A couple of year’s post pandemic and we are having more conversations with our client’s about how the world of work has continued to change and evolve since, with employees having more of a focus on work/life balance and employers trying to juggle this with still ensuring business growth and momentum. A key aspect has been so many clients wanting to retain come flexible remote working but wanting to make sure this is done in the right way, so that productivity remains high and that their staff feel as supported as possible.
As part of our on-going commitment to supporting our clients through these challenges, we’ve put together our top tips to supporting and leading an agile workforce.
- Technology – most companies have this covered at this stage, but it really is crucial that you have the technology and systems in place to support a flexible and remote workforce. This can include a Cloud-based IT system to replicate your desktop, GoogleDocs to share documents with colleagues in real time and Microsoft Teams or other video conferencing equipment. These systems give you the tools to ensure the transition between office and remote working is as stress-free as possible.
- Structure – reflect on the hours your team normally works and assess whether these are still the most suitable. Wherever possible, try and maximise the time that the whole team is logged on and working together as this limits any feelings of isolation when certain members are in the office and others are remote. This also makes for easier virtual catch-ups and meetings.
- Virtual Meetings – normally start your day with an all-team briefing or a lunchtime get together? Absolutely ensure these transition across whilst working flexibly. Bringing everyone in your team together at least once a day to re-align priorities is crucial to ensure everyone is on the same page and not feeling isolated, particularly as work priorities may be shifting during the day.
- Communication – employees can find working from home means they are less likely to reach out for help if they are struggling with a task, leading to a loss of time and would-be quick jobs taking far longer than necessary. A quick email to break up the day and see how they are getting on allows for any issues to be raised and for each team member to know it is still business as usual. Why not arrange a virtual “coffee break” – using web technology to bring everyone together for an informal catch up over a coffee or cup of tea once a day.
- Further Support – alongside quick check-ins, it’s helpful to remind each member of your team that you are available for them throughout the day, so if they would like to schedule a longer conversation over the phone, they are more than welcome to do so. This is the quickest way to handle any issues or concerns an employee may be having whilst letting them know the same support that is available in the office is there for them remotely.
- Breaks – when working from home it can be hard for some employees to mentally separate work from home-life, which is why encouraging each team member to take their usual lunch break is so important. Taking some time away to cook a proper lunch or take a walk in the fresh air really does help refocus the team as a whole for the afternoon and increases productivity.
It’s great to see how so many of our clients have adapted to best support their team and as people are a businesses best asset, putting these benefits in place really does help in both attracting and retaining the best talent. If you are a current client or a business that are looking for some added resource, please do get in touch at hello@simkissguy.com. We look forward to working with you.
