Because of the COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent quarantine period, both established companies and startups that worked from offices were forced to adopt remote working overnight.
As we see the end of the pandemic, remote work is not just a trend anymore. Despite newly adopted policies and small retreats, a remote lifestyle is still an option for future-proofing your startup.
With an increased focus on working remotely as a productive, cost-effective, and scalable way of running a business and hiring new talents, here’s the ultimate guide you need to get started with all the latest trends in mind.
Your Workforce Need To Set Up Their Workspace
Working from home requires a personal, dedicated workspace. And as enjoyable as it may appear to be to spend the entire day in bed with your laptop, they will definitely not get much work done from there.
For that reason, educating your workforce to set aside their own personal workspace will allow them to better transition into ‘work mode’ whenever they sit down and feel like they’re ready to work. First, they just need to ensure that their desk is neat and clean and that no one else uses it.
Avoiding Distractions Is Key
Next, distractions come in a variety of sizes and shapes. A dog’s yelping. Flatmates. Or simply the need to check your social media feed every 10 minutes. Of course, this will be heavily influenced by each person’s circumstances. As a result, it’s critical to acknowledge this productivity breaker and warn your remote workers to limit distractions and plan ahead of time.
Some possible solutions include:
- Purchasing a pair of noise-canceling headphones.
- Informing their friends, family, or flatmates that they will be unavailable until 5 p.m.
- Working a browser extension that blocks the most frequently visited time-wasting websites.
- Make time for a lunch/snack break.
Why You Need To Provide Them With Thank You Gifts
Every day, we are being reminded of the strength and resilience of our communities. From our colleagues and partners to our families and friends, we’ve been inspired by the kindness we see in others during these trying times.
Giving thank you gifts to remote employees is a great way to boost morale and show your appreciation for all their hard work. However, many managers struggle with choosing the perfect gift for their team members.
It doesn’t matter if you’re running a small business or large corporation—you need to find ways to appreciate your employees. Not only does this promote teamwork and motivation, but it also encourages people to be more productive and stay at the company longer.
The Ability To Sign Out Of Non-Work-Related Email Accounts And Turn Off Notifications On The Phone
Personal emails, social media, and any other distractions can and should also be eliminated. In fact, when working from home, it’s easier than ever to become distracted. So, make sure that your employees sign out or turn off all of their personal devices. Similarly, it would be best to encourage them to sign out of and turn off notifications for work-related emails and messages once their work is completed.
Making A Schedule And Sticking To It
If you want your startup’s employees to be productive while also finishing work by 5 p.m., as a leader, you’ll need to provide them with a well-organized work schedule. This can effectively turn work into a habit, which can consequently aid their mind and body in adapting to the new working environment.
One of the most effective techniques you can showcase to your remote workers in order to help them start becoming more productive is the so-called two-minute rule, which goes like this: if it takes less than two minutes to get it done, do it immediately.
Keeping Track Of The Time Is Essential
Want to make sure your team is always staying on track? Begin tracking their time. There are numerous free apps that will allow you to do this, and you will then be able to see the breakdown of each day by the hour. This is a great way to let your employees get a sense of their personal productivity when working remotely.
Organizing The Work-Schedule In Advance
Do you know what your workforce is supposed to do tomorrow? What about next week? What about next month? When working remotely, it’s easy for everyone to get caught up in the trap of short-term thinking, especially in times of crisis. While you can only plan so far ahead, doing some long-term planning will benefit everyone involved.
Final Thoughts
The future of remote work may be a bit hard to predict, but there are some possibilities worth considering. Remote work may become even more common and acceptable in 2022, or if the current trend continues for another ten years, it will become even more necessary for many startups and companies looking to cut costs. One thing is for sure, remote work has become an essential business practice, and these companies are sure to reap the benefits of their leaner operations and innovative processes.
