Nowadays everyone is working from home as much possible. Although we are used to work globally, the main project team often works physically together at the office. In having face-to-face meetings, we are able to feel and see the expression within the room without a word being said. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak the way of working has changed drastically.
At SuccessDay we strive to be on site at our clients as much as possible. Especially at the start of a HRIS project, this helps to build the relationship and understanding of the client. Sometimes the best insights emerge during an informal conversation at the coffee machine. Also when questions need to be answered, what is easier then to just walk by the next office and ask the question in person. This approach is personal, dynamic and effective.
Even though it was challenging a bit in the beginning, we are able to see the positive side as well of a remote implementation. Stand-ups, cross-functionals, scrum sessions and even full workshops can be done fully remote in an efficient way. Meetings are to the point and time is used more efficient.
We summarized a couple of topics that are, according to us, vital in making a remote implementation successful!
Clear project meeting structure
- Organize a daily stand-up with your team that you are working closely together with. Schedule these up to two times a day to keep the contact points on a level that matches the stage of the project.
- Recurring cross functional meetings that include stakeholders from different functional streams. This results in less ad-hoc meetings leaving time for you to actually get work done.
- Define clear digital meeting rules, like muting when you’re not speaking, camera on/off, using the chat for questions, etc.
Online backlog/overview of tasks
- The project planning and milestones need to be clear for everyone and online available for the team to have a look at.
- Be clear on the deadlines and who is working on what. An online environment where progress is tracked could be of great help (Trello, MS Teams Planner, Jira, Gant Bord, etc).
Time-management
- Keep your agenda up to date. Everyone can relate to the difficulty of finding available timeframes. Keeping your agenda up to date helps others when they require your attendance.
- Make a to-do list at the start of the day. Microsoft To Do is a great tip!
Have fun!
- Although we are in difficult times, it is important to have fun, also from a distance. Organize a short game or online quiz with your colleagues, a virtual coffee break or a Friday afternoon drink for some social talk and fun.
Written by
Eveline van Bergen, Senior Consultant at SuccessDay. Responsible as a Global Data Lead for a global rollout of SuccessFactors EC, Recruiting, Performance and Talent at a global client (26.000 employees) headquarters in The Netherlands.
Steven Thangathurai, Senior Consultant at SuccessDay. Currently supporting an international client (5.200 employees) headquartered in Belgium, with a worldwide rollout of Workday HCM Core, Compensation and Recruiting.
SuccessDay
We are SuccessDay and we strive to make your implementation a great success! SuccessDay is the independent advisor during your HR IT implementation. We operate next to the implementation partner with roles the organization needs to staff during roll out. Roles we have:
- Project & Change Managers
- Business Analysts & Business consultants
- Data Leads & Consultants
- Test Leads & Consultants
We are not subject to another’s authority. We have strong knowledge about the HCM systems that matter such as Workday and SuccessFactors. And last but not least we guarantee success with our proven methodologies and Quality Assurance
