Improve working remotely in 2023

working remotely

In March it will be three years since we all began working remotely due to Covid-19. Whilst some businesses have returned full-time to the office, there are many businesses that have chosen to stick with remote working full or part-time. There are many benefits to working remotely such as increased flexibility, a wider location reach for recruiting, and reduced costs for the office.

However, remote working does not come without its challenges for employees and their employers. When we first began remote working, it was new to us, and many struggled to adapt and work effectively. But if it is here to stay, it is important to be able to perfect remote working. How can you do this?

Regular Meetings

Keeping regular contact with your team when working remotely is imperative. Therefore, it is recommended to have regular meetings. These meetings should be used to ensure that everyone is on the same page and provides the opportunity for colleagues to run things by each other. It’s important to make the most of these meetings though so that it does not become a waste of time. Ensure all points are covered and any questions are asked to prevent disruption to the rest of your day.

Appropriate Software

Ensure everyone is using the same software to prevent any problems or errors within the business. Having appropriate software that works well in a remote setting and that promotes remote working is important.

Engagement is key

Keeping employees engaged whilst working remotely can be difficult. Concentration can slip more easily when delivering long and detailed presentations or meetings online. Ensuring that everyone is keeping up, concentrating, and understanding what is being said to them is more challenging than if they were all in the same room. It is easier to read the room and for people to speak up when in person. Therefore, employers should look for ways to keep their employees engaged when holding these types of meetings and presentations.

Ways to improve engagement could include:

  • Live audience polls.
  • Pausing to ask if anyone has questions.
  • Taking regular breaks.
  • Break long meetings up into smaller meetings.

Building relationships

Remote working means that there is very little socialisation amongst colleagues. It makes it increasingly difficult for employees to get to know each other, as well as their employers. Getting the team together can be more difficult if people live in different locations across the country, as well as not being able to organise a spontaneous drink at the end of the day in the office. Therefore, employers should ensure that they are proactive and organized when arranging social events. Team social events bring a whole host of benefits such as motivation, engagement, boosted wellbeing, and stronger relationships. Which in all builds a positive work environment and culture.

Communication is key when organizing such events. Identifying who would like to attend should be the first thought. This is especially important if your staff live in various areas of the country so that you are able to decide where is best to host the event. Then decide what team-building exercise would be best. You want to be inclusive so fun activities such as bowling, mini golf, etc., are a good idea.

Employee Wellbeing

Employee wellbeing is just as important within companies that work remotely as it is to those that work solely in the office or hybrid. However, it may be more difficult for employers to identify somebody struggling when they work remotely. Therefore, employers should ensure that are checking up on their employees and thinking about ways to support their wellbeing. In addition, it may be a good idea to train someone in your business as a mental wellbeing first aider which will equip them with the skills to identify and deal with someone who may be struggling with a mental health problem.

How can oneHR help?

oneHR is a cloud-based platform that can be accessed no matter where you are which is perfect for remote working. Manage all HR admin tasks such as logging absences and booking annual leave in one place with ease.

Homeworking manager – if your company follows a hybrid working policy the homeworking manager within oneHR helps you to identify who is working from home and who is working in the office on a specific day.

Mental Health First Aider training – Our in-house expert, Adam Williams is running Mental Health First Aider training courses across the year. Packed with practical advice, attendees will be able to spot signs of declining mental health, and by using a practical action plan, be able to appropriately offer someone help both in an emergency and longer-term situation. Our next course is 30th – 31st March, get in touch for more information.

If you would like to learn more about how we can help facilitate remote working, please get in contact with our team today.

E: contact@onehrsoftware.com

Twitter: @oneHR_

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