Having a remote workforce is becoming the new way to do business. More companies have adopted a hybrid working model, which has shown to be a positive change in the market. By implementing digital strategies, most businesses can easily adopt this technological innovation and continue to operate in the new normal work environment.
Are you considering having some or all of your employees work remotely? It can be hard to see how they can effectively connect and work together on projects without being in the same physical location. Still, the positives far outweigh any potential negatives.
As many companies adopt the hybrid model, they are finding a happier, healthier and more productive team of dedicated workers. If you can, implement this in your business and ask if you can work from home as an employee. The company will have better retention of employees and participate in the current digital shift in how we run businesses.
Let’s go over some of the benefits of remote collaboration.
Increased Productivity
Many people envision a person working from home as distracted and not putting full effort into their work day. This opposite is true. Most at-home workers understand this gift of remote employment they have and treat it professionally.
They are not rushed to prepare for work in the morning, so they are 100% when they start. They can also be more flexible and take advantage of their peak performance time during the day instead of only standard business hours and are more likely to work longer hours and extra days. Remote workers will also take fewer days off because they can work at home when sick.
Also read: The Importance of Having a Team-Building Strategy
Increased Communication
Your remote workforce must know how to communicate digitally so outcomes are met, and projects are completed effectively. They should be trained and encouraged to use the digital workplace platforms that you have implemented so everyone is connected.
Regarding direct collaboration with other employees at the office, a digital workplace solution can seamlessly integrate into almost any operation. It provides a digital hub where all team members can work together.
Communication is key to productive employees, and these digital workplace platforms allow for easy connection across all different devices and provide a digital space for:
- File sharing
- Two-way communication
- Video conferencing
- Task automation
- Instant messaging
- Access to company data
Having an intranet for your company makes the hybrid model work better and keeps the company’s culture thriving, despite a separated workforce.
Financial Savings
Most people don’t realize the costs associated with having a standard job. These include:
- Second vehicle
- Vehicle insurance and maintenance
- Fuel
- Work clothes
- Expensive food bought out for breakfast and lunch
- Child care
For an employer, there are overall operational cost savings, too, because you don’t need a large office or work location, which comes with lower utility fees, furniture and office supplies.
Flexibility
Working remotely gives you freedom as you are not required to clock in at an office. Employees usually have to do some of their work during regular business hours but can also get their daily tasks done around their personal lives. This flexibility excites people to work for a company because they can be more independent while staying on task.
Having a flexible work environment also works well for digital nomads. These people travel while working and find it stimulating to mix business with pleasure. This autonomy increases job satisfaction because employees feel trusted to do their job remotely.
As an employer, you can set up your smaller office to reflect the flexibility of your employees. Shared office space is ideal, and remote employees who come in occasionally can book desk time and have face-to-face meetings when necessary.
Also read: 5 Tips for Managing a Business With Multiple Locations
Increased Teamwork
Remote collaboration increases teamwork in business. Remote workers need direction and support outside the office. Managers can make themselves available while still giving employees their space.
Despite the increased teamwork, there has to be trust built into the hybrid system. Employees must be accountable for their workload and productivity. Teams rely on each other and get projects done together, so it is vital that all remote employees and in-house are committed to the business and will give their best work.
Set clear goals and objectives so staff can focus on establishing and completing objectives in harmony. When employees understand the team’s expectations, they can be more effective as they contribute to the project as a whole.
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