Transitioning to Remote Work & the COVID19 Response
Transitioning into a new paradigm of remote work is an interesting topic being discussed by organizations around the world. Whether COVID was the cause of this shift, or if remote policies were available prior to the pandemic, there are certain challenges, benefits and tradeoffs all businesses must face with a digital workplace.
In this blog we will discuss our changing environment, and solutions for employers to stay in tune with our global marketplace.
Infrastructure Needs:
The first and most obvious challenge to remote working is incorporating the infrastructure required to work effectively from home. Investment in technology and training is integral to an employee’s ability to be productive and efficient outside of the office. Carrying out a company-wide launch discussing the various technologies being implemented and best-use practices is essential for employee engagement. Technology solutions like Skype, WebEx, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Slack and Chanty are user-friendly platforms and beneficial for just-in-time training methods- which can prepare your workforce for the next wave of technological advancements.
Loneliness in a Remote Setting:
Addressing loneliness and being flexible in your approach when managing remote workers is essential. Recent statistics from the Surgeon General’s office shows that above 20% of adults in the United States suffer from loneliness. With peaks in young adulthood, these studies repeatedly demonstrate that addressing social connection can affect productivity, creativity and retention rates. Activities like the ones listed below can help curb burnout and disengagement.
Unstructured-Structured Time:
Having a structured 5-8 minutes of unstructured time at the beginning of team meetings has proven to increase engagement and bring energy to your meetings. With no particular agenda during this time other than giving employees an opportunity to discuss what is on their mind, organizations can find the sweet spot of productivity and ingenuity.
Inside Scoop
This is an exercise where each week an employee takes 5 minutes to share something about themselves. This can include discussing their hobbies, interests, desires and background. This exercise has proven to increase employee interaction and address an innate human desire of social connection and belonging within an organization.
Assisting Managers:
The ability to identify employees that are isolating is extremely important to keep your team engaged. Promoting regular routines and consistent rituals like dressing for work, having a tidy workspace and keeping up your physical routines are all essential for your team’s productivity. Reserving a period of time to allow for feedback, and appreciation of employee achievements can also avoid major setbacks and challenges down the road.
Takeaways:
Trusting your team and offering flexibility is crucial when transitioning your workforce to remote work. Contrary to popular belief, studies show that productivity increases when working from home, however during the initial stages of implementation productivity may dip as employees get into the new routine.
Offering remote opportunities will also open up your business to a global talent pool, which is integral to a diverse workplace and success of any organization. A recent study from McKinsey analyzed data collected from 366 companies which confirmed statistically significant connection between diversity and financial performance, with organizations in the top quartile for gender diversity 15% more likely to have financial returns above their national industry median, and organizations in the top quartile for racial/ethnic diversity 30% more likely to have financial returns above their national industry median.
In our opinion, the best way forward is for organizations to work hand in hand with their people. By offering a larger toolkit at an employees’ disposal, it will ensure your organization emerges from 2020 more prepared for future challenges.