According to the data provided by the US Census Bureau in 2017, over five percent of US employed individuals worked remotely from their homes. To put that into perspective, that’s nearly 8 million people. This trend has continued to rise over the years, superseding that data from 2017.
As more employers are allowing employees to work remotely, it’s vitally important to know the best practices to implement as a remote employee, but also for employers to understand how to manage their telecommuters best.
With the countless communication platforms on the market today, make sure that everyone is on the same page with what you will be implementing and using during their remote employment. Many businesses will use messaging applications that keep an open line of communication between various teams in the company. Additionally, keep meetings a priority through video conferencing options, such as Zoom.
Communication is Key
In any work environment, whether that is in the office, on a construction job site, or in work from home setting, successful communication can play a factor in the success of a business, relationships between coworkers, and who you are as a professional.
For Employers
As you navigate a remote setting with your employees, whether by choice or necessity, having a communication plan in place will encourage a positive work environment. The first issue to address is to set the expectations early. For instance, are your workers expected to work during certain hours? What communication or management platforms and tools should they be using? Make your expectations clear, right from the beginning. Don’t make any assumptions.
In emergent situations, where the level of planning isn’t possible, keep communication open. You will have a lot of questions through at you. Assure your workers that you are there for them, and you encourage questions or concerns. Keep yourself open at any time to listen and answer those questions or concerns. Not only will this maintain a level of productivity, but it will assure your employees that you are there for them.
With the countless communication platforms on the market today, make sure that everyone is on the same page with what you will be implementing and using during their remote employment. Many businesses will use messaging applications that keep an open line of communication between various teams in the company. Additionally, keep meetings a priority through video conferencing options.
For Employees
Whether you are new to the game of remote work or are a long-time freelance veteran, communication between team members and your employer will be a real game-changer. Work from home environments can be fantastic learning opportunities for those that may need a little communication boost, improving their skillset.
So how can you communicate best as an employee in a remote setting? Here are a few ideas:
- Have your messaging be clear and concise
Have you ever sent a text to a friend, loved one, or business associate that seemed natural to you but sent an entirely different message or meaning to the other person? As you work from home, it’s essential to brush up on your communication skills right from the beginning, so those visual and verbal cues are portrayed the right way through your messaging.
- Be readily available
Working from home can change the way that you’re now available to your coworkers or managers, and should be addressed as such. It’s essential to keep your email, messaging platforms, and phone open for continuous communication to happen. Silent mode is a no-go.
- Communicate with family and friends
Speak with your loved ones about the changes that will or are taking place. Let them know your work schedule and that they respect you during those hours, unless, of course, during an emergency.
Staying Productive from Home
We understand how difficult it can be to stay productive when working from home. With the distractions you may be facing, it’s essential to recognize the ways you can still be a key team player for your company.
Try and avoid multi-tasking, if possible. Several individuals have mastered the art of multi-tasking, yet a lot of people struggle to do so. By keeping your focus and attention to one project at a time, you’ll be surprised how more efficient you can be. When we juggle several things at once, some projects or tasks go unnoticed and incomplete.
Other practices that can increase your productivity:
- Stay organized
- Find a space explicitly designated for work
- Create and stick to a work schedule
- Avoid personal tasks, if possible
- Take breaks
There’s a learning curve that comes with working remotely, and thankfully, there are many employers who understand that. Keep an open mind during the process, communicate suggestions or concerns to your team, and stay positive through it all.
Finding Help
Going remote can change the way that your business operates and how your employees handle the change. Let our team at Frost Media Group take a thing or two off of your plate. With professional zoom video conferencing services, graphic design, project management, and copywriting services, we can help with a thing or two. Let’s get started today by calling our Kansas City, Kansas office at (913) 210-0748, or our Omaha, Nebraska office at (402) 965-1334.