With the rise of remote workers, your company may be interested in capitalizing on the advantages of having a remote workforce. Remote employees have no commute, can wear what they want, and set their own schedules. This level of comfort increases engagement, productivity, and efficiency. Needing less office space and overhead significantly decreases your expenses and liability. Since millions of employees work or want to work remotely, you have a wide pool of potential job candidates. Preparing for remote workers now will make the transition easier.
Here are five ways to get ready for a remote workforce.
Use the Right Technology
Choose which technology will keep your workforce connected. Along with email, add communication tools like Slack, HipChat, or Skype that offer real-time messaging, video calls, and organization of conversations by channel, project, or topic. Include a cloud-based project management tool such as Trello or Basecamp to organize projects, allow access to files and information when needed, and set deadline reminders.
Update Employment Policies
Clarify your expectations and responsibilities for remote employees. Define whether they need to be online during business hours or can set their own schedules. Let them know which tools to use for specific types of communication and collaboration, such as informal chats, sharing project information, or having meetings. Clarify which tools to use to organize, share, and store documents. Share how progress on projects will be tracked and results measured. Discuss how staff will be held accountable for their work.
Train Management on Leading Remote Teams
Extensively prepare managers to lead remotely. Managers must be available to answer questions, provide encouragement, and give constructive feedback. They have to treat remote and on-site staff equally, assign responsibilities, and set expectations. Managers need to focus on employees fulfilling individual and team responsibilities, meeting deadlines and reaching company goals rather than the number of hours worked.
Implement a Cybersecurity Policy
Detail how you expect staff to maintain cybersecurity. Because tapping into WIFI networks in public spaces may leave your company open to cyberattacks, require employees to use a virtual private network (VPN) like VyprVPN or work with a private, secure network at home. Remind staff to create and frequently update secure passwords with tools such as LastPass. Confidential information should be stored in a secure cloud storage platform like Box.
Hire Qualified Employees
Know what to look for when interviewing job candidates. Think about which traits and communication styles your ideal remote employees should have. Ask behavioral questions based on the results you’d like to see. Ask about candidates’ remote work experience. Discuss examples of teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills. Determine whether candidates’ soft skills and outlook on remote work blend with what you want and need. Extend job offers to those who have what you’re looking for.
Source Remote Finance, Accounting, and Admin Employees
Source remote finance, accounting, and admin employees with help from Boutique Recruiting. We’re committed to finding the most qualified candidates to fill your roles for long-term success. Reach out to us today.
