slack channels) for different topics, projects or social interactions.
- Utilize collaborative tools like shared documents, virtual whiteboards and project management software. Here are our top tools for a virtual office.
STAY
PRODUCTIVE
- Get dressed and ready for work. It sets the tone for your day and helps you get into the right mindset for work.
- Identify your top priority for the day and tackle that first.
- Use time blocking. Group similar tasks and schedule time on your calendar for important projects. Protect that time just as you would a meeting.
- Remember to schedule time for "deep work," strategic thinking and creativity.
- Take breaks! Close the computer, walk around, stretch, do light exercises or practice mindfulness.
- Eat meals away from your desk.
- If you can, designate a space in your home that is only for work. Create a physical boundary so that when the workday is done, you "leave" work and transition back to home life.
- Establish a routine and stick to it. Having a consistent schedule can help maintain focus and productivity.
- BONUS: 7 ways to improve your virtual office.
SPARK
CREATIVITY
- Change up your physical environment. Work from a different spot in your home, go outside, or try working somewhere new like a café (if possible).
- Take walking breaks to allow your mind to wander and make new connections. Physical movement can stimulate creativity.
- Engage in "brain breaks" - do a puzzle, listen to music, etc. Switching gears (even for a few minutes) can help unlock creative thinking.
- Surround yourself with inspirational materials, artwork or objects that spark your imagination.
- Experiment with different brainstorming techniques like mind mapping, free writing or reverse brainstorming.
- Collaborate with colleagues in virtual brainstorming sessions or creative workshops. The exchange of ideas can be very generative.
- Schedule dedicated "creativity time" in your calendar to free yourself from distractions and focus on ideation.
- Expose yourself to new ideas, perspectives and information sources outside your usual domain. Diverse inputs can lead to novel connections.
- Keep a virtual or physical idea journal to capture sparks of inspiration as they arise throughout the day.
KEEP
THE CULTURE
- Prioritize connection across multiple communication channels - Slack, video, individual and group touch bases, etc.
- Schedule virtual coffee chats or lunch breaks to replicate those casual office interactions.
- Face-to-face time (even on video) matters.
- Share personal updates and check in on each other's wellbeing during team meetings.
- Have daily team check-ins over video to touch base on what you are working on.
- Carve out time for non-work-related video hangouts with co-workers. Have virtual parties over video for things like birthdays, baby showers and other team celebrations. Order fun gifts or treats to be delivered to the team before the party, or ask everyone to come with their favorite sweet treat.
- Have Slack channels for non-work topics. Ideas: baby/pet photos, joke of the day, favorite music or sharing health and wellness ideas.
PRIORITIZE
FEEDBACK
- Schedule regular 1-on-1 check-ins with team members, even if brief, to give ongoing feedback. Don't wait for formal reviews.
- Create a feedback process and culture where it's expected and welcomed, not viewed as confrontational.
- Pay attention to both productivity and well-being. Remote work can blur the lines, so check in holistically.
- Be specific, timely and actionable. Remotely, feedback may be less organic, so make it count.
- Consider a mix - start with written feedback, then follow up with a video chat to discuss. Written feedback (email, Slack, etc.) can provide a record and time for reflection. Video calls allow for more nuanced, personal feedback experiences.
WFH WHEN YOUR
KIDS ARE HOME
- Create a routine. Mimic school routines with free play, outdoor time, worksheets, crafts + reading. Free routine cards.
- Take turns with your partner and schedule time blocks of work + kid time.
- Strategically plan mealtime, screen time, naps + activities that engage your kids (i.e., quiet time for you) to align with internal meetings or focus times.
- Communicate your work style with your partner.
- Be transparent with your manager and colleagues about your childcare situation and any scheduling limitations.
- Give yourself and your kids grace. Flexibility and managing expectations is key when juggling work and parenting.
- Check out all of our tips + free resources.