The global pandemic has emboldened the remote workforce, with largely positive feedback from WFH professionals, and technology is at the heart of this. If you have the right approach and the right tools, you can empower teams to reach their potential and increase your bottom line.
1. Make their jobs easier with technology
In order for remote workers to thrive in their new environment, they must have access to the tools and resources they need to do their job. Convenience is especially important during the pandemic, as many professionals are having to juggle work and home life.
Not only is it important to have remote file sharing and document management platforms like Dropbox in place, but you also need to include tools that streamline workflows. Flexible storage and cloud access are key as they allow workers to switch their devices, or even location. And any tools that improve communication between coworkers will ensure better, more effective teamwork.
Any tools that make everyday tasks easier should be a priority too. Something as simple as signing a legal document can cause delays when teams are not in the same office. The Dropbox and HelloSign integration allows workers to access files remotely, while also creating legally binding eSignatures without the need to print, scan or post.
Using integrated eSignature platforms means you can send, sign and safely store your most important agreements via one seamless workflow, without leaving your document management platform.
2. Use and integrate collaboration platforms
Another important aspect of successful remote working is communication, and collaboration platforms play a pivotal role in keeping interactions flowing.
While solutions like Dropbox have been used purely for file storage in the past, they have evolved to provide so much more value in recent years. Today, integration possibilities turn document management platforms into entire project hubs, leveraging the power of collaboration between different departments.
For example, the Atlassian + Dropbox partnership unleashes the potential to streamline tasks, improve collaborative working and organize projects more efficiently. Other project management tools like Slack, Asana or Jira allow businesses to customize their setup to best fit their team, providing an easier way to manage multiple projects. By having one central place to operate from, companies can empower their workers through better communication and accountability.
3. Promote autonomous, flexible working
While structure is important, some level of autonomy is key if you want your remote workers to feel engaged in their work. Flatter hierarchies are a major factor in employee satisfaction, and more and more organizations are moving away from the traditional structure where decision-making happens only at the top.
Collaborative working creates an inclusive culture, giving people the opportunity to grow and enjoy career development no matter their level in the company. Autonomy and flexibility in remote roles boosts performance because workers feel more connected to the company, so employers should do everything they can to support this.
Technology such as digital timesheets or project management platforms can help to keep teams on track, but allowing them the freedom to manage their own hours is essential. Trust from managers is imperative too, and those unfounded fears of reduced output from remote workers have to be eradicated from the modern workplace.
According to this recent study, remote staff work an average of 1.4 more days per month than office employees, totaling 16.8 more days every year. Additionally, the average ‘unproductive time’ of remote workers is 10 minutes less than office workers, making them the superior workforce when it comes to output.
4. Recreate the ‘water cooler’ community
Happy employees are 12% more productive, according to research by the University of Warwick. So for companies looking to engage remote workers, creating a positive work environment is important. One of the ways to do this is to build a friendly and supportive community, where networks of staff can collaborate on projects, turn to each other for advice and forge meaningful bonds.
While our latest research found that the majority of remote professionals are adapting well to the ‘new normal’, a small percentage (at least 21%) reported feeling lonely while working from home.
That’s why having a central hub or workspace is vital to success during these times. Keeping your workforce connected goes far beyond practical purposes, but helps them establish and maintain healthy relationships with colleagues.
Encouraging a healthy dynamic between coworkers and promoting small talk should not be overlooked when developing remote strategies. Embrace communication tools and allow those ‘water cooler’ conversations to take place virtually. Instant messaging apps, video conferencing software and team hubs are all invaluable tools for improving positive rapport and staff morale in your organization.
5. Ask for, and respond to feedback
In recent months, employers have been pushed to embrace a digital workforce, and professionals have had to adapt quickly. While response has been largely positive, the sudden shift from office life to remote working isn’t going to be easy for everyone.
Statistics reveal that less than 30% of UK workers worked from home before lockdown, and only 16% of US workers worked remotely part of the time, with even fewer doing it on a full time basis. This means that supporting the transition is crucial. Do your employees have access to the right tools and resources? Do they have the right HR or IT support? Are processes and procedures made clear?
As well as ensuring remote teams are looked after throughout their working week, managers and team leaders should regularly request feedback. This is essential for improving ways of working, making the most of new tools and technology, and helping everyone find their feet during unprecedented times.
With the outlook for continued remote working being likely for many organizations, employers need to ensure that procedures are in place to support staff emotionally.
Executed in the right way, telework can boost productivity, creativity and morale. This is the first step in changing company culture for the better, and moving towards a more collaborative, flexible and healthy workplace of the future.
