a long-term plan for remote work. How could I lead in a new way and continue to move the business department forward while supporting my team?


My primary concern was how to keep the team con-


nected, not only to the district’s work, but also to each other. We were missing a large part of our work life: the in-person collaboration opportunities. We had weekly check-ins via Zoom to replace those in-person connec- tions and bring the team members together as a group. Those meetings were informal; they had no agenda. Rather, they gave everyone an opportunity to connect. Still operating as though the situation was temporary, we did what we needed to do to get through the pandemic.


Lessons Learned from 2020


Although the remote work situation continued much longer than anticipated, the experience offered up valu- able takeaways. I assembled a list of a few that I reflect on and build into my leadership as we continue to navi- gate the pandemic. • Not all employees manage change well. Shifting the focus from work- or task-related conversations to how staff members were managing personally created strong team bonds. A simple weekly check-in with- out an agenda allowed relational capacity within the team.


• It is possible to be a collaborative team, even while working remotely. Connecting via Zoom or a phone call still provides those collaborative opportunities.


• Communication is key. Ensure that communication is clear and often.


• Be available. In times of uncertainty, clarify that you are available and designate the methods you prefer: email, Zoom, phone call, text message.


• Being uncomfortable is OK. Be open to discussing the anxiety associated with the change, and encour- age employees to talk about it. What is causing the uncomfortable feeling? Is it because change is hard? Is something being missed that could cause issues later? Recognizing and talking openly about concerns may help identify those issues early on.


• Structure is important; it just may not look the same. The business office staff are accustomed to timelines, deadlines, and schedules. Working together to create a remote work structure can ease anxiety and produce an outline for the tasks.


• Give some grace! Be understanding, compassionate, and kind. This aspect has been especially important in working remotely during the pandemic.


What’s the Plan?


Shifting from remote work as a necessity to remote work as an opportunity can be exciting, overwhelming, and


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Be prepared for requests to work remotely. Some dis- tricts have adopted formal district-wide remote work plans; others have created plans to work with employees who request remote work. Whatever the approach, com- municate the expectations and set the parameters from the beginning. Here are some items to think about: • Consider the employees and their position. Are the employees self-reliant? Can they manage their time in the office appropriately? Does their position require them to work in person for any reason?


• Consider technology: internet connectivity and equip- ment needs.


• Work with the employees to develop the plan (if you don’t already have a formal plan).


• Determine how to measure success. Identify what is important to both the district and the employees.


• Schedule check-in meetings with the employees. This approach will help address any concerns early in the process.


• Be flexible with the plan. The plan may need to be tweaked as you move along. Be open to suggestions and make sure that the quality of work and produc- tivity are not suffering.


• Have an exit process for the plan. If it isn’t working, develop a strategy to bring the employees back into the office.


• Communicate the plan to all employees within the department and any outside the department who may be affected by the shift to remote work.


Remote Work Challenges and Benefits


Allowing staff members to work remotely presents chal- lenges and benefits to the district and to the employees. Acknowledging both the challenges and benefits from the beginning will help ensure success. From my expe- rience and perspective, the benefits and challenges of working remotely are the following:


SCHOOL BUSINESS AFFAIRS | APRIL 2022 25


Shifting from remote work as a necessity to remote work as an opportunity can be exciting, overwhelming, and successful.


successful. Is your district ready for employee requests to work remotely? Do you have a plan?


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