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A growing group of remote workers
COVID-19 signaled many changes in the way we live our lives, and not all of them were good. One thing that has proven to be popular with many people in the workforce is the increasing acceptance of a hybrid, or even totally remote, working model.
There have been many who say that it has been more beneficial for their well-being and health especially as we sink deeper into the cost of living crisis. Why is that, and what does it mean for your business?
Why do so many enjoy remote working?
Remote working allows people to re-focus their working lives in order to better juggle their priorities. We all know too well how little the rest of our lives want to accommodate us working in the main office for eight or nine hours – things crop up.
When you’re working remotely you’re able to attend to them more fluidly while still maintaining your schedule, your task list, and your obligations. Ultimately this leads to a higher quality of life, increased amount of work satisfaction, and in many cases, it can lead to higher levels of productivity.
Many employers automatically presume working remotely means a drop in productivity, but this is seldom the case. In most instances, it’s actually the opposite.
It also serves as a display of trust in your employees to allow them a little more freedom to manage their workload in their own environment, which can also contribute to higher productivity. This is why as much as 59% of UK workers prefer a hybrid working model.
Managing your teams remotely
Just because you implement a remote working policy it doesn’t mean you should give up any idea of keeping your team closely managed. Far from it. There are many dedicated tools available that are specifically designed to allow you to manage remote teams however you want to.
Technology is becoming a deeper part of everything we do – it becomes a more present part of our working and professional lives. This allows you an advantage, however, as it allows you to keep a clear eye on your teams whether they’re working remotely or not.
Through a dedicated set of tools designed to allow you to collaborate, share information, and disseminate goals and targets, you’re able to efficiently keep track of your team’s workflow.
Effective remote working depends on collaboration. You have to trust your team and truly believe in their ability to work without supervision. That doesn’t mean you let them do what they want, however – you also have to ensure they understand the ground rules for the remote working solution you’re implementing.
Make your requirements clearly understood. Put them down in writing so they can be referred to on a regular basis if necessary, and allow your team to ask questions about them.
An environment of mutual respect can be easily fostered when you implement a remote working policy properly – and there are many benefits for you as a business owner to enjoy.
