What Engineers are Saying About Teleworking
In a previous blog post, we shared some of the results from our survey of engineers that asked how their jobs have changed with widespread telework during the Covid-19 pandemic. The survey revealed the importance of preparation, as well as a few ideas about keys to an effective home work environment.
How has communication, collaboration, and connection with colleagues changed? Surprisingly, not much, according to the engineers we surveyed.
Communication is a Priority, Regardless of Location
“Well communicated timelines and updates are important whether working together or remotely,” said one responding engineer.
Whatever software tools are utilized, it still comes down to prioritizing effective communication, said another respondent, who noted a few additional points of emphasis for those in supervisory or team lead roles.
“Always be focused on the critical path, stay flexible and leave yourself enough time to create refined, high-quality work for key deliverables,” was the response. “On top of that keep a good attitude, and spend lots of time listening to the members of your team.”
One respondent noted how online communication might actually help to focus individuals on collaboration more than traditional meetings or calls.
“In one way, collaboration has actually been enhanced, because video calls have now become the accepted way of conducting group meetings, replacing conference calls which are more impersonal and less focused,” he said.
Engineers who work directly with customers on projects are perhaps faced with additional challenges, but nothing is insurmountable, according to our survey respondents.
“With all working remotely, connecting with team members can be done in real time,” a field engineer said. “The biggest change is transitioning from in-person customer meetings to more conference calls and online meetings, including video presentations.”
