1. Create normal daily in-person interactions we might be used to via chat, or virtual tools.
   1. “Good morning!”, “How is your day going?”, “Have a great night”, etc.
   2. Work breaks are normal and encouraged.
2. Follow and respect your normal work hours. Make sure the line between “work time” and “you time” is as distinct as possible.
3. Don’t forget to eat! Schedule it in.
   1. Hourly employees must take lunch before the 5-hour mark.
4. Overcommunicate with your team! It’s easy to forget that you’re all experiencing work differently because you’re not in the same physical space.
5. Before you join a video call, check yourself, and your surroundings.
   1. Beware of open windows/doors that might be noisy. Beware of bright windows behind you that can completely shadow your face, etc. 
6. When joining or leading a virtual meeting, always mute when you are not speaking.
   1. Even if you are not speaking, people can hear you type and it can be distracting.
   2. Always remember to also close out all meetings that you are a participant in. It can be easy to leave meetings open for longer than desired.
7. Follow your normal morning routine as closely as possible. Wake up, take a shower, eat breakfast, etc. Staying in a “normal” rhythm can get you in the mindset for work.
8. Don’t work from your bed. At the very least use a table (if a desk is not available).
9. Wear a work shirt (pj pants don’t matter as much 😀).
10. Get up and stretch! Without a little encouragement, it’s easier to stay seated.
    1. Leave your computer, stretch, and walk around.
11.  Reach out when you need help. You can’t count on someone noticing that you are struggling with something, or someone hearing audible sighs.
    1. You are not alone during this time.
12.  Emails, texts, chats, and most written virtual communication does not translate as well as a quick in-person conversation.
    1. Err on the side of generosity/assuming the best in others when interpreting written communications. When in doubt, ask!
    2. Make sure your tone isn’t being misinterpreted or misread.
13. Your health is our top priority!
    1. If you are feeling ill, please take precautions and seek medical advice. Please also let your Director know.  

Tips for Virtual Tools

1. Google
   1. Let folks know you are available in google chat:
      
   2. Use hangouts.google.com as a place to manage chat messages.
   3. Create names for frequently used groups in google as a shortcut.
      
2. Zoom/Google Hangouts
   1. Convert all existing meetings to zoom/google hangouts.
   2. Use your camera when possible. 
3. Google Phone Numbers
   1. Create/claim a google voice number via Voice.google.com to help protect your personal number. 
4. Email Signature
   1. Add a quick snippet message to your email signature letting individuals know that you are working remotely.

HR Expectations

1. Staff members working remotely are responsible to:
   1. Fulfill the expectations agreed upon with their supervisor regarding the scope of their remote work assignment, such as:
      1. Duties and responsibilities
      1. Hours of work (rest/meal breaks, overtime, and other wage and hour requirements still apply)
      1. Hours of availability to communicate regarding University business
      1. Communication of work assignments and personal needs, including reporting absences of work due to injury, illness, or caring for a family member
      1. The use of University equipment and materials.
2. Appropriately complete their timecard.
3. Lunch by hour 5 for hourly employees.

Engagement Ideas

1. Meet my pet Tuesdays (during weekly meetings)
2. Hangout Fridays (creating opportunities for team members to connect for quick 15-minute breaks)
3. Send a “quote of the day”
4. Send proactive group messages to help engage teams