Ever since the pandemic hit the world, remote work saw a rise in its popularity and became a norm. This has changed the way we perceive and work within standard employment methods.
Advanced technology and changing work dynamics have made remote working possible in today’s age as it provides several benefits to both employers and employees. This article will provide employers with complete guidance on how to establish effective remote working, the knowledge, and the resources they need to successfully manage a remote workforce and get the most productivity out of it too.
You simply need to have one important factor in check so employees have no problem being online and present. We would recommend having your workforce working from home using a high-speed internet connection at all times. One of the best solutions to have is Optimum Internet for your employees, as it is affordable and effective, plus a safe one too. With the internet available to all employees, the biggest problem is resolved and it all comes down to work ethic and rules being established to keep the work efficiency smooth even while working remotely. Read below and learn how to develop a guide for remote employees.
What is Remote Working?
Remote working, commonly referred to as telecommuting or teleworking, is a work arrangement in which employees do not need to be physically present in a centralized office or workplace. Instead, employees have the freedom to work from wherever they want, usually their homes or co-working places, while communicating and collaborating with their colleagues via technology.
Advantages of Remote Working for Employers
- Expense Decreases:
Considering the current economic situation, corporates try to cut costs as much as possible. Having a remote workforce set up reduces the operating costs for the companies as the overhead costs of maintaining a physical office can be saved along with other expenses linked to it. This advantage especially works in the favor of small businesses as they already have a low capital.
- Increased Productivity:
The major thing that employers expect from employees is to get the assigned work done with great outcomes. In order to achieve this goal, it is extremely important to have a high productivity level so the employees can work efficiently. They do not spend time commuting or getting engaged in office gossip. Hence, they work more efficiently.
- Decreased Turnover:
Finding a replacement for an employee can be quite a hassle. It not only costs the business their time and money but also reduces productivity. Job satisfaction tends to be increased when the employees are working remotely and that saves the company and decreases turnover.
Advantages for Employees
- No Commute:
This is one of the major advantages of remote working for employees. Working from home can eliminate everyday commutes from the schedule. It not only saves money but also saves the time and energy of the employees. Employees no more waste their time running after buses or public transport but rather work comfortably at their place without bothering to consume energy. It also saves them some margin as they cut down the travel expenses.
- Increased Autonomy:
Employees who work from home often have more flexibility in how they work and schedule their tasks. They have the authority to govern their assigned tasks themselves and have the freedom to make minor decisions regarding their work schedule.
- Employees in their best Health:
How will the employees give the desired output if they are not healthy enough to work properly? The health of the employees is a major concern because, without it, they would not be able to perform well. Avoiding crowded buses and interactions reduces the risk of getting sick. Hence, they stay fit at home not being exposed to the unhealthy environment.
Installing Remote-Work-Specific Technology
Setting up a remote workforce does cut down costs for the companies but it also requires them to have some tech tools that would make the job easier. Without cloud-based productivity software, remote work goals cannot be achieved. Internet is the basic requirement for telecommuting as the following tools require Internet to run.
- Now that employees can’t hold meetings physically, they require some alternative to hold conferences. Zoom is one of the best options available for teleconferencing.
- Companies need to set up their own storage setup to manage remote data access. Google Drive offers great productivity programs, storage space, and network security features.
- To collaborate with other colleagues while working remotely, a virtual space to work together is required. It allows the employees to communicate smoothly and assign, share, and track their work. Asana is a great pick.
How Can Managers Support Employees?
Building the morale of the employees so they feel motivated while working remotely is extremely important. Following are the ways managers can motivate their employees for efficient outputs.
- Train your team and ensure they understand all the new technological tools that are being introduced.
- Concentrate on the final product rather than controlling the employees’ actions as they might delve into their working style.
- Sufficient information and resources should be provided to the employees.
- Motivate them by appreciating their work.
- Communicate with them and provide constructive feedback when needed.
The thing about feedback is that it does not mean anything on its own unless you are willing to incorporate in your way of working. Only then can a successful working environment be expected.
Conclusion
Recently, remote working has become a norm and gained popularity because of technological advancements, changing aspects of work, and the global pandemic. Nevertheless, it has shown to be a viable alternative to traditional office-based work in many industries. This article will serve as a guide for employers who are considering setting up a remote workforce.