Many merchants have faced a question: Do we create a remote or hybrid environment or return fully to the office?
While every company’s needs and requirements differ, most of the workforce asks for at least the option to choose what’s best for them. According to a study done by PwC, over half of workers would prefer to work remotely at least three days a week.
Keeping Culture in Mind
When considering offering remote work or a hybrid workspace, you’ll need to ensure you have your bases covered with various remote tools. We’ll share the specific tech stack, but first, here are three of the most essential tools you’ll need to have in place.
Communication is key
First, you need a company-wide communication tool. Something reliable and scalable that allows your team to instantly communicate with each other wherever they are in the world, as long as they have an internet connection. This tool needs to be intuitive, needs to be searchable, and needs to be able to cut out the clutter. You likely have found one that works for you, even before the forced shift to remote work in 2020.
At Recharge, we use Slack. Slack allows us to direct message each other easily, have designated channels for specific teams, and quickly spin up media or group messages. From a cultural standpoint, Slack also allows employees to start specific channels where members can join around particular interests or hobbies. We have channels for sharing music and pictures of pets or media for talking about the latest episode of The Bachelor.
Our most engaged channel is named “staying connected,” where employees share pictures and videos from wherever they are in the world or ask open-ended get-to-know-you questions (“What was your favorite Halloween costume?” or “If you could have any superpower, what would it be?”) to engage with employees they may not interact with regularly.
Connect with more than just text
The following tool that’s a necessity for companies looking to expand their remote work