How Do You Engage A Remote Workforce?

Salinas Business IT Support Provider

Table of Contents

Continuously advancing modern technology means that, for many professionals, working remotely can be just as effective as working in the office.Thousands of businesses have been forced to rely on technology so that entire workforces could work from home.

Such a widespread shift in working practices acted almost as a large-scale case study into the effectiveness of remote working. This, in turn, prompted discussions about the way we work and what it would look like in the future. Prior to the pandemic, many business owners feared that regular remote working would lead to productivity loss and inefficiency. However, now that most office-based businesses have experienced mass remote working first-hand, many are declaring that it’s been surprisingly successful, with reports of increased productivity and staff satisfaction.

Such a positive result suggests that remote working will become increasingly common in the modern workplace. In fact, we predict that most businesses will adopt a ‘working from anywhere’ policy.

Such a significant increase in remote working means that businesses need to adapt in order to keep up with competitors, keep staff happy and continue growing. While many companies report improved staff satisfaction since the onset of remote working, this must be reviewed regularly to gauge whether it’s still the case long term. Not only do you need your staff to be happy at work, you need them to be consistently engaged, to the same level that they would be in the office.

Studies show that engaged employees tend to be 15% more productive with up to 30% greater customer satisfaction levels. While disengaged employees search for new job opportunities more often, take more sick days, and make more mistakes. Which is why it’s so important to prioritize the engagement of your employees, especially as working practices have changed so significantly and under such unprecedented circumstances.

We’ve put together 7 quick, easy tips on how to keep your remote workforce engaged, therefore ensuring that remote working continues to be a success for your business.

1. Ensure data is easily accessible and secure 

Nothing is more frustrating than being unable to complete a task because you simply can’t access the right files, documents or resources. When you’re working remotely this frustration is amplified, you can’t just lean across to ask someone for help, you’re left trying to figure it out for yourself or contacting someone else and waiting for them to send you what you need. The days of having to email yourself documents or carry information on a USB stick are over, along with the days of lost data, unorganized files and frantic searching for that one spreadsheet you desperately need!

All of this frustration can be eliminated with effective cloud computing. Cloud-based file sync and share systems like Microsoft Sharepoint allow you to store, organize and access files securely via the internet. What’s so beneficial about Microsoft Sharepoint is that it enables users to access data from anywhere, at any time, using any device – provided they can authenticate their identity and have a strong internet connection. As such, employees can continue to work on documents effectively, whether they’re on the go, in the office or working from home. Colleagues can also collaborate on projects together, as they will be able to conveniently access the same files via the cloud. Furthermore, if a device breaks or is lost or stolen, all important data will remain safe and accessible on the cloud, meaning employees won’t ever have to panic about lost data. Cloud computing, therefore, removes a lot of the stress that traditionally comes with remote working, meaning your employees can focus on the tasks at hand and remain engaged.

2. Provide employees with the right tools for effective communication

When working remotely, employees don’t ever want to feel as though they’re ‘on their own’. The transition from working in a busy, sociable office to sitting alone in a room at home can be extremely daunting. Employees need to be reassured that company culture and communication will persist so that productivity and positive individual wellbeing is preserved.

Microsoft Teams is an excellent tool for effective communication. It allows employees to communicate via chat, audio and video functions – meaning that communication can be consistent throughout the day. You can attend a meeting via the video function for more in-depth discussions or chat with your co-worker to ask a quick question. Employees that are constantly engaging with each other and working collaboratively are far more likely to stay engaged and happy at work, helping to boost work rate and staff satisfaction.

3. Make sure employees have the technology they need and that it’s secure

When working remotely, employees need to have the proper IT set up in order to work effectively. Not having access to the same technology they do in the office could pose serious problems for employees, restricting them in what they’re able to do and increasing stress and frustration.

Instead, they should have access to all relevant devices. This may include providing a monitor, laptop, pc, keyboard, speakers, webcam, microphone, mouse etc. The specifics of what each employee will need will vary dependent on job role and industry. Ensure you communicate with employees regularly to check they have all the tools and technology they need to work effectively.

Remote working poses numerous additional problems when it comes to cyber security. In fact, most security breaches occur because of human error (e.g. clicking a malicious link or navigating a dangerous webpage). Which it’s why it’s so crucial that employees are thoroughly educated on how to spot and deal with potential malicious activity. If employees aren’t educated, they may feel worried about potential security breaches and as though they are solely responsible if one does occur. This is especially relevant if employees are working remotely as they can no longer lean across and ask a colleague if they’re unsure whether an email, website or attachment is legitimate. Instead, they need the confidence and knowledge to avoid cyber security threats independently, which can be done by implementing effective cyber security awareness training. Having this training will reassure employees and reduce stress, keeping them happy and engaged, as well as minimizing risk for your business.

4. Engage your employees with team building activities

As mentioned, preserving company culture, team spirit, and morale is key to keeping your employees engaged. Employees don’t want to feel as though they’re a solo worker, just because they’re now working from home. Part of the reason people enjoy their work so much is because of the people that surround and support them, so this needs to be maintained.

While socializing is important, it’s also crucial to provide your employees with the tools they need to be happy when working remotely. During the pandemic, the number of people experiencing mental health issues increased significantly.

5. Give clear advice and outline expectations

Clear communication is key, not only between colleagues, but also from senior management teams. When working in the office, expectations for employees were likely very clear. But with more people now working remotely, these expectations need to be readdressed and adapted to a remote working environment.

No employee should be confused about how to navigate the day when working remotely. Confused expectations could pose serious problems for employees, including increased stress, decreased work rate and output, and disengagement.

Instead, set out clear guidelines for all employees and review these regularly. For example, some employers may be happy for employees to work more flexibly by starting and finishing work an hour earlier. While others may require employees to work the same hours that they did in the office. Expectations like these need to be addressed and communicated clearly to avoid confusion and disengagement.

6. Encourage employees to take advantage of the benefits of remote working

When “shelter in place” was first introduced, it was easier to notice the upside of remote working. Time spent commuting could be replaced with time spent with family, exercising, cooking or other recreational activities. But as remote working persists long term, it’s likely that people will have begun to forget about these advantages, appreciating them less as time goes on and ultimately becoming less engaged, in both their working and personal lives.

It’s, therefore, important to remind employees of the benefits of remote working and encourage them to take advantage of them. This ties into effective communication and team building, having common goals to work towards, extra-curricular activities and a healthy work-life balance is key for keeping employees engaged.

 

7. Define goals for employees

As remote working persists, some employees may become unmotivated. Working hard and feeling a sense of accomplishment is a major motivator for most professionals, so not having this when working remotely is likely to lead to disengagement. Which is why it’s so important not to overlook employee development. Ensure that managers are having regular one-to-one meetings with employees whereby goals are outlined and areas for improvement are discussed. Having clear goals to work towards and rewards for reaching them will act as a powerful motivator and prevent employees from becoming disengaged.

 

Adaptive Information Systems was founded with the mission to help businesses get the most out of their technology investments. Are you looking for a great Salinas business IT support provider? We are ready to manage your IT needs so you can focus on running your business.

831-644-0300

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