“COVID-19, helping people realize that some meetings can be emails.” (seen on Twitter)

Experts are telling us that one of the best things we can do to prevent the spread of the new COVID-19 virus is to stay home, and a number of companies are listening. Google, Microsoft, Twitter, Hitachi, Apple, Amazon, Chevron, Salesforce and Spotify have all rolled out mandatory work-from-home policies in the wake of the global pandemic. Here in Kentucky, many businesses and organizations have done the same.

Several of our clients have asked us if it is feasible to similarly arrange for all non-essential onsite staff to work from home. The answer is a reverberating yes!

Besides the obvious health fears associated with a global pandemic, the economic repercussions on businesses and families can be frightening as well. Luckily, there are ways for many organizations to keep the economic gears turning. Employees working remotely can be just as effective as those in an office, and some research suggests they may be even more productive than their commuting counterparts. Communication barriers can be overcome through conference calls, effective emails, and software platforms like Microsoft Teams that are specifically designed to bring people together technologically when they can’t be (or choose not to be) together physically. (We love Microsoft Teams here at Solarity, and you can read why here.)

To do their part, Microsoft has made Teams available free for six months during the ongoing outbreak.

Not that there aren’t drawbacks to distance communication, and if you don’t know what those are (or just want some comedic relief) you can see them brought to life in Tripp and Tyler’s Youtube videos Conference Call In Real Life and Email in Real Life.

Solarity’s president Bud Ratliff talks about remote work as well in this video specifically compiled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We’ll get through this together if we do our part. If your business is able to send employees home to work, we support you in doing so, and we’re here to help you do it in the most effective way possible. We are even transitioning our in-person classes to be available virtually over the coming weeks. If you or your staff are stuck at home, check out our Featured Classes now available virtually.

Look for continued Solarity blog posts on working remotely during the COVID-19 outbreak. Additionally, from all of us here at Solarity, use best practices to keep yourself and your staff safe, and always go to the CDC or WHO websites for the latest, reliable information related to COVID-19. You can also visit Kentucky’s website for the latest local updates.

Thank you, be safe, and for goodness sake, WASH YOUR HANDS!

About the Authors

Cory Camic, PMP®, Business Development Manager 

Cory has provided services to Solarity for five of his nearly 20 year career with proven ingenuity in the areas of sales team development and management, as well as leveraging solutions-based selling to increase corporate profitability. Additionally, Cory has 15 years of experience working in the technology field, helping to design, implement, and manage technology solutions for enterprise organizations in both the public and private sectors. Cory is characterized as a results-driven individual with excellent interpersonal and communication skills. 

Christy Swift has been a writer and correspondent in the United States and Canada for over 10 years. With a degree in English and technical writing, she has a knack for making complicated subject matter digestible and even tasty. Christy regularly conducts research into the latest trends in project management to provide the Solarity Group with engaging content for its website and e-newsletters. 

About Solarity

Our mission is to help people, organizations, and communities THRIVE! Our broad range of experience and knowledge in a range of different industries allows us to customize our approach to fit the situation. We work in total partnership with our clients to understand their business needs and the current environment, and then match the right amount of process to meet the culture and the project.