4 ways to have integrity in the virtual workplace
Working from home is new for many people, and employers want to make sure they can trust the integrity of their people, especially when they aren’t around. For our clients, we strive to match them with virtual assistants who are honest, responsible, and diligent with their work. A lot of trust goes into having a virtual team, and it is imperative that our people are representing the virtual industry well!
Maybe you are working in a home office, at a coffee shop, or at the kitchen table with your child while they eat lunch. It is important to make sure you are spending your time well and providing the work you have promised your clients/employer, no matter what your surroundings are.
Today I am sharing with you four ways to have integrity in the virtual workplace. This is for anyone who works from home and has someone entrusting you with a role. I hope you find these helpful and that you begin incorporating them today if you aren’t already!
1. Be diligent in tracking your time
This seems like the most obvious one, but you would be shocked at how many people just “wing it” when it comes to tracking their time. If you do a quick internet search, you can find a list of time tracking apps and systems to help with this breakdown. You should also keep a dated list of tasks and projects you are working on. This provides a level of accountability not only for yourself, but also for your client. Maybe your client is wanting to switch up the tasks they’ve delegated to you. They are going to want to know which tasks take priority or how much time they require. Having a sheet with all of this information can be helpful for so many reasons.
2. Limit distractions
Working from home has so many perks, but it also has a lot of challenges. Especially for someone like me who sees a lot of housework they need to get done. If I work in my living room right now, there will likely be a pile of laundry staring at me. If I work in the kitchen, the dishes will be calling my name. So, I have a few different spaces within my home that I can go with little-to-no distractions. Personally, I am a working from home mom. It can be as distracting as it sounds! Because of this, a lot of my work gets done before my child wakes up, during his naptime, and once my husband gets home. Turning off my phone is also a great way to limit distractions, even if just for an hour, to really knock some things out. Take note of what distracts you the most, and be intentional about canceling those out or working around them.
3. Have your check-ins
Something we stress time and time again with our teams is to have your weekly check-ins. Many teams even have daily check-ins which we love- especially with newly established teams. These provide so much accountability, clarity, and necessary communication. That marketing plan you were asked to complete next week… where are you with that? The course that is due in 2 weeks… do you have enough hours to get it done? You just wrapped up a huge project… what are you working on now? Do you need more work? Our most successful teams don’t skimp out on their check-ins because they know just how important they are. Imagine being in a physical office. You would likely have daily touch points with the people on your team!
4. Have an ownership mentality
Lastly, the most important one of all… have an ownership mentality. I want you to put yourself in your client’s shoes whenever you are working. Ask yourself, “Would I pay someone for this quality of work?” Or, “Would I be working harder if this was my business and my finances on the line?” Ladies and gentlemen, your clients are spending their hard-earned money to get help. They need help, or they wouldn’t have hired you. For many business owners, their businesses are like their babies. They have spent countless hours growing this and have trusted you to come alongside them. You should feel honored and take this opportunity very seriously!
The world of virtual work has grown exponentially over the past year and will only continue to do so. Let’s be workers who have integrity. Let’s be workers who our clients/employers can trust to get the job done well and efficiently even when they aren’t around.
Want more? Here are some other helpful blog posts!
