Turn your workforce into an efficient and distributed team
Once you can work from anywhere effectively, it’s time to focus on productivity and results. And new technology helps you break down the barriers of time and space, enabling your workforce to be more productive and connected than ever before.
You already know that communication is a crucial pillar to any organization, and according to research from Software Advice, thirty-eight percent of employees said communication was more difficult virtually. Connect regularly with your employees, use instant messaging, conference calls, and video conferencing. Video conferencing software can help create an emotional connection with dispersed members that leads to higher engagement and accountability. The end result? More cohesive teams and higher productivity. Also, make sure to set up recurring meetings so that everyone stays in the loop.
One of the most challenging aspects of being a remote employee is the uncertainty of expectations. When things need to be finished, how often should they give updates, work hours, and what the priorities are? We don’t realize how many of these questions are answered in the course of working together physically. To reduce employees’ anxiety over these questions, be sure to listen actively and offer a safe environment to field them. Making sure expectations are clear and understood prevents confusion and problems arising from miscommunication.
As your employees have helped you grow your business, it’s time to support them in return. Some employees might be having a much harder time than others, with childcare or eldercare responsibilities, difficulty defining a productive work-from-home space, and increased anxiety about it all. Ask them how they’re doing, cut a little extra slack, and you’ll find employees who aren’t terrified of slipping up will be happier, more productive, and yield better business results.
