Remote work has become increasingly popular since the COVID-19 pandemic, and although it can offer huge benefits, it can also be challenging if you are responsible for managing a remote team. With remote work, the employee works from home or another location besides the workplace. When you have different personalities within a team and can't converse with them directly, ensuring everyone is content and happy can be challenging. These are some tips for how to manage a remote team.

Regular Communication

One of the most significant challenges of managing a remote team is ensuring that the individuals in your team don’t feel lonely or excluded. The first step is to ensure you have means of communicating with them, for example, using Teams for calls and messaging. Setting up a group on Teams is worthwhile so everyone can share information and ask questions. There is no need for daily meetings when remote team building, but a meeting once a week where everyone gets together can help ensure the team stays engaged. You may also want to drop them a message every few days to ensure they are ok. Giving your team autonomy is essential while ensuring they feel included.

Working Hours

Setting your guidelines for working hours is crucial to ensure the smooth running of the team. Do they need to work 9-5? Or are you flexible as long as they meet specific objectives? Make your expectations clear to avoid any confusion when managing a remote team.

Set Expectations

To find remote team solutions, ensure you define employee expectations, whether daily, weekly, or monthly. For instance, do they need to make a certain number of calls or sales? It would help if you defined what you expect from them, especially when they are working on their initiative.

No Micromanaging

The reason employees enjoy remote working is that it offers greater flexibility. There is no point in providing this if you don’t trust your employees. While it might be tempting to keep checking that everyone is working and not lying in bed, this will be counterproductive. As long as you set your expectations clearly, there should be no reason to keep checking in. Micromanagement is one of the biggest red flags in the workplace, with 73% considering it a red flag and 46% stating it as a reason they would leave a job. Remote team management may not be easy, but it will become more difficult if you start micromanaging your remote team.

Encourage Collaboration

You can also encourage your team to collaborate without getting involved so they can foster their relationships with their team. The best way to do this is by giving individuals projects or tasks to work on together rather than forcing video team meetings, which can feel awkward and contrived. The relationships should be formed more naturally. You might even consider remote team building games to inspire some fun and opportunity for everyone to get involved.

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Since the COVID pandemic, an increasing number of workers have been working from home or on a hybrid model (a combination of home working and working remotely.) Working from home can be hugely beneficial to employees. You don’t need to get up early to face the early morning commute; you can finish your day at the allocated time and even nap during your lunch break. However, as attractive as it sounds, it’s not as simple when you have children at home. Here are some tips for how to work at home with children.

Dedicated Space

Your children must know your space and their space, and you must separate the two. Having your own space to work can allow you to tell your children, ‘Mummy or daddy is going into their office for an hour; do not interrupt unless it’s an emergency.’ You can repeat this if they come into your office until they get the message. Working from home jobs require a dedicated space in order to be productive.

Take Regular Breaks

It is essential to work while also giving your children some attention; in doing this, they are less likely to disrupt you. With home working, you have more flexibility to take regular breaks. For instance, take a break every hour to play a game with your children or if you are working from home with baby, you will need regular breaks to attend to them. 

Tire them Out

If children are at home all day, they are more likely to be disruptive. You could take them out to spend some time outdoors during your lunch hour or before work—for example, a run around the park. Fresh air will tire them out and cause less hyperactivity in the home! Working from home online jobs can be beneficial but it is important to get out in the fresh air too.

Play and Rewards

Children love a reward and are more likely to leave you in peace if they know there’s some reward waiting at the end of it. For instance, if they draw quietly for one hour, they can play computer games for an hour. You’ll be surprised at how effective this can be when you are working online from home.

Self Care

Don’t forget your own self-care as you try to accommodate your children and your job! Make sure you spend at least one hour of the day doing something you enjoy: reading, taking a hot bath, or working out. Whatever works for you. Working from home jobs can feel exhausting if you are also juggling childcare.

