In a recent article published by HR Magazine, journalist Estelle James examined several strategies for managing remote workers. Citing the new Robert Half UK survey which states 38% of HR directors plan to offer remote working options during the first half of 2012, the piece goes on to list the countless (obvious?) benefits of such a practice. Greater productivity and the reduction in property and other costs aside, one of the greatest benefits to companies is the enhanced recruitment and retention possibilities remote working brings about.
“Allowing employees more flexible schedules makes them less likely to seek other options. At the same time, it opens up a wider pool of talent, since some professionals wishing to make career changes, but not wanting to relocate are attracted to companies with flexible working options” says Estelle.
Once a company offers remote or flexible working as an option to staff though, it is vitally important to have a strategy in place so to manage staff, and the process at large, effectively.
It may seem like a no-brainer; however, establishing clear goals and objectives from the start allows workers to know what is expected of them and how they will be evaluated. Company’s often worry about bums on seats when what they should concerned with are results. Therefore, starting to construct your strategy with that thought as a base is highly recommended.
“A lack of clear guidelines governing how remote workers should work and the hours they should be available is one of the primary causes of conflict and misunderstanding further down the road.”
Businesses should also consider how best to keep the remote worker from feeling like a proverbial office leper. Although the benefits of remote working are plentiful, employees can feel lonely or demotivated if ‘left alone’ for too long. Thinking of motivational rewards and encouraging regular trips to a physical environment, where he/she can bounce ideas off others face-to-face, is something that should be deemed essential.
“Get-togethers which celebrate the success of team projects are ideal times to invite remote workers in. Scheduling occasional team-building sessions that include remote workers gives them a chance to brainstorm and reignite their creativity”
Searching the Q&A site Quora, we managed to find a whole host of responses regarding best practice and further tips for mapping out remote strategies. One of our favourite posts [irrespective of the fact they don’t mention our company] is titled “What are some products or strategies that help remote teams work more collaboratively in terms of communication and documenting knowledge?”
In this thread, Josh Cramer states “we really enjoy the level of collaboration we’ve been able to achieve as a remote team to the degree that it has exceeded our experiences in teams operating under the same roof”. And it’s that quote in itself which seems to encapsulate the rewards for both staff and business that remote working can bring about.
We highly suggest reading both the full article in HR Magazine and the thread on Quora. Thereafter try telling us you aren’t convinced of the benefits and haven’t started mapping out your own strategy*!
Let us know how you get on!
*even if you do tell us that, we won’t believe you.
