Our world is looking a little different than it did in 2019. As a business coach that works with companies worldwide (mostly via a screen, these days), the most common question I’m asked is, “Can a remote workforce really be successful?”
I can empathize with cautious business owners, especially as they face the possibilities of losing clients, reduced profit, or worse, shutting down their companies. To get through this especially volatile time, you need a rock-solid team.
But in my opinion, you don’t have to be in the same room to be a rock-solid team or achieve greatness. In fact, here at Chrysallis, we’ve had a remote structure for a long time, with stellar results.
Let’s face it, though: it’s not always easy. To succeed as a remote workforce, there needs to be planning, structure and accountability. There are three key things that I recommend considering when transitioning to a remote workforce — and what I rely on daily to streamline our processes, safeguard my business and keep morale high and staff motivated
1. Set deliverables and deadlines with your team
The better your start, the better your finish! The same is for setting up new team members and that includes the onboarding of new remote workers. For a new employee that will work remotely, it’s more than just a position description. It’s time to consider the work they’ll be doing and delivering and the subset of tasks and their timeframes to meet them.
If you break remote roles into deliverables and deadlines, you ensure their work (and ultimately, their job) is being completed. It goes without saying that communication is key in a remote workforce, so be sure to communicate expectations from the start, so your team have structure in their workday, and feel that they can talk to you about any issues.
2. Install software to stay on top of projects
From project software to tracking tools, there’s plenty of programs made especially for remote businesses. You can thank 2020 for that!
We personally swear by project-based software. Essentially, each client gets their own folder. You can then create projects (like a website build), attach files (anything from inspiration to graphics), add tasks (think client calls and copywriting) and assign roles to people in your team.
It means every project has a home base filled with all of the latest information. Best of all, it means you’ll know exactly where the project is at, no matter who’s working on it or where they are in the world.
If you’re fearful of your team’s work ethic to start, tracking tools can also come in handy. Some of this software even allows you to time track your workers’ tasks, and take frequent screenshots of their screens, to see what they’re working on.
3. Use technology to check in and connect
Connection in the workplace has never been more important. Ironically, there are a number of technologies we turn to, to connect with our team mates and create more of a community — even if it’s a virtual coffee once a week.
Don’t undervalue the days-gone-by shout across the office to ask a quick question. Every interaction is a valuable one to understanding need, how a person works, processes and communicates.
We like to have a messenger technology open all day for our ‘shouted questions’ and check ins, and utilize a ‘closed door policy’ only when a team member is working on something important.
There are so many to choose from and find one that’s right for you and your team
I truly believe remote workforces will be the ‘norm’ for the future — whether it’s to protect your business from closure, to provide the flexibility you need for your life and business, or simply to save on overheads. Helping businesses like yours transition is what we love to do, so please get in touch if you’re thinking about it.
I promise you, once it’s all set up, the only question you’ll be asking is, “Why on earth didn’t I do this sooner?”
Your business and need is unique and so it all starts with a Discovery Call – you can book one click here
Christine Litera is the CEO and Founder of the Chrysallis Consulting Group. She is also the author of Grow Your People Grow Your Business: Big Corporate Secrets for Small Business Budgets