Some business owners are hesitant to implement remote work into their operations. However, most workers want some variation of remote work, so more and more companies are creating hybrid or fully remote positions to cater to their employees. If you’re considering transitioning to a new work model, know that you can still manage your team effectively, even if everyone’s working from home.
The Benefits of Remote Work
A common misconception about remote work is that it leads to a decrease in productivity, but that’s not necessarily true. Studies show that remote work boosts productivity, reduces the use of sick days, and increases workers’ motivation. Remote work allows your employees to establish a proper work-life balance, granting them the flexibility they need to perform their duties at their best. Additionally, using a remote work model makes you more competitive and can help you save when you remove expenses like rent or extra supplies.
Ideal Remote Jobs
Some jobs are made for remote work. Writers, software engineers, web designers, project managers, recruiters, and more can all flourish working from home. Whether your business involves retail or developing apps, there are always tasks that can be done remotely or outsourced to increase efficiency. Take marketing, for example. You can look into email marketing services through online job boards and trust that your business is being promoted while you focus on more important tasks. Choose the best candidate based on experience, rates, and reviews.
Steady Communication
Since you and your employees are not in the same building, maintaining communication is even more essential. Communication should be standardized and documented so that all relevant parties can easily access information. To keep up with productivity goals, you could implement weekly meetings, either with the entire staff or on a one-on-one basis. These meetings should serve as a way to touch base with each other, regularly update staff, and keep everyone on track. You can make communications a cinch with virtual meeting software that allows for file sharing, chatting, and more.
Transparency
To manage a remote staff, all employees need to know what is expected of them. You should outline work hours, degrees of flexibility, communication expectations, and goals, preferably in a written document. You may need to adjust job descriptions if there are any shifts in responsibilities.
Team Bonding
Despite the many benefits of remote work, some people aren’t quite built for it. Many workers suffer from loneliness when they’re cut off from the socialization that in-person work offers. As a manager, you should promote team bonding as much as possible. You can host team-building activities to foster work relationships, which could be useful at the beginning or end of work meetings. Try hosting virtual happy hours, game nights, or in-person events to encourage socializing outside of work.
Quality Workers
Not sure where to find quality remote workers? Luckily, there are dozens of online job platforms that can connect you with freelancers, part-time workers, or potential full-time employees who want to work from home. When considering a candidate, take a look at their experience, make sure they have excellent communication skills, and see if their personality would mesh well with your team. If you’re hiring a company for outsourced tasks, make sure you compare their reviews and costs to other companies.
Remote work can be valuable to your business. With proper communication, you can easily manage your team and see your business grow.
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