Remote working has been on the rise for several years thanks to advancements in technology. But, COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the environment of remote working, causing it to become more of a necessity for thousands of people across the globe.
In the UK alone, over 1.7 million people work from home. If you own a company, there are many benefits to going fully remote – both for you, and your employees. It allows for flexibility and a better work-life balance. And, studies have shown that employees who work from home actually tend to be more productive.
But, if you decide to let your employees work from home (or you want to do it yourself), one of the most important things to keep in mind is how to maintain communication. It is one of the crucial keys to any business’ success. Again, thanks to technology, it doesn’t have to be impossible to stay connected no matter where you are.
With that in mind, let’s look at a few ways you can improve communication when working remotely.
Upgrade Your Phone Systems
One of the best ways to ensure everyone on your remote team is on the same page is to upgrade your Phone Systems for Business. Unified Communications (UC) and VoIP phone services are becoming more popular than ever because they allow employees to have a secure line no matter where they are. Plus, UC allows for things like video conferencing, faxing, and more from any location.
Schedule Regular Check-Ins
While you might be receiving emails, calls, and messages every day from different members of your team, it’s not the same as having a collaborative meeting. So, take the time to schedule regular check-ins with everyone, both individually and as a group.
Hosting a weekly or twice-a-week video chat with certain teams is a great way to make sure everyone is on the same page with any upcoming projects. Additionally, checking in with individual employees will not only help you to gauge what they’re working on, but it will give you the chance to check in on how they’re actually doing in a remote environment. Some people thrive on working remotely while others do better when they have a more consistent connection. Make sure the people you work with are finding a balance and staying mentally-healthy.
Set Deadlines and Expectations
Though productivity can indeed be boosted through remote working, it’s important to make sure everyone knows what is expected of them. Some people are more naturally-disciplined than others.
It’s tempting, when working from home, to set your own hours. It’s also very easy to get distracted, even with the best of intentions. So, make sure you set deadlines for yourself and other members of your team, if you’re the one in charge. Deadlines and expectations will help to keep everyone motivated and can boost productivity.
No matter what industry or sector you’re in, remote working is likely a possibility, and it can do great things for your business. Keep these communication tips in mind for your remote team, and you might be surprised at how easy it is to stay on the same page.
