Connecting Cross-Country: Remote Work Key Takeaways

By: Zoe Farnsworth

In today’s post-pandemic world, technological advancements have not only made remote work more accessible but have also established it as a new norm. Even four years after quarantine, many companies and employees utilize their internet connections to foster meaningful personal interactions, reshaping the remote work environment. These advancements have opened exciting opportunities for cross-country communication, each presenting its own unique learning curve.

Greater Impact, a subsidiary of Transformation Ministries based in South Bend, Indiana, exemplifies this shift. Through a combination of Zoom calls, emails, and shared Google Drive documents, Roxo has proudly taken on Greater Impact as a pro-bono client, despite being five states away.

While remote work simplifies meeting logistics, it introduces a fresh set of challenges for agency workers. Roxo’s Pink Team has navigated many obstacles in adapting to this new format. One significant challenge arises from the client's status as a small organization. With a team of fewer than a dozen, it can be challenging to connect with members who are often busy managing a high volume of emails and messages. Grace Alger, Account Executive for the Pink Team, emphasizes the importance of daily follow-up emails to maintain clear communication with the remote client.

Pink Team - ROXO Fall 2024

The content of these emails varies widely, including meeting requests, contact information, and password exchanges -- all while carefully considering differing time zones and schedules. A notable adjustment for the team has been the transition from face-to-face interactions. While remote work offers flexibility, it cannot replicate the nuances of in-person meetings, such as gauging reactions and body language.

Pink Team aims to minimize time spent over Zoom by preparing deliverables in advance. This allows the client to review the proposed work with their team efficiently. Occasionally, split decisions are made during these calls since the two companies may not be able to communicate again for a week at a time.

While this process can pose challenges for both the client and agency, it lends important lessons for young professionals who may encounter remote work in their careers:

· Clear, consistent, and continuous communication is key to getting things done.

· Taking notes during a meeting is always beneficial, even if you think you’ll remember everything discussed.

· Be proactive in seeking additional points of contact if you’re having difficulty reaching someone.

· Come prepared for meetings, as they are vital opportunities to engage with your client.

· Don’t hesitate to send a follow-up email to ensure clarity.

Through these experiences, we continue to learn and grow -- equipping ourselves with the skills needed to thrive in a remote work environment.