Time to Read: 4 minutes
Maximizing Productivity and Accountability in Remote Staff:
- How to continue with business as usual for a seamless transition and success going 100% remote.
- Enlist the help of tools, such as chat and video services to keep staff connected with one another on projects and day-to-day communications.
- Top remote technology tools to look into as you get acclimated working from home.
Most companies and positions can operate just about anywhere. We are seeing this throughout the workforce right now with the coronavirus outbreak. Before COVID-19 catapulted the workforce into forced remote work, the idea of working from home had business leaders divided with some not so sold and others reaping the benefits.
How to Build and Properly Equip Remote Staff
Advantages have been shared over and over again around working from home; the pros outweigh the cons. Companies are faring well as this new (temporary?) norm settles, but is your business 100% hip to the operational potential of remote working? Keep reading for tips and advice on accountability and maximizing productivity in your remote staff.
Tips for Managing Remote Staff
Mimic your meeting schedule virtually
Continue with your reoccurring schedule. Working remote does not have to negate regularly scheduled check-ins and meetings. The idea here is to keep business as normal as possible for an easy transition and heightened productivity. Communication is key to a successful remote staff.
Schedule an extra check-in
No one enjoys the idea of extra meetings. However, an extra meeting will alleviate the stress of relying on one or two meetings to fit-in everything. Scheduling an extra check-in offers an additional opportunity for updates and sharing of any roadblocks. Not to mention, video calls and conferencing offer added human contact and relieve feelings of isolation.
Enlist chat services
As an alternative to email threads, which can get messy for some, onboard a chat service for quicker and more streamlined communications. Chat is best for those in-between inquires; the ones that are a little more pertinent than an email but do not necessarily warrant a call. Employees can swiftly and efficiently rectify ideas, inquiries, and issues. As well, many chat services have grouping capabilities, allowing teammates to assemble communications and documents within one thread for better organization.
Track Productivity
Let’s not think of tracking as a way to keep tabs on your remote, but rather to keep projects and tasks on pace. There is something to be said about crossing something off the to-do list and getting closer to the result. Instead of constantly pinging staff for each touchpoint of a project or every item on the list, employees can head into the chosen productivity tool to see progress and completions.
Ensure internet connectivity
This is kind of a no-brainer, but all the above is useless without a good internet connection. Invest in a good internet package to (hopefully) alleviate snags. Technology comes with its qualms, but you can make it work for you. Check out internet deals from top providers happening now.
Remote Staff Toolbox
Choosing the right products and technology is an undertaking, as is finding the right amount of technology. Technology can be overwhelming. Remote staff can become overwhelmed if too many tools are available. Here are a few remote technology tools to look into depending on your needs.
Top Virtual Productivity Tools
- Microsoft Teams
- Slack
- Monday.com
- Hangouts Chat
- Flock
Top Video Conferencing Technology
- Zoom
- GoTo Meeting
- Me
- Skype for Business
- Microsoft Teams
COVID-19 Updates with Profiles
Profiles continues to monitor the current business and economic climate. Stay updated through our Coronavirus Updates as we continue to content on hiring, job searches, working remotely, and other suitable content.
