[Image by Gerd Altmann of Pixabay]
Do you believe in “office hours” or do you simply say you do? In my opinion, office hours are a necessity, particularly in our current workplace.
Here are some essential guidelines you may want to consider:
- Keep your office hours consistent (e.g. 8-12 a.m. daily, 5-8 p.m. Monday, your phone number or email address).
- Having office hours makes you available for both in-person and virtual discussion.
- Try to not have a set agenda (or list) for your office hours; instead keep it free form.
- Publicize your office hours so others are aware of your schedule.
- Think about changing the name “office hours” to something like: drop-in time
- Suggest possible uses for visiting you (e.g. offering their opinion, asking a clarifying question, making a suggestion for improvement, requesting personalized assistance).
- Opportunities to network.
- Offer constructive feedback.
- Prepare some strategies for note-taking.
- Have a designated number of slots available during your office hours.
- Ensure you actively listen.
We live in a society where everyone deserves a voice that is heard and respected. Some people may wish to participate in person while others may prefer virtual or remote. All of these are viable options for which it helps to prepare. The most important aspect is being available or accessible and office or drop-in hours will accomplish that. Depending on what the issue is and if you know about it in advance, you may either slate a longer time to meet or schedule an additional time the following week. My recommendation is that you also know how to reach the individual, both so you know his/her preferences and also in case your connection isn’t working. Don’t waste time trying to fix the connection; instead resort to an alternative (e.g. calling if the virtual platform fails).
In case you’re wondering if this blog also applies to speakers—-the answer is clearly yes! Whether you have an in-person audience or a virtual one, you may not have ample time to respond to questions or comments. Therefore, “office hours” are clearly a necessity. It’s a form of keeping the conversation going and shows a responsiveness on your part. If you’d like additional ideas, you’re welcome to call me or email me and I’ll do my best to offer you valuable input.