How to Make a Remote Workplace Work: 8 Things to Consider
Still working with a remote/hybrid workplace structure that was cobbled together during the pandemic? Starting from scratch? Or maybe you just need to tweak your existing system. Whether you are creating a new remote workplace or re-evaluating an old one, you need to formulate a plan. What does a successful remote workplace look like?
Here are 8 things to consider for making a remote workplace work:
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Workload
If you want your workplace to go fully remote, make sure that you have enough of an online workload to justify it. While you may think that most of your business can be conducted online, if you haven’t put that into practice yet you might be surprised. Do you have enough online work to support a fully remote workplace, or would hybrid be a better fit?
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Communication
Make sure that you’re set up to enable everyone to communicate effectively. Do you have the necessary tools to make sure that your workforce can collaborate? Will you conduct regular online meetings? Occasional in-office get-togethers? Streamlining communication channels is key to a successful remote workspace.
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Employee buy-in
If everyone is on board with working remotely, that’s half the battle. Employees invested in making a remote workspace work will gladly help you to reach that goal. Listen to your workforce and try to be as flexible as you can. Some may favor a hybrid situation while others prefer a fully remote one. Craft a plan that strives to meet the needs of your workforce.
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Hiring and onboarding
While you must consider your current employees, don’t forget about onboarding new ones. How will this new remote plan be able to accommodate additional workers? What will the interviewing, hiring, and training processes look like?
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Training and support
Introducing new skills can be tricky to do remotely. Providing the right training and support for your workforce is crucial for success. While some people thrive in a remote working environment, others value in-person interaction. Even those who prefer being remote can get burned out from juggling work with distractions at home. Think about ways to bring balance. Why not investigate a friendly step-tracking competition that could boost morale and physical health? How about a virtual team-building event?
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Evaluating software needs
Communicating, hiring, training, and supporting employees in a remote environment requires effective tools. Evaluate your current software and make decisions on what needs to be supplied to everyone for their home/hybrid workspaces. Give your employees what they need to succeed.
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Monitoring and measuring progress
How can you tell what’s working and what isn’t if you don’t establish a way to track it? Implement a strategy for monitoring workflow and productivity. Set concrete goals and track them. The only way to gauge the success of your remote/hybrid plan is by measuring its progress.
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Transitioning and growing
Whether you are creating an entirely new remote/hybrid workplace or revitalizing an old one, there will be a period of transition. Give everyone time to figure out what works best for them, their teams, as well as your clients and your customers. Successful businesses need to be dynamic. Make sure that you leave room for growth and change.
What if you don’t have the internal talent to make your remote workplace work?
It might be time to look outside of your organization for help. Don’t be afraid to hire a specialist to help set up a new remote/hybrid plan or optimize an existing one. Handing this transition off to a professional can help mitigate interruptions to your business and alleviate the extra pressure on your workforce.
It’s always a good time to get your business on the right track.
Want to know more about how we can help your remote workplace work? Contact us.
Red Sky has over 15 years of experience working with clients to strategize, manage, and streamline their businesses.
At Red Sky – We can help.
