Over the past year, the popularity of remote work has exploded. After people started working remotely out of necessity, businesses soon realized the advantages inherent in this arrangement. Not only do companies save money on overhead costs and enjoy greater flexibility, but remote employees also benefit from less stress, fewer distractions, and improved productivity. Moreover, according to a recent Owl Labs survey, 77% of those surveyed stated that being able to work from home makes them happier.
However, remote work can also present unique challenges. If you are considering putting together and managing a remote team of workers, consider these tips from SiteProNews to ensure company success and employee satisfaction.
Hire the Best
When you manage your workers remotely, your hiring practices don’t need to be restricted to a specific location. This enlarges the pool of potential applicants and allows you to hire the best candidates, regardless of where they live.
You also have the option to hire contractors for certain jobs, and freelance websites make finding the right contractor easy and cost-effective. Contractors can fulfill staffing needs during your busy season or provide expertise for particular tasks or projects. For example, specialized freelancers are often used to accomplish tasks, such as:
- Computer programming
- Website design
- App development
- Writing
- Editing
- Marketing
Prioritize Payments
Having an online payroll platform takes the hassle out of paying employees who work remotely. Many services even offer bonus features like mobile accounting services, including calculation, filing, and paying taxes, which is a big boon to small businesses that don’t have an accounting team. When comparing products, look for those with standard payroll features, including payment scheduling and same-day direct deposits, as well as an app that works with Android and iOS devices. This way, you’ll be able to address payments even if you’re not in front of your computer.
Cybercrime is Alive and Well
Conducting business via the web is a given these days, but unfortunately, data security is not. For one thing, you are responsible for any sensitive data you collect from your customers, employees and suppliers. Being at the center of a data breach not only looks bad, it can be costly. As Smart Eye Technology explains, the mean cost of a data breach in 2019 came in at nearly $200,000. Cybercriminals use techniques that target small business owners.
Ensure Basic Security
You don’t need a calculator to know that a hit like that could be devastating to a budding venture. It’s best to take measures that safeguard your data right from the start, like establishing password protection and using firewalls and virus protection. And if a breach occurs, the quicker you respond, the better.
You can staunch the bleed of information as well as minimize damage to your reputation. An assessment can be a good way to get a feel for where your business is and where it needs to be.
Get Help
Given the circumstances, it’s not unusual for small business owners and managers to feel intimidated by the prospect of creating a sound data protection plan as well as a cybersecurity incident response plan. Retaining the services of a cybersecurity consulting agency is often the best bet. They can help you not only ensure you’re following best practices, they can point you in the right direction if you experience a hiccup.
Prioritize Communication
Whether your remote team consists of contractors, full-time employees, or a mix of the two, it’s imperative to prioritize the lines of communication. Luckily, in today’s digital world, there are several online tools that make this easier.
Email Still Works Well
Email continues to be a helpful communication tool because it is simple, efficient, and familiar. For a system designed to handle business needs, choose an email hosting service that offers custom domains, security features, cloud storage, and around-the-clock support.
Quick Communication
For a faster and more dynamic experience, consider using a chat application. Chat apps, such as Slack and Chatwork, allow multiple people to communicate with one another simultaneously. This real-time collaboration is a quick and efficient way to share ideas, tackle projects, and develop solutions.
Face-To-Face Interaction
For meetings, video platforms like Zoom and FaceTime are more engaging than traditional conference calls because they provide a more personal connection. Additionally, video calls allow you to observe facial expressions and body language. This increases transparency, prevents misunderstandings, and makes you feel more connected.
Contemporary Phone Calls
Finally, by investing in a business softphone system, you and your employees can use the internet to make, receive, and transfer business calls. Because the system can operate on computers, tablets, and mobile devices, employees have the flexibility they need to connect whether they are in the office or on the go.
As the business world continues to evolve, it’s clear that remote work is here to stay. By expanding your potential employee pool, utilizing contractors whenever possible, ensuring data security and personal asset protection, and optimizing your communication tools, you can help your remote business succeed.
