Remote working has become a trending topic over the past few weeks, thanks to some major events shaking up the way we have to do business in a very short time. However, a lot of employers rightfully have concerns about how it’s going to work out.

As such, we’re going to look here at some of the tools and tips on how to implement remote working effectively in your business.

Communication and connection are crucial

Simply put, if you can’t communicate effectively, you can’t work effectively.

Objectives will be misunderstood, mistakes will be made, and time will be wasted.

As such, workplace collaboration software can help a lot by helping each employee track conversations and group projects, as well as making it easier to open a direct line to others they need to work with.

Fostering real connection is important, too, so taking the time for phone calls and face-to-face meetings (via webcam) is important, too.

Utilize the Cloud

The rise of the Cloud is a big part of the reason why remote working has become a lot more possible. People are able to much more easily and efficiently share data and resources online with Cloud storage. However, Cloud computing also makes it easier for them to access the tools that are actually used to carry out work processes.

A lot of software can be used on the Cloud, meaning people can take the work they were doing in the office home with them and do it in the exact same way.

Be clear with expectations and goals

A lot of employers fear that remote workers will take the opportunity they have to slack off, to not get work done, and to cut corners. In most cases, this fear is unfounded and it has been proven remote workers are actually more productive on average.

However, setting clear expectations and using KPIs to track performance can help you ensure you’re on the right track.

Implement iron-clad security policies

There should be strict rules about how any company-owned or licensed software and data is to be accessed.

For instance, people should not be using public networks, such as the cafe’s Wi-Fi, to log into a Cloud server that has a lot of customer data in it.

Make sure you have strict remote security policies and check that your team follows them.

Be flexible

Utilize the benefits of your remote working policy as best as you can.

One of the ways it can benefit your employees is by offering them a lot more flexibility in how and when they work.

You can set a couple of hours a day where everyone has to be present to make sure you can still communicate effectively but allowing employees to set their own hours can make them a lot more productive.

Remote working isn’t only good in a crisis. It can be a more efficient and flexible way to work with your team throughout the whole year. As such, it might be worth considering making this transformation permanent.

© New To HR