With globalization taking control over the business world, firms are constantly searching for ways to expand internationally and increase efficiency. Remote work is also known as telecommuting or working from home (WFH). This type of work arrangement allows employees to perform all their daily work activities outside an organization’s headquarters or office. So, not only does the organization benefit from reduced overhead costs, but it can also hire people from abroad, increasing diversity and adding new blood to the business.
Employees can also benefit from improved flexibility, in addition to reduced transportation and travel costs. Nowadays, with the COVID-19 pandemic, an organization’s main concern is maximizing the productivity and efficiency of the remote workforce. In this article, we’re going to unravel the top ways to achieve these goals.
Training
Before the lockdown, many employees have never worked remotely. It is of utmost importance to assign a mentor to employees who are still new to this working arrangement, as they may feel lost at first and find it hard to adapt. There are a few tips to consider when training employees to work from outside the corporate offices.
- Formally introduce mentors and supervisors to employees.
- Inform trainees about mentorship rules; for instance, when and how to contact their mentors (whether through video conferencing, emails, phone calls).
- Mentors should then establish a rapport with their trainees to make them feel at ease and improve communication. That way, trainees won’t be afraid to ask for help when they face any problems, thus reducing work delays and inefficiencies as a result of technicalities.
- Assess their performance and well-being every now and then. Stay in touch with them by carrying out frequent check-ins so that they have a sense of belonging and don’t feel isolated from the organization.
- Give feedback; because that way, employees will know if they are on the right track, boosting their confidence, motivation, and productivity.
Technology
The evolution of technology has been revolutionary throughout the past few years. There is a plethora of computer software that can help boost the productivity and efficiency of remote workers. Many firms have adopted employee screenshot monitoring systems that encompass computer activity surveillance without affecting employees’ privacy. The screenshot feature functions by remotely taking screenshots of computer screens to show managers how employees are performing and what exactly they’re doing.
This advanced technology can also be very useful when clients want extra assurance that their information is confidential, so you can take a screenshot while employees are working on the task to ensure they’re not making or sending any of its copies to anyone outside the company, therefore, avoiding problems before they occur.
Online tracking software can also promote efficiency and productivity, as it detects how much time is spent on each project to ensure that employees are productive and no time is wasted. Some remote workers might be afraid or unassertive to report that they’re struggling with a specific task, so monitoring software can help managers identify when an employee is having a hard time finishing the project or facing technical issues with the online platforms.
Other essential remote work tools include:
- Time Management software
- Video Conferencing and chatting tools
- Project Management applications
Care For Your Employees’ Mental Health
From redundancies to cutting down on salaries, your employees’ mental health is probably far from perfect during these times. Everyone is stressed, overloaded with work, and afraid of being laid off, which puts workers under so much pressure, negatively affecting their performance. This is why it is critical to promote remote workers’ wellbeing by hiring a counselor, offering medication classes, health programs, and making them work in groups to enhance socialization and make them feel like they’re part of a team.
Work-life balance is crucial as well; just because employees are working from home doesn’t mean that they should work 24/7. Therefore, avoid doubling the amount of work so that they don’t burn out and become demotivated.
SMART Goals
Use the well-known SMART goal-setting method. Set goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and have a Time scale. When employees know exactly what they need to achieve, they will have a sense of direction and focus on getting things done. Keep in mind that you need to match their TDRs (Tasks, duties, and responsibilities), with their KSA’s (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities).
Human capital is as important as any asset in the business. That is why all businesses are keen on having a highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce. Consequently, working remotely can help them attract potential employees, especially if they seek convenience and flexibility. If you follow these tips, your remote workforce’s productivity and efficiency will certainly be optimized.
