However, this does mean that businesses and employees need to begin rethinking security. Not only do they need to make sure they’re selecting applications that include the necessary security measures like encryption, but employees need to be trained in common sense cybersecurity practices. Many vulnerabilities are a result of human error or lackadaisical attitudes towards security — so training in productive work-from-home practices should also incorporate lessons on how to spot phishing, using encryption when sharing data, and creating strong passwords and authentication methods.
Remote work omits an important part of non-verbal communication that in-office teams are subconsciously accustomed to: body language. When communicating with a coworker, especially on a sensitive topic, the focus is on catching non-verbal cues that tell us how our message was received. With online communication, that luxury isn’t afforded, making oversharing is critical. We have to make an extra effort to use every tool in our arsenal – from double-checking our messages, relying on video for important calls, and even using emojis and gifs to add additional context and meaning.
Besides ensuring that your team doesn’t miss ‘between the lines’ information, oversharing also has a positive impact on the overall level of the team’s confidence. For team leaders, oversharing can be the best way to communicate managerial support and direction. Virtual office space can cause a lot of anxiety for many employees, and oversharing can allow leaders to boost team morale. It allows leaders to set an example by sharing ins and outs of a task, project or a process, and can be beneficial for the team’s assertiveness. Prompting your teammates to share and open up will help make sure there’s no room for confusion or loneliness when working remotely.