The Remote Working Women of Enablo – Zarese

by Harriet Muir
Published on April 1, 2020

What was once an appreciation to escape long commutes, or avoid office distractions, remote working has some feeling uneasy and isolated. COVID-19 has emotions running high, with some of us having the luxury of remote working, whereas others are unemployed or struggling to sustain small businesses. The global lockdown means all forms of physical employee engagement now becomes virtual with employees missing out on the in-person regular interaction and social connection with coworkers. How is your organization staying connected?

Connection is vital, and it’s incredible that technology allows us to connect in so many ways! Technology provides, COVID-19 government updates, FaceTime with your friends and family, the #see10do10 challenge on Social Media, and also updates through Workplace from Meta on your work commitments.


How do we manage social, work or news distractions? Can we stay connected but not distracted? We asked Zarese to share her remote working experience, along with how equal and supported she really feels at work (Enablo).

How does a remote working environment impact you and the way you work?

I’m really loving the 30-second walk to my ‘office’ each morning, and the freedom I have with making fresh meals, but I’m missing having my team around me.

A typical day working from home for me includes:

  • Checking in on clients – answering questions, identifying opportunities and resolving concerns during standup meetings and on Workplace in groups and chat
  • Catching up with my Enablo colleagues with a social ‘virtual hug’ video call where we talk about what we’ve learned recently, what we’re seeing in our local communities etc

I’m also supporting the team where I can with developing new content as this is a busy time for us Enablers! Personally, I’m intentionally keeping some routines in place, like taking a proper lunch break (taking the time to cook up something nutritious) and taking a walk each afternoon to get some fresh air and re-energize.

Like Kate, I’m a people person so being alone all day has been odd for me – I’m looking forward to being back in the office for the banter that we share. For now, having that virtually in the form of a strong GIF game is just as entertaining. I’m also drinking a lot of tea… today it’s strawberries and cream!

“What qualities do you think are most important for women within the Tech Industry?”

Creativity and resilience. We know technology has no limits. Our impact as women in tech has none either. Women see the world differently; our perspectives and ideas must be harnessed and contribute to new design thinking. So for me, I think it’s important for women to be creative, let our ideas shine, and for when challenges come along (because we know they will) to be solution-focused and resilient in the face of setbacks.

“How has your unique background prepared you for success in the industry?”

That’s a good question! My background is in communications and engagement, so that’s the lens I bring to the table when implementing Workplace from Meta. I have experienced the often impersonal one-way comms and silo-ed information that occurs in large organizations.

It provided me with great personal perspective and a genuine understanding of the opportunities the platform (and technology generally too) provides organizations (connecting via conversations and creating amazing employee experiences). I see my success in this industry as helping organizations redefine how they communicate at work via this amazing platform that is so functional and user friendly.

“Who are your role models for women in the tech industry?”

I haven’t been in the tech industry very long, so I feel like a bit of an imposter. I don’t have specific role models I can name, but I appreciate and respect any woman or group of women who are finding ways to solve problems and bring people together via tech. I did see a great app pop up recently that empowers women in a very specific way. Check out kin fertility.

“Do you notice a lack of women in the technology industry? If so, why do you think that’s the case?”

I’m not sure why it is. Are women simply not applying for these roles? If so, maybe more needs to be done to communicate about the transferability of skills between industries and roles, and that there are open seats at the table for us.

“What do you feel companies should offer their women?”

What I love about Enablo and my male colleagues is that they not only understand the pressures and inequalities that can and do exist in the corporate context (hello glass ceiling!), but they actively seek to be better as colleagues and support our growth as leaders in our own right. I feel every company should provide their leaders with a program that teaches and guides this kind of open and respectful dialogue.

Great insights from our experience consultant, Zarese. Keep an eye out for more ‘Remote Working Women of Enablo’ blogs, to understand how remote working and culture impacts them day-to-day. How is your organization maintaining connection while working remotely? Learn how Enablo can launch your organization with Workplace in five business days.

 

Meet the Author
Harriet Muir
Harriet discovered the power of Workplace when she rolled it out at a large energy company while in their internal comms team. Now she gets to bring together her love of collaboration tech and internal culture with her experience in marketing and storytelling as Enablo's Marketing Manager.

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