Whether we are ready for it or not, we’ve been thrust into a world where working from home is the new normal. This impacts everyone differently — some of us face technical or communication challenges, others may face mental or psychological challenges — as we try to adjust as seamlessly as possible and maintain a productive work environment.
TalentClick’s Co-Founder and Specialist in Occupational Psychology, Stephen Race, collaborated with fellow experts Greg Scott and Dr. Sara Perry, to develop this new survey to help us all better understand how our work from home situation compares to others and where we may be able to make improvements.
To get started, take these 3 easy steps:
- Take the survey
- Download your results
- Read top insights listed below to set yourself up for success at home!
Take the free 5-minute survey now!
Now that you have taken the survey, consider your scores and how these insights can help you adapt and work from home more effectively:
I’m Unproductive vs I’m Productive
The degree to which you are personally effective in your work from home situation.
If you scored on the left side toward “I’m Unproductive” take the time to reflect on what makes you productive in your typical workplace:
- Are you able to be flexible with your scheduling?
- Are your personal responsibilities outweighing your work responsibilities?
- Are you able to take breaks?
- Or is it something else?
Consider what makes you most productive and do your best to recreate that environment in your new setting.
Try one or more of these tips to help you increase productivity.
I’m Unprepared vs I’m Prepared
The degree to which you are personally equipped and ready to work from home.
If you scored on the left side toward “I’m Unprepared” consider what has led to that feeling:
- Are you able to have a dedicated workspace?
- Are you able to adhere to your schedule?
- Is your personality well suited to working from home?
- Or is it something else?
Consider what roadblocks are causing unpreparedness, and take the time to discuss these with your leaders and co-workers. If you feel your personality is not well-suited learn more about your personality here.
Organization Unprepared vs Organization Prepared
The degree to which you feel your organization and team are equipped and ready to work from home.
If you scored on the left side toward “Unprepared” consider what may have caused this:
- Does your job require special equipment or access to be executed?
- Has your organization communicated a continuity plan?
- Has your organization provided clarity on work from home guidelines?
Gaining clarity and direction for all employees is important in such uncertain times. Ask your organization what plans or guidelines they have, and take the initiative to help draft them if they don’t already exist.
Static vs Adaptable
The degree to which you and your organization and team are able to respond and readjust in the shift to working from home.
If you scored to the left side toward “Static” consider what is preventing you from adapting:
- Are you unable to change how things are done in new circumstances?
- Have you or your organization responded to challenging circumstances in the past?
- Are you and your colleagues stumped for new ideas?
It can be a challenge to be adaptable when change happens quickly. Spend time on LinkedIn or reading the news to see how other organizations are adapting. Find ways to spark your creativity and keep your business going through uncertain times.
Controlled vs Empowered
The degree to which you feel your organization has entrusted and permitted you to complete work from home.
If you scored to the left side toward “Controlled” consider why you feel this way:
- Have you held autonomy over your job before?
- Are your colleagues unable to act independently?
- Is no one taking initiative in the absence of leadership?
Now is the time to step up at your organization and make yourself an integral part of the team. Consider what autonomy you can control and fill gaps by taking initiative.
Splintered vs Cohesive
The degree to which you feel your organization and team are operating effectively while working remotely.
If you scored to the left side toward “Splintered” consider the following:
- Do you feel alone and isolated from your team/colleagues?
- Do you have tools to connect with your team/colleagues?
- Are your working relationships weakening?
Sticking together and collaborating is necessary to survive this time of crisis. Find ways to connect regularly with your colleagues and support each other, whether through lunchtime coffee chats or end-of-the-week kudos.
Want to learn more?
By identifying what technical or personal challenges are holding you back from truly thriving in your remote work situation, you can take steps toward a positive change.
At TalentClick, understanding the link between personality and job performance is what we do best. Find out more about how we help workforces in more than 100 countries around the world at talentclick.com
Personality insights to support you and your team
About Stephen Race, Co-Founder & CPO
Stephen Race is the Chief Product Officer and co-founder of TalentClick Inc. He is responsible for the creation and development of TalentClick’s proprietary products and professional services delivery.
Within the area of industrial psychology, Stephen has been a specialist in the sciences of behavioral assessment, personality assessment, and cognitive testing for over 20 years. He has helped hundreds of customers across the globe ranging from startups to multinational organizations predict and improve employee performance by measuring the fit between employees, job requirements and organizational culture.
Stephen holds a BA Psychology from the University of British Columbia and a Master of Science in Occupational Psychology from the University of London, UK and is an active investor and advisor. He lives in Vancouver, Canada and spends his non-work time with his family travelling, cycling, swimming and hiking.
