So, you’ve implemented a work-from-home model for your company and it’s not going to plan? Or, it is going to plan, but you just want to make some improvements? Great – this guide is going to help you.
Remote working is no longer a short-lived trend: it’s a way of life. Now, companies all around the world are telling their employees to work from home. In addition to this, they’re also hiring remote employees. Without a doubt, it’s a very interesting time in the world of business.
Due to the fact that remote working is still a relatively new concept, many company managers and employees are struggling to get used to it. After all, if you’ve worked in an office your entire life and are now being instructed to work remotely, it’s a big culture shock.
However, there’s no need to worry. When you perfect your remote working model, everything will be a breeze.
With that said, here are 5 ways to improve remote working for your employees, no matter what industry you’re in.
1. Host Virtual Team Bonding Exercises
Just because you and your team aren’t all in an office together, it doesn’t mean you can’t build and nurture your bond and relationship with each other.
The first step to do this is hosting virtual team bonding exercises. What this means is that you and your employees will come together using a video app – e.g., Zoom – and have some light-hearted fun together.
For example, every Friday, you and your team could hold a virtual quiz. Or, if you want a little more excitement, you could play some pokie apps, which is a great way to get all your employees engaged.
Once you start holding team bonding exercises, your colleagues will be able to collaborate with each other to a much higher level!
2. Listen Carefully to Feedback
Your company probably has a lot of remote employees, from marketing teams to sales representatives who work over the phone.
It’s important that you listen carefully to any feedback that your employees have regarding remote work, as this will enable you to make smart improvements.
For example, the majority of employees might think that they need better equipment to do their jobs, such as headsets and laptops.
Additionally, certain employees might want more collaboration with you or their colleagues – which is something else to bear in mind.
3. Provide Technical Support
For the employees that aren’t tech-savvy, it’s important that you provide them with technical support. This is because technical problems are common when working from home.
Ideally, you should have IT engineers who can do this via remote support. For example, if an employee is having software issues, an IT engineer can troubleshoot their issue remotely and have them back up to speed in no time.
Without technical support, your employees will feel at a disadvantage – which you don’t want to happen.
4. Use Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a superb tool for remote employees.
It allows them to share files with each other, host video conferences, create awesome ideas, and much more.
As a company, you’ll also be able to get a discount on Microsoft Teams – so make sure to check it out.
5. Communicate Every Day
Every day, you should aim to communicate with your employees.
This might be via instant messaging, email, or the above-mentioned Microsoft Teams.
Whatever your chosen method for communication is, your employees will appreciate that you are always giving them advice and instructions, despite them working remotely.
