Remote work policies are readily being instituted by businesses the world over, and at a rising pace. Changes in the workforce over the past few years have made developing remote work policies a near essential if you plan to stay competitive, attract and retain top talent, and maximize productivity. Embracing a flexible, remote work policy can help your business evolve into one that optimizes employee satisfaction, reduces overhead expenses, and extends your reach far and wide to gain access to an international talent pool. By implementing clear policies and expectations, providing useful tools and resources, encouraging communication, and fostering community, you can create a remote workforce that builds trust with your employees and helps you reach your organizational and business goals.
Certainly, the idea of a remote workforce is intriguing. However, there are key considerations you should keep in mind when choosing to institute a remote workforce including:
Confidentiality and Security
Primary concerns surrounding remote work are confidentiality and managed network security. Managed network security incorporates services that protect your business from cyber threats. These key services add value by preventing attacks and reducing or eliminating preventable damage, loss, and expense. You must protect your company’s sensitive data, ensuring the risk of compromise is limited. Consider additional security measures such as the use of a Virtual Private Network (VPN), encryption, and two-factor authentication.
Productivity
You may wonder whether your staff will be as productive while working remotely. Current studies indicate that remote employees are as, if not more, productive than they are working in-office. This involves a range of factors, so be sure to set clear expectations and ensure your remote workforce has all the tools and resources needed to be successful.
The needs of your business
No doubt, remote work must also align with the needs of your business. Many companies’ needs simply do not support a remote workforce; consider essential workers. However, if your business can make room for a remote workforce, you and your staff may see tremendous rewards.
Tips and Best Practices
Remote and hybrid work options can be a primary deciding factor in where candidates choose to take their talents. With many businesses having already transitioned to remote and hybrid work models. When considering whether a remote work model is right for your business, it is imperative you understand, embrace, and implement policies that guide your model and will set your business up for success. This article is geared to provide you with tips and best practices to ensure you succeed:
- Develop remote work policies: Clearly and effectively communicate the expectations of all remote work employees. Expound on your current company policies and include additional direction on remote access, managed network security, and confidentiality. Further incorporate:
- A remote work agreement that outlines expectations, performance standards, and required working hours.
- Communication protocol including expectations on response times and availability.
- Information security policies that reinforce data protection and confidentiality.
- Provide useful tools and resources: Your remote employees should be fully equipped to accomplish their tasks and goals as if they were working in the office. Consider offering a questionnaire to get a better understanding of each employee’s unique remote work environment.
- Encourage communication and collaboration: Provide easy and convenient options for your remote workforce to connect. This should be a combination of phone, video, email, and chat mediums. A variety of communication channels opens the door for accessibility, which in turn can improve efficiency and productivity.
- Foster community: Maintain your company culture. It is important to ensure your remote workforce feels they belong and continue to be an integral part of your company structure. When employees feel connected, they are more likely to have a sense of belonging, ownership, and pride in their work.
- Build trust: Trust your employees to do the work they are hired to do. When employees feel they are trusted, this encourages them to be more vested in your company’s mission, vision, and goals. This, in turn, can develop increased motivation, engagement, and overall job satisfaction.
As your business continues to adapt with an ever-evolving workforce and world scene, incorporating a remote workforce in your business could be a key component of your business’ digital transformation strategies. However, putting a successful remote work plan into action takes thought, consideration, and much preparation. Incorporating a secure and impermeable remote workforce will help further establish and position your business for continued success.
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