Mitchell Magazine Spring 2020

FACULTY FEATURE
Management Experts Share Best Practices for
Working Remotely from Home
At the beginning of March 2020,
only about 5.3 percent of
Americans worked from home.
As more states have established stayat-home
or shelter-in-place orders,
increasing numbers of employees have
begun working from home to slow the
spread of COVID-19. “With the increase
of telecommuting, organizations are
looking for best practices to ensure high
levels of productivity,” Dr. Jeanne Maes
explained.
Through their study of virtual teams,
Dr. Maes and Dr. Teresa Weldy have
compiled a list of proven successful
practices for employees working from
home and ofer established leadership
strategies of successful managers.
TIPS FOR EMPLOYEES
WORKING FROM HOME
n Create a dedicated workspace
away from high-trafc areas and
envision that you are going to the
ofce. Some have found it helpful
to ‘dress for the ofce’ even if it is
at home.
n Set work/leisure boundaries with
yourself and with others in the
house.
n Identify your peak performance
period and make that time a
priority, developing a routine.
n Stay connected with colleagues
for support.
n Keep an upbeat attitude.
TIPS TO HELP MANAGERS
LEAD SUCCESSFUL
VIRTUAL TEAMS
n Lead by example.
n Be mindful of cultural diferences
in making critical leadership
decisions.
n Model collaborative behavior.
n Support a strong sense of
community.
n Defne clear roles for team
members.
n Practice mentoring and coaching
throughout the organization.
Dr. Jeanne Maes is a professor of management in the
Mitchell College of Business and ombudsperson to faculty
for USA. A seasoned dispute resolution professional,
facilitator, executive trainer, and consultant, Maes’
areas of expertise include communication skills, confict
management organizational development and change,
partnering, team-building and leadership.
Dr. Teresa Weldy is an associate professor in the Mitchell
College of Business at USA. Her research interests include
training efectiveness and transfer, training evaluation, the
learning organization, transfer and evaluation of training,
learning improvement and assessment and business
communications. Her teaching interests are in business,
management, communications, and training and development.
MITCHELL | SPRING 2020 | 13