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Most people consider the salary, benefits, and opportunities to grow when they receive a job offer - very few consider the company culture. According to insight from Robert Walters, 73% of people have left a job because they don't like the company culture. What are natural words to describe company culture and why is it important?

Company Culture

If you were to define company culture, it would combine many elements that make up the workplace—for instance, the values, leadership, and how people work together. A company with good culture is one where you have complete autonomy in your role and feel inspired and motivated by your manager. Managers usually operate in three ways - they give you the freedom to do your job with support when you need it, or they are entirely hands-off, and you can never get hold of them. On the other hand, they might be someone who is constantly sitting on your shoulder. If you don't get the match right, the relationship will be broken down. The company culture may be friendly and relaxed, where everyone is focused on their jobs but works collaboratively when needed. Alternatively, it could be a company toxic culture, with an environment where everyone is stepping on each other to try and climb the ladder! There may be flexibility in the workplace, or you might work to a rigorous structure. You must understand what ideal company culture you thrive in before deciding whether to accept a job offer.

The Importance of Company Culture

The company culture and values need to be the right fit for various reasons.

• Happiness—If the culture fits your needs and expectations, you are likelier to feel happy in your job. You will feel comfortable and a sense of belonging if those around you fit your values and beliefs.
• Good relationship with manager—When you align with your manager, you are more likely to have a good relationship, which, in turn, will make you feel more motivated and engaged with the company and your role.
• Productive - employees who fit with the company culture will be more productive than those who are unhappy and unsettled.
• Retention—You are less likely to want to leave your role if you fit in with the company culture. 

How to Find Out About Company Culture

Most people don't ask about the company culture during an interview, so it can be quite a surprise when you start the job. These are some questions you can ask during an interview to help you determine whether it is the ideal company culture to suit your needs.

• Is there any flexibility in the role? - this will help you understand whether the company offers the desired flexibility.
• What are the working hours? If the employer answers that they work 9-5 but most people stay until about 7 p.m., it will give you a good idea of whether this will be the type of place that will align with your needs.
• What is the management style? - they might say that the manager will speak to you several times throughout the day or that the manager is often working from home/travelling. You can decide if the management style works for you.
• Who will I be collaborating with? You will find out if there is a lot of collaboration in the role.

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Unless you are exceptionally well versed in them, the thought of standing up and doing a presentation can be enough to send anyone into a fit of anxiety. Most people are not born with the instinct to get up in front of people and talk; it is not something that comes naturally to most of us. If presenting is currently part of your job, or you are applying for a job and you will be expected to present information, there are always ways you can improve your skills. These are some ways to improve your presentation skills.

Practice Makes Perfect

Like anything, the more you do it, the better you’ll become. Even if you are a stuttering wreck when you present - you can improve! Presentation skills training will help you to feel more confident and able to present without feeling over anxious. Ask friends to watch you, give you feedback, record yourself, and play it back. Of course, it will be uncomfortable initially - but that is where the growth will be.

Imitate Others

Everyone presents in different ways. Some people are energetic, others want to make their audience laugh, or you may wish only to give factual information. You might need to learn precisely how you want to present. The best thing to do is attend other presentations and take presentation notes on what you like and dislike - then, you can incorporate it into your presentation.

Be Authentic

Most people understand what it’s like to give a presentation, and they won’t be sitting there judging your every move. They want to see someone who is their authentic self—and if that means someone who is visibly nervous—that is OK! Remember that people are there to hear what you have to say, not to judge your every move. Effective presentation skills are more about being relatable to your audience than anything else.

Don’t Apologise

Nothing is worse than watching someone present and constantly commenting on their nervousness and apologising for it. It makes everyone feel uncomfortable. No matter how anxious you feel, do your best to deliver the content - people probably won’t notice it as much as you think. You can work on your nerves and improve with every presentation you undertake. Public speaking and presentation skills will always improve over time. Don't apologise if yours aren't quite there yet.

Positive Attitude

Use your nerves to your advantage by turning them into excitement. Maintain a positive attitude. People are more likely to relate to someone who presents with a smile than someone with a frown. Lighten the mood, throw in a few jokes, and you’ll soon get your audience on board. Effective presentation skills being when you make your audience feel comfortable.

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With over 50% of hiring managers researching any prospective employees on social media before deciding whether to hire them, it is essential to ensure good netiquette. Netiquette is a combination of network and etiquette, and it refers to conducting yourself positively online. The primary way to approach netiquette is to ensure you treat people with respect. These are some good netiquette examples to ensure to help improve your career prospects.

Perform a Cleanse

Although a digital footprint can be challenging to clean up thoroughly, it is a good idea to tidy your social media with a view that prospective employers might be viewing it, as the important of netiquette can not be underestimated. For instance, if your profile photo shows you out partying with a bottle of vodka, it might be worth changing it to something more professional. Practicing good netiquette involves looking through your social media platforms and removing anything that could cause you issues down the line.

Consider the other person

When talking to people online, remember that you are talking to another human being with feelings. You wouldn’t randomly attack someone in person (well, we hope not!), so don’t do it online. Treat people the way you would if speaking to them face to face if you want to ensure good netiquette on social media.

Stay Calm

It can be difficult to stay calm if someone is having a go at you online, but it is crucial to do this. If someone is rubbing you up the wrong way, block them or walk away from the conversation. Many people are on the internet to argue with others, and it can be challenging to keep your cool. Always be the bigger person and walk away to reflect good online netiquette,

Keep Private

We all know the people who share every single aspect of their lives online, and for a prospective employer, this could be a serious red flag. There is no need to share everything online, especially private details. The best way to approach the internet is to keep it general and not overshare your or anyone else’s personal information. You can be a good netiquette poster by ensuring you maintain a private life.

Stay Away from Politics

We should be allowed to share our views online, but unfortunately, as we all have different political opinions, your opinion may not sit well with a potential employer. If you want to share political views, try to keep them face-to-face or private groups online. Practicing good netiquette involves maintaining a more general approach to everything you post.

Don’t Discuss Work

You might hate your job, but the internet is not the place to tell everyone. If a potential employer sees that you have been slagging off your employer, they will be concerned you will do the same to them. Keep your opinion on your employer or job to your friends and family in order to follow good netiquette rules.

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For most employees, the fear of redundancy sends anxiety surging through the body. When you are made redundant, it means that you are no longer required, and it can happen for various reasons. The company may be experiencing financial difficulties, so it needs to cut its headcount. It may be that they are relocating the business or that the role is no longer required as part of their structure. Redundancy doesn’t need to be a negative, though; it can give you a chance to find new opportunities. If you are being made redundant, you should be aware that you are entitled to statutory redundancy pay of one and a half week for every full year you have worked if you are 41 or older, one week for 22 and older but under 41, and half a week if under 22. We look at how to manage your way through a redundancy so it can be as stress-free as possible.

It’s Not Personal

When you hear, ‘We need to make you redundant,’ it can be almost impossible not to take it personally, especially if you are only one of a handful being made redundant. It is important to remember that redundancy is not personal to you; it is a decision based on business matters. For example, a company facing financial difficulties may eliminate some roles seen as overheads rather than roles that generate revenue. The redundancy process can feel overwhelming, but it is about making a role redundant, rather than an individual.

Fresh Chance

Redundancy can be viewed in two ways-negatively or positively. While it's natural to feel concerned initially during the redundancy consultation, as the future may seem uncertain, it's also an ideal time to embrace new opportunities and potentially make a career shift.

Time to Process

If it is financially possible, you should take time to process the redundancy. If you have been in the same job for a long time, this will significantly change your life. It is essential to have time in between to get your head around your new situation before you start to look for another job. If you are offered another job in the same company during the redundancy process, determine if this is the right choice or if a complete change might be the best course of action.

