Reading Week normally serves as a milestone in the semester, providing time to pause and refresh. Although this year is an unusual one, it's still important that we do this.
For the last eight months, we've all adapted to a changed work environment. For many this has meant moving the office to home; for others, it's meant adopting new safety practices to make in-person activities possible. To every employee: thank you for your extraordinary effort and continued commitment to keep our community moving forward.
As John Nychka pointed out earlier this semester, there have been challenges, there has been frustration, and there have been stresses experienced as a result of our current working environments - but there has also been a great amount of creativity, flexibility, and innovation. By pausing to reflect and refresh now, we can help each other ease into the coming semester. With that in mind, here are a few tips to help carry forward to Winter 2021:
Re-assess your set-up.
You've likely experienced a few moments over the last while when you've found yourself thinking, "I wish I had _______ from the office." While there may be some items that need to remain in the office (such as a desk or major equipment), it's not too late to talk to your supervisor about borrowing supplies that can make your work environment more comfortable and more productive. It's also a good time to see if your current work space is meeting your needs. This reflection could include an Ergonomic self-assessment or following some expert advice about health workspaces from the U of A's own Linda Miller. If you can, try to create a distinctive space between your work area and your living space as much as possible.
Bring back your breaks.
For many of us, working remotely has meant long hours spent in front of a screen. "Running to a meeting" has meant closing one tab on your computer and quickly opening another. And I'm sure we've all been guilty of having one eye on your chat/inbox while participating in group conversations. As a result, it can feel as though you are always working and should be going non-stop. If you feel this way, please take time to pause; you do deserve a break. Take a look at your schedule and make sure you have time for lunch - preferably away from your computer. If you have a marathon of meetings ahead of you, plan to take a 15 minute walk after they finish, or see if it's possible to schedule one in between.
And remember that it is important to take a vacation. Talk with your team and make sure that everyone is getting the personal time that they need to rejuvenate.
Maintain your connections.
It may feel as though the spontaneous interactions we would have experienced in the office are unavailable while we're apart. Google Chat or a group Slack are a few examples of how you can continue to connect with your colleagues from the office - whether you have a quick question, or are looking for someone to share an insight with, maintaining your interactions is possible.
Pause to reflect on the strengths of your team. Express your appreciation for the individuals who make your work a little easier. If you feel you have the capacity to help someone who may have a heavier than usual workload, remind them that you're here to help them too. A short note of thanks or offer of assistance can go a long way, and can be a welcome reminder that our work remains collective, and is not done in total isolation (even if we are physically removed from each other).
Check-in and review with your team.
Use the coming weeks before the winter break to assess your priorities, catch up, and prepare for the coming year. Take the opportunity to consider the past few months: What went well? What has been a challenge? What could you consider doing differently? And how can you build on recent successes? Supervisors who take time to check in with their teams - as teams and in one-on-ones - will be able to create opportunities to acknowledge and discuss concerns and challenges, while also identifying opportunities for adjustment.
For those who use Zoom, help facilitate deeper group conversations by making use of breakout rooms during large group calls. Virtual meetings can be draining, but are much easier in smaller groups.
Consider new practices to suit the new way we work
There's no doubt that in 2020, we all did our work a bit differently. Ok, a lot differently. The needs of faculty, staff and leaders changed, too. And so, it may be time to rethink our typical business practices.
We all strive to meet expectations as best as possible, but we need to take a moment to consider whether our expectations are reasonable in our current circumstances. I encourage each of you to think of some boundaries you can establish. Examples may include stepping away from your work email after 4:30 p.m., or reducing the number of meetings you have in a given day - and scheduling in more concentrated time for independent project work.
Ask for one on one support if you need it
If you feel that you would benefit from extra support, it's okay to ask for help. Reach out to your supervisor, and/or seek the confidential assistance offered by the Employee and Family Assistance Program. You can also access mental health resources through Wellness Together Canada. If you are a supervisor and believe that a member of your team may need assistance, make a call to your HR partner or contact the workplace advice line.
As we prepare for the next few months, perhaps it's time we adjust our expectations with the lens of balance. Think about how we can set reasonable expectations and deliverables that suit the individuals in our teams, rather than focusing on the way they've been done before. By offering each other our continued patience, support, and compassion, we'll continue to persevere together.
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