It can be challenging for businesses to transition to remote work as it’s not a conventional arrangement for many employees. However, there’s no question that this kind of work setup will only continue to become more favorable in the years to come.
Thanks to technological advances and better work conditions, many companies are now adapting work-from-home arrangements for their employees. Even so, it can be challenging to monitor staff’s performance when they’re at home. But, by keeping the following in mind, you can ensure the productivity of your employees:
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1. Use A Software
It isn’t easy to determine if your employees are fulfilling their tasks when you don’t see them personally. The usual check-ups and office visits won’t be possible, so you need to find other methods to track your staff’s work. One way to monitor your workforce’s productivity is by using software like Optimus Hive that records their online activity.
You can also use end user experience monitoring to ensure that your employees get to use applications and devices for work efficiently. This will likewise let you know about your employees’ progress on the work they’re doing within the time expected of them.
Other tools such as online blackboards and team calendars may also help you streamline your team’s weekly or monthly tasks.
2. Communicate With Your Staff
A remote work arrangement isn’t for everyone. Some may prefer working in an office because they can focus on their job, compared with working at home. However, due to the recent global pandemic, many employees had no choice except to bring their work home.
Remote work may be manageable at first, but it can become more stressful as time passes by. Some of your employees may find it difficult to remain productive when they’re always staying at home. This is because they no longer have a routine to follow, which may demotivate them.
By often communicating with your team, you can determine what affects their productivity, and, in turn, offer solutions. It will also let your staff know that they have someone to rely on if their work becomes too overwhelming.
3. Maximize Video Conference Calls
Use video calls to contact your employees whenever you have one-on-one or group meetings. It’ll encourage your staff to participate in the discussion and get dressed in the morning. Some people may feel more productive after following the routine they originally had, such as getting ready in the morning and preparing for work.
By conducting video conference calls, you’re encouraging your employees to prepare for work, which may lead to better productivity. It will induce the idea that they have an agenda that they need to finish, which will push them to get their work done.
4. Set Conditions For Work-From Home-Arrangements
Your workforce’s productivity during remote work arrangements can be affected if you don’t set any rules for them to follow. Set conditions for your staff to follow while working at home, such as working hours and preferred mode of communication. Also, settle any questions they may have about their new work arrangements.
Are they allowed to take time off during workdays for other commitments like doctor’s appointments or grocery shopping? Can they adjust their working hours? By discussing these rules, you can ensure that your staff’s working arrangements are more convenient for them. It will also help elevate your employees’ morale as you’re giving them some control over their work arrangements.
Final Thoughts
Switching to remote work arrangements is a challenging task for most companies. If you don’t establish guidelines for all your employees, you may end up with an unproductive workforce.
There are many ways you can encourage your staff to work productively despite staying at home. Maintaining a steady mode of communication and using useful software to track employee performance may help you improve your team’s work performance.
Find out which arrangements work best for your staff. Once you figure out the most effective ones, implement them to your workforce.