It’s no secret that remote work has taken center stage when it comes to operating in a modern-day work environment. Many job seekers will not even consider certain roles if they require employees to be full-time or even part-time in an office. Remote work has enhanced work-life balance, made organizations more understanding, and given employees more autonomy to control their success and growth within a company.
For leaders, managers, and executives, ensuring that their remote workplace is just as positive as being physically with one another is no easy task. In this article, we will explore how to make remote work successful for your business.
Be Clear About Your Expectations
Whether your company has always been fully remote or is transitioning to a remote working model, being clear about your expectations of employees is crucial. For example, availability is something that you should be crystal clear on, so that employees know how often they are supposed to be online, and when.
While remote work does give employees more autonomy, it also leaves room for interpretation when it comes to guidelines and expectations. Crafting a remote work policy and reviewing it with all current employees as well as new hires is a great way to make sure that everybody at your company is aligned.
Use Remote Collaboration Software
Your remote collaboration software should be just as unique as each individual in your workforce. Luckily, there are a variety of remote collaboration tools out there for companies to implement, in order to run business operations as effectively as possible.
Some of these tools include project management software, instant messaging services, video conferencing, and ad hoc IT support. By investing in your remote collaboration software, you will provide employees with the tools they need to be successful.
Create Measurable Goals
When it comes to remote work, some managers find it challenging to know what goes on behind the scenes. Clear signs of effort and commitment become less apparent than they once were when working in an office setting. This is why creating measurable goals is so important. By making sure that your direct reports are aligned on their specific and measurable goals, you will objectively be able to measure their success and evaluate their performance.
Make Work-Life Balance a Priority
While some boast that remote work has improved their work-life balance, others find it more difficult to unplug at the end of the day. Make sure to encourage work-life balance amongst your employees by encouraging them to take time off, and leading by example! This means that you should also take time off and encourage other leaders within your organization to do the same. Having a break can help promote mental clarity, decrease burnout, and improve creativity.
Focus on Learning and Development
Learning and Development initiatives are another big investment the companies are making since the remote work movement. Learning and development can help employees become the best version of themselves, explore different career paths, and feel empowered in the workplace. Especially in today’s current economy and hiring climate, upscaling employees instead of hiring new ones is the most cost-effective way to reduce turnover, improve attrition, and meet budget requirements.
We hope this article helped you better understand how to make remote work successful for your business. Remember, this is a case of trial and error, and what works for your business might not work for somebody else’s. For more helpful tips on operating a successful business, take at the rest of the Bottom-Line Consulting blog!