During this time of social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, people still need human interaction. Thanks to technology, it is easier than ever to stay connected — even when we can’t be together in person. As a software company, the riteSOFT team routinely works remotely while serving our global customer base. While we may be working from home, we still have practices in place to keep us connected and encourage collaboration. Keep reading for some tips and tricks to help your staff work remotely.
Tips to Help Your Staff Work Remotely
Provide the right communication tools
Today’s communication tools can make remote work easier than ever before. Utilize products like Microsoft Teams and Zoom video conferencing to communicate effectively to enable chat communication, phone calls, and video meetings. Many of these services are available for free right now to support remote workers. Start using remote technology if you are not already doing so! Efficient, secure file sharing is also important. Consider setting up a SharePoint site for your team.
Touch base with your staff regularly
With remote work, it can be easy to become disconnected. Morning chats in the break room and catching up on each other’s weekends becomes more challenging. Check in daily. Do more than a quick e-mail. Take the time to schedule a phone call, video session, or team conference call to stay connected.
Encourage a Routine
One of the first mistakes many people make when working remotely is to give up their morning getting-ready for work routine. Encourage your employees to maintain their previous routine! Get dressed. Put on real clothing. Change out of those pajamas! And, set guidelines. Create a regular work area to eliminate distractions. Try to encourage your team to work within their regularly scheduled hours. Stick to start and end times. This helps maintain a sense of normalcy and consistency during uncertain times.
Set Clear Goals
When working remotely, trust is key. Knowing that your employees are getting their work done is much easier to do when you set clear goals. By setting specific short-term tasks to achieve goals, you can know your team is moving forward, even if they aren’t on site. Use your touch base meetings to see what has been accomplished, what needs to be done, and to ensure that weekly tasks are being completed.
Utilize Time Tracking Tools
Even when working from home, you can help keep your employees on track and accurately gauge how much work is being done. Consider utilizing a time tracking tool to ensure productivity and motivation stay high!
Has your team tried working remotely? With a little work and consistency, remote work can be just as successful with amazing results.
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