The COVID-19 epidemic has forced many firms to review their workplace policies, including ones that deal with remote work. Some companies switched to a completely remote model, while others continue to maintain an office and employ remote employees for specific projects or for specific roles. The flexible arrangement benefits both the employer and their remote workers. The former can save on real estate and space costs, and draws talent from around the world and mitigates geographic limitations while the latter is able to balance personal and professional obligations.
For teams to move from a workplace to a remote workplace requires more than an internet connection and file sharing applications. It is important to plan for a smooth transition which includes onboarding, training, and setting up metrics for success. It is also important to have the right tools and equipment for remote workers.
It is crucial, for instance to establish clear expectations regarding virtual communications and to avoid bombarding employees with messages. Managers should instead establish regular check-ins and communicate guidelines for calls made via virtual channels. They should also provide the appropriate tools to monitor productivity and workflow. For instance a productivity tracking software such as Trello can assist managers in keeping track of their teams’ performance.
It’s also important to search for the best remote work jobs to match your skills and experience. Software solutions can be used to work remotely for roles like project management and client interactions, which previously relied on face-to–face interactions. Salespeople can also utilize online platforms to communicate with clients and manage their pipelines from far away. Accounting, recruitment, human resource management and operations are just a few professions that have made the transition to working remotely.