Update Your CV

Prior to embarking on a job search, it's essential to ensure your CV is up to date and presents you in the best light possible. A professionally crafted CV can significantly increase your chances of securing an interview, opening doors to a variety of new opportunities. You can start to look for a new role during your redundancy notice.

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If you have taken a career break, you are not alone. Around 90,000 of UK employees take a career break every year and there are many reasons why you might decide to take a break. You may need to take care of a loved one, decide to take time out to travel, have a child, or just want a break to determine your future. It can be difficult to return to the workplace after a break. You might be worried that everything has changed, and this could cause extreme anxiety. Our blog will look at how to prepare to return to the workplace.

Understand Feelings

Understanding your feelings before returning to the workplace is crucial. If you're experiencing anxieties, it's important to acknowledge them. Is the anxiety stemming from the unknown territory of the workplace, or is it a sign that you might want to consider a career change? Taking the time to understand your feelings and their underlying causes can help you make informed decisions about your return to work. 

Communicate with Manager

Feeling anxiety about returning to the workplace after a break is perfectly natural. You should communicate your feelings with your line manager and let them know if they can do anything to support your return. For instance, you may benefit from a staggered return to work or flexibility with working hours. You may also have forgotten how to do your job, so you might be keen to get some additional training. If it's an entirely new job, you will likely undergo an onboarding process to help you find your feet. Being open and honest with your manager is essential to ensure your return to work is as seamless as possible.

Take Your Time

It's important to remember that no one expects you to jump right back into work after a break. Give yourself the time you need to readjust to the working environment and find your place within it. Things may have changed since you were last in the workplace, and if you're returning to a previous role, some of your colleagues have moved on. Take your time. Your well-being is the top priority.

Engage with Colleagues

Spend time getting to know your colleagues, especially when starting a new job. The more comfortable you feel with your colleagues, the more enjoyable the job will be and it will also help ensure you make a positive first impression.

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Assessment centres are most common among the graduate market but can feature in any role. Employers can analyse technical abilities during an assessment centre, as well as the ability to present and work together as part of a team. Interviews often need to be more detailed to determine whether candidates are the right fit, and assessment centres are ubiquitous among organisations hiring several candidates. 

What is an assessment centre?

An assessment centre is usually held in an employer's office or another venue. You will usually work on different tasks individually and as part of a group. The exercises undertaken during an assessment centre can provide employers with crucial information to determine whether you are the right for the role. The exercises typically undertaken during an assessment center include group discussions, psychometric tests, presentations, and role-play. These vary depending on the skills the employer is looking to determine.

How to prepare for an assessment centre

You should never go into an assessment centre without any preparation. You must prepare as much as possible to give yourself the best chance of success. These are some tips for preparing for an assessment centre.

Analyse Instructions

The first stage is to analyse the instructions sent by the recruitment team, and make sure you ask about anything needs to be clarified. You must have as much information as possible before attending the assessment centre. Ensure you know what you need to bring along with you, such as ID, proof of address, etc.

Research Company

Just as you would with an interview, you should research the company before attending the assessment centre. Some key research information includes the company's size, revenue, culture, and values. You may be asked questions about the company during the assessment centre, so the key is to be prepared.

Ask Connections

If you have connections from the company or know someone who has already undertaken the assessment centre, it may be worth reaching out to find out what you should expect.

Tips for a Successful Assessment Centre

There is never any guarantee with an assessment centre, but as long as you are prepared, you will give yourself the best possible chance of success. These are some tips for a successful assessment centre.

Get Involved

There will likely be group exercises, so ensure you get involved in the discussion without being overbearing or not listening to other opinions.

Be Authentic

It is easy to tell when someone is genuine, so show your authentic self during the assessment centre. Speak to people, be relaxed, and show your personality.

Focus on Yourself

Don't get caught up in what other candidates are doing or how they come across; focus on your performance.

You should also ensure you have a professional CV to take to the assessment centre. At Inspired CVs, we can design a traditional or graphic CV tailored to your needs. Contact us or order your CV here today!