Remote work was popular even before the pandemic. It was, however, accessible only to a few, especially in the IT industry and banking sector. According to the Pew Research Center, only 7% in the private industry were allowed to work from home. In the government sector, it was only 4%. When the coronavirus hit in 2020, small businesses started allowing their employees to work remotely. But it wasn’t for everybody.
The restaurant and travel industries suffered a lot because of the pandemic. With the risk of COVID-19, businesses started evaluating whether it was achievable to let workers do their job at home. Amazingly enough, business owners learned that remote work is still possible. More importantly, they can still be profitable while doing so. Today, Statista reports that 44% of the labor force works from home five days a
week.
It’s safer to have employees work remotely now and soon. Experts believe the risks of COVID-19 will linger for a few more years. Managing remote workers is the new normal. It comes, however, with many challenges, especially for industries used to working on-site. To help you deal with this new normal, this article will give you tips on managing your business remotely.
Be an Advocate of Remote Work
Believe in the necessity for remote work. Advocate its benefits. Put to heart how it positively affects employees, customers, and businesses as a whole. Use this information to encourage others to go digital or remote.
Change the way you think about on-site work. A business can still operate if it is managed remotely. Employees can still do their job even if work is done from home. Support technologies that make remote work possible. Use apps that can make jobs easier.
If you have staff members that are not tech-savvy, take time to teach them. You can also provide training for them. For your managers, have them learn more about remote management strategies.
Communication Is Crucial
In any work setup, communication is important. In remote work and management, though, it has to have a plan. It must be scheduled. It must have a format strictly followed by everybody.
Set a quick, daily conference call to manage business operations. Weekly meetings should only be done to set agendas, decide on important business matters, and direct the company to where it should go. For key employees, daily communication should be scheduled.
As the business owner, you should also be open to virtual calls.
Have the Right Communication Tools
With remote management, business owners need to be in constant communication with their team. You will be immersed in virtual meetings and video conferences. Messaging tools and email management systems should be in place. Use the latest communication technologies available.
Shop for web conferencing tools that will be ideal for your business meetings. Get their trial versions and study the initial setup. Learn how to use everything well by taking notes of features that each offers. Stick to one only after deciding which features work best for your business.
Foster collaboration between teams and employees by using messaging apps or instant chat tools. Have a separate communication tool for your employees, business partners, and clients.
Track Progress and Productivity
Some email management tools have tracking systems for employee productivity. It’ll be easier, though, to use dedicated productivity tools. Task managers and project management tools can be used for this purpose. Calling a meeting to get some updates on your employees’ work is time-consuming. Use management tools instead.
Storage tools can also be helpful. You and your staff will be exchanging files digitally in higher frequency and volume now. Use cloud-based storage tools where your business files can be kept. They are great because your employees can also access them from their desktop or mobile phone.
Provide a Safe and Secure Environment
Before allowing your team to collaborate or conduct virtual meetings, ensure everybody has the latest anti-virus software. This prevents malware and other dangers from getting access to your company’s files. This also allows for a secure virtual environment.
There are, however, instances when you and key personnel must come to the office to complete specific tasks. To ensure everybody is safe from the risk of the coronavirus, install a temperature scanner at work. Get only the best. Schedule a virtual meeting with a Dahua authorized reseller to learn more about state-of-the-art thermal temperature stations they offer.
Show that You Care
Isolation can affect everybody’s mental health. Some of your employees have a family with them at home while they work. Others may not.
Boosting your employees’ mental health can have a positive effect on their productivity. Schedule online social events so everybody can catch up. Ask employees how they’re doing. Show that you care.
