If you take a trip back in time to ten years ago and ask any person where they see themselves in ten years, working at home will not be one of the top answers you’ll get. In fact, it might not have even crossed people’s minds at the time.
The idea of remote work wasn’t really unheard of a decade ago. Many people were already doing freelance work then for companies that offer SEO services and other online job opportunities. But it wasn’t exactly seen as a plum job or top career choice, much less a goal.
However, with the present global health crisis that we’re facing, most companies and corporations have taken the remote work route and implemented more flexible working arrangements for their employees if only to keep their businesses above water during a pandemic.
For companies that are hesitant to jump on the remote work bandwagon because they don’t know where to start, these tips could be helpful:
Tip #1: Enhance your cybersecurity protocols.
Since everyone’s online nowadays, hackers and cybercriminals are having a ball with all of the choices available to them. Don’t be a victim. See how you can enhance your cybersecurity before you roll out a remote work program for your company. Talk it over with your IT guy and make the necessary changes.
Tip #2: Review and evaluate your communication tools.
The next thing you need to do is to make sure that your communication tools are sufficient and efficient. Remote work entails utilizing technology to contact your team. Communication tools are essential in any remote work program so you need to make sure that whatever you have in place will serve you and your team well.
Tip #3: Work with your team.
Two heads will always be better than one when it comes to the workplace. Collaboration is a crucial aspect of teamwork and planning and strategizing your move to a work-from-home setup will be a lot better if you have everyone on board for brainstorming. Consider each person’s input and always go with the best options for the company.
Tip #4: Introduce newer and faster communication tools.
Once you have all agreed on the main strategy, start looking for more efficient communication and collaboration tools for you and your team, especially if the one you have in place now is subpar. Remember that one of the keys to a successful remote work arrangement is the ability to communicate fast and clearly. And the means by which you communicate matters a lot.
Tip #5: Invest in regular learning and training.
Understandably, not everyone is adept at technology, especially if a company’s line of business rarely utilizes computers. Regardless, companies should invest in their people by providing regular learning and training to help everyone cope with the changes and have them all on the same page. The more they know about the system and tools, the less likely mistakes will be made.
Tip #6: Clearly communicate the changes in strategies to all employees.
We can’t stress enough how important communication is in a remote work setup. It is important to make sure that the line and manner of delivery of all communications are clear with everyone. Both managers and employees need to learn how to effectively work together without the need for over-communication. On that note, folks should know when to contact other people through instant messaging, email, videos, or voice calls.
Tip #7: Conduct regular evaluations to increase efficiency.
Just because you’re migrating to a mostly online setup doesn’t mean that you stop with your regular evaluations and feedbacks. All the more that they should be done regularly. This will serve as your barometer in knowing everyone’s productivity and expectation levels.
Tip #8: Set boundaries for work and personal life.
One of the main challenges of working from home is people have no clear boundaries between work and personal life. It is recommended that those who are doing remote work set a daily schedule closely similar to how things would be if they were to report at the office. This routine ensures that they have enough time to take care of work and other important things.
Tip #9: Take note of best practices and keep them.
Lastly, take note of all the best practices that each member of the team is doing. Highlight some of it either weekly or monthly and share them with the others who might benefit from it. Make the necessary adjustments to make everyone as productive as possible without getting burned out or slacking.
If your company has not yet jumped on the remote work bandwagon, we highly recommend you consider doing so. Even if we’ve already conquered COVID-19, the benefits of having work-from-home arrangements have already established remote work as a huge part of the future of employment.
