As COVID-19 becomes an increasing global concern, working from home has become a necessity for many. Thankfully, with businesses increasingly realising the benefits of remote working of late, we couldn’t be better prepared to be stuck in our homes for the 9-5.
Studies have linked remote working with a range of advantages, from reducing stress to increasing productivity. But there can also be drawbacks for some: disconnection from workmates means loneliness can start to creep in, as well as a lack of motivation and morale.
At Cloud Cover IT, we have long been advocates of technology’s power to simplify and enhance business operations and working life, and to reduce the need for face-to-face contact. Investing in technology that enables collaboration and unity between employees, on and off site, is a necessity when managing a remote team.
Many of our apps and services address the challenges many face when they or their staff members are working outside the office. The CCIT Remote Workforce app makes it simple to track employees’ location and activity, with times and date stamps creating a complete report of every working day. With the app right there in their pocket, employees will feel connected, supported and secure, wherever they are.
Here are Cloud Cover IT’s top five tips for making the most out of remote working, whether you’re working from home for managing your employees from afar.
- Communication is everything
- Create space for work
- Keep a record
- Maintain workplace etiquette
- Reap the benefits
1. Communication is everything
Regular correspondence between team members and leaders will keep morale up and motivate employees to meet their targets for the day. A conversation with a colleague can make a huge difference to your mood and mind set, whether it’s to talk through a project or just for a catch-up. Microsoft Teams is a great tool for keeping in touch with colleagues on an interactive and accessible interface. If you’re an employer, be sure to check in regularly with your remote workforce; this will help you keep up with the activity of your out-of-office employees and ensure they feel like a valuable part of the team.
2. Create space for work
A blurred boundary between work and home makes it difficult to ever fully switch off – and this is only amplified if you are totally confined to your home. If possible, dedicate an area of your home as your home office space. When you are outside of working hours, stay out of that area to avoid the temptation to check work notifications. This will also help you avoid distractions whilst working.
3. Keep a record
Working from home means you’re less restricted by office hours. You have the freedom to take breaks when you please, making up for hours in the evening. But a less structured day can also leave you feeling listless and lacking in motivation, so keeping a consistent log of your work helps keep you on track. The Time Recording app from CCIT is a great tool for this, allowing users to log their hours and assign them to different projects, feeding into a central system. This way, managers can easily monitor where time and resources are being allotted and reallocate as necessary.
4. Maintain workplace etiquette
When your commute is a matter of metres, it can be tempting to work in your comfiest clothes, but this can have a negative impact on your mind-set and attitude to work. Equally, keeping your working environment neat will de-clutter your mind and cut out the distractions of domestic life. Keeping things professional will boost your productivity – plus you don’t want to answer a conference call and get caught in your pyjamas.
5. Reap the benefits
Working from home can be a blessing. You cut out the gruelling commute, get as much peace and quiet as you want, and have more time with your family and your pets. Make the most of the liberties and advantages that come with remote work, whilst following the above tips, and you’ll find that your work will be all the better for it.