Remote working has become more commonplace since COVID-19 struck. Pressure has been increasing on businesses to adopt and support some level of remote working for their employees, should it be appropriate for their business. Data shows that over half of the UK’s adult population was working from home during the height of lockdown.

There are many advantages to working from home, both for businesses and employees. With the right tools and systems in place, working from home can be just as productive as working in an office. It can also save businesses money on office costs, and give employees more flexibility and freedom when it comes to where and how they work.

Read on below to find out the key things to consider if you’re thinking of adopting remote working for your business.

WHAT IS REMOTE WORKING?

Remote working for businesses refers to employees working outside of the traditional office setting. This can mean working from home, in a co-working space, or anywhere else that is not the office.

There are many benefits to remote working for businesses, including increased productivity and collaboration, lower overhead costs, and access to a wider pool of talent.

There are also some challenges to remote working, such as managing remote teams effectively and ensuring that everyone has the necessary tools and resources.

Overall, working from home is a flexible and beneficial way for businesses to operate. With the right policies and procedures in place, any business can successfully implement a remote work policy.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR WORKING FROM HOME

Enabling employees to work from home can be a great way to improve productivity and morale, while also saving money on office costs. If you’re thinking of making the switch, make sure you put the right systems and policies in place to set your business up for success.

1. Communication is key. Make sure you have clear communication channels in place so that everyone knows what’s expected of them and can keep in touch easily.
2. Invest in the right tools. There are a number of great remote working tools available, from video conferencing software to project management platforms. Make sure you choose the ones that best fit your needs.
3. Create a remote working policy. This will help to set expectations and boundaries around remote working, and make sure everyone is on the same page.
4. Encourage social interaction. Just because employees are working remotely doesn’t mean they can’t interact with each other. Encourage social interaction through things like virtual happy hours or coffee breaks.
5. Check in regularly. It’s important to check in with employees regularly to see how they’re doing and to offer support if needed.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF WORKING FROM HOME?

There are plenty of benefits for both businesses and employees when it comes to working from home.

For businesses, remote working can help to improve productivity and output. Employees who work from home are often more motivated and focused, as they don’t have to worry about commuting or office distractions. Additionally, remote working can save businesses money on office space and other overhead costs.

Employees also stand to benefit from home working arrangements. In addition to the increased motivation and focus that comes with working from home, employees also enjoy a greater degree of flexibility and freedom when it comes to their work schedule. They can take breaks whenever they want, work at odd hours if needed, and generally have a lot more control over their day-to-day lives.

Here are a few more benefits:

• Convenience – With the fast advancements in technology, people can easily work from home even if they have a basic structure. A computer or laptop and an internet connection is all you need to get started. Most people have these devices already, so businesses may not need to invest as much.
• Employee Wellbeing – Working from home means that your employees can eliminate the commute, saving them travelling expenses and time. It’s also beneficial for reducing the chances of spreading illnesses as they will be physical apart from other employees.
• Increase Productivity – Employees who work from home have been found to have lower stress levels than those who work in an office. This can have a positive impact on their productivity and mental wellbeing. A study by Stanford University found that employees who work from home are 13% more productive than those who work in an office.

HOW CAN I PREPARE MY BUSINESS FOR REMOTE WORKING?

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced businesses around the world to re-evaluate their policies and procedures. One of the most significant changes that many organisations have had to make is the shift to home working.

For some businesses, this transition has been relatively seamless. However, for others, it has been a challenge. If your business is looking to adopt remote working, here are a few tips that may help:

1. ENCOURAGE EMPLOYEES TO SET UP A DEDICATED WORKSPACE AT HOME.

This will help them to remain focused and productive while working from home. It can be as simple as setting up a desk in a quiet corner of the house or apartment.

2. IMPLEMENT FLEXIBLE WORK HOURS.

Employees may need to adjust their work hours to accommodate family commitments or other obligations. By offering flexible work hours, you can help employees strike a better balance between their work and personal lives.

3. STAY IN COMMUNICATION WITH EMPLOYEES.

It’s important to stay in touch with employees who are working remotely. Check in with them on a regular basis to see how they’re doing and to offer any assistance that they may need.

4. OFFER TRAINING AND SUPPORT.

If your employees are having difficulty adjusting to remote working, offer training and support. There are many resources available online that can help employees learn how to be productive while working from home.

5. BE UNDERSTANDING AND PATIENT.

The transition to remote working can be difficult for some employees. It’s important to be understanding and patient as they adjust to this new way of working.

6. Invest in the necessary tools.

Employees may find it difficult to adjust to this new way of working. One thing that can help make home working a bit easier is Microsoft Teams.

Microsoft Teams is a communication and collaboration platform that can be used for remote working. With Teams, you can chat with co-workers, video call with colleagues, and share files. You can also use Teams to stay organised by creating tasks and to-do lists.

So, if you’re looking for ways to make remote working work for you, here are some tips for using Microsoft Teams:

1. Use the chat function to stay in touch with your team members throughout the day. This is a great way to ask questions, get clarification on tasks, and just stay connected.
2. Use video calls for meetings, both one-on-one and with your whole team. This can help you feel more connected to your colleagues, and it can be a great way to brainstorm and collaborate on projects.
3. Make use of the collaboration features in Teams, such as working on documents together or sharing your screen. These features can help you stay productive and on track when working on projects with your team.
4. Take advantage of the mobile and desktop app. The Microsoft Teams mobile app is a great way to stay connected when you’re away from your desk. You can use it to chat, video call, and access all of your team’s files and documents.

The Teams desktop app can be a great way to stay organised and get quick access to all of your team’s files, documents, and conversations.

CONTACT US FOR REMOTE WORKING SOLUTIONS

We can help improve the functionality of your business by providing access to key systems that may be limited when working from home. This can lead to increased productivity and efficiency in the long run. Additionally, our remote working solutions are simple and easy to use, meaning you won’t have to waste time wrestling with complex technologies.

We’re also committed to providing the best possible experience for our clients, which is why we offer support for all of our remote working solutions. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business thrive.

Call us on 01384 887733 or drop us an email at sales@wearemint.tech.