Remote Working, Working for You.
We’ve all heard the news.
The world is in a state of pandemic pandemonium with COVID-19, a.k.a. Corona Virus. The PM is urging everyone to avoid crowds and encouraging employers to let employees work from home. Some people are happy to work remotely, while others aren’t so sure. So, what’s the real down low of working remotely?
Maintaining a healthy workforce.
The most obvious benefit of working from home at the moment is to slow the spread of COVID-19. They say most of us will succumb to COVID-19 eventually, so why worry now? The concern is that if everyone came down with COVID-19 at once, the consequences could devastate the health system and economy. So, working from home ensures a continued healthy workforce.
Other benefits of working from home.
Working from home minimises interruptions and increases the time employees spend focused on their work. Some employees feel stifled in an office and enjoy the freedom of working from home. While working from home can also increase employee engagement, as employees feel trusted enough to get the work done. All round, remote working can increase productivity, performance and retention.
A successful remote work environment.
For employees, there are three ‘musts’ they need to have in place at home, to ensure a successful remote work environment:
- A designated workspace.
This can be anywhere, but it must be a space dedicated to work only. This helps to create a work frame of mind every time one sits down (or stands) at their workstation. - Have the right technology.
Whether it’s their own computer or one allocated to them by work, it must enable employees to work like they would in the office. Employees must also makes sure their internet service is appropriate and safe. - Have solid boundaries.
Solid boundaries means working to a schedule that ensures when it’s work time, work is being done. Not housework. But it also means set start and finish times for the day.
Making it work.
It is not just employees that are bound to a set of guidelines to make remote working work. There are three ‘musts’ for leaders and organisations too:
- Agree on objectives with employees.
Just like in the office, set objectives need to be established. However, it’s important to remember that these objectives may vary with the change in the situation. - Provide access to all the right tools.
You can’t just send your team on their merry way to work remotely. Have a checklist of tools they need and ensure they have them. - Trust your employees.
Without trust, you’ll only end up micromanaging your team. They’ll feel that you don’t trust them and be less engaged and productive. Moreover, you’ll end up a nervous wreck.
Further preparation
Working remotely can be challenging and if not done right, it can fail. Fortunately, Odyssey Training has a variety of online courses to help people prepare for remote working. These courses can help you continue to expand on your or your team’s skills. While still adhering to medical and government advice. This way, we can make sure that the workforce doesn’t just stay healthy, it stays productive as well.
Enhance your professional development and computer skills with live online courses at Odyssey Training. Our full-day online courses are live, which means that you can interact with our trainer or facilitator throughout the day.
Whether you are looking to learn a new skill or boost your current abilities with the Microsoft Suite, here at Odyssey Training, we have you covered. We offer a range of courses across the Microsoft Suite, at varying levels of difficulties to suit your needs. Discover Microsoft Courses available today.
