In the past, using a remote workforce was often looked upon with skepticism. Can someone really be productive at their house? These days though, many companies are actually encouraging the practice. Not only can it result in lower operational costs, but it can also boost employee satisfaction. Furthermore, in the case of an emergency it can mean that your employees can still get their job done. If you’re new to the idea, here are a few strategies that can help:
Set expectations
When enacting a remote workforce, it is important to set expectations for each employee. Make sure you provide details not only in the hours they need to work, but also in what tasks they need to do for the day. Your managers will play a vital role in guaranteeing that expectations are met and that your remote workforce is successful.
Support
It’s important to find out what support your employees require. Does every member of your team have secure, reliable internet? Do they have a computer or alternate device to complete all of their tasks? If you don’t communicate with your employees to make sure they can do the job effectively, you will have a difficult time finding success.
Find gaps in technology requirements
In the event of an emergency, you don’t want to get caught flat-footed. It’s important to survey employees ahead of time to find out who is remote-ready and who needs more help. If you find that your company can’t mobilize quickly, you need to take corrective steps before an actual emergency happens. Working with your IT and HR departments can help guarantee that you are ready to go remote at a moment’s notice.
Stay connected
With a remote workforce, you should take steps to ensure that everyone stays connected. Thus, it’s a good idea to hold regular conference calls to make certain that everyone stays on the same page.
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