Since 2020, many companies have had to change the way they work and do business. With so many staff locked down for long periods, bosses had to come up with new procedures and ways of working. If you are starting or building a virtual business, then you need to create working practices that are adaptable. Here’s how to build flexible foundations for a virtual business.
Table of Contents
Allow Employees to be More Flexible
If you are planning to operate your business in the same structure that you would in an office environment, then you may not get the results you want.
It is vital that you create a way for your staff to be more flexible while working. Even changing a shift time by a few minutes can have a huge impact on someone’s ability to work that day or not.
Companies that offer flexible working have a variety of ways that they arrange their shifts so that everyone can be considered. This could include rewards for doing busy shifts that means you can request quiet shifts next time.
Build-in Flexible Working Practices
Some elements of work procedures need to be flexible enough to deal with the needs of staff at any time the business is operating.
As an example, if your company works overnight, then there needs to be a way for staff to get approval or authorize work without having to wait for long periods.
If you operate a hybrid system, then those that work in the office also need flexibility. Most modern thinking companies now use a relaxed and creative approach. Office spaces such as serviced Office from BE Offices give workers more flexibility and help creativity.
Communication is Essential
Communication in any workforce is vital, but when you have a virtual business, this becomes even more important.
Some companies have developed apps that their workers can use to contact each other as well as organize shifts, and deal with inquiries.
It is also essential that you can get feedback from your staff to see how new procedures and tools are working. Some staff may feel isolated while working at home, so a connected communication strategy will prevent this from happening.
Organize Meetings in a Different Way
Meetings are part of any office environment, but when you are working virtually, the typical norms associated with meetings need to be rethought.
Zoom meetings or virtual meetings have become the norm for many companies, but even these need to have flexibility built-in.
- You should give as much notice of a meeting as possible, as some employees may have other commitments that they work around.
- Avoid arranging meetings at certain times such as early in the morning or late in the evening.
- Ensure that as many people from the team can make the meeting so that some individuals don’t feel isolated.
- Managers should hold regular one-to-one meetings with employees so they can see how they are coping and if they have any problems.
Conclusion
Ensuring flexibility while still getting the work completed is a delicate balancing act, but when achieved, can be a huge boost to your company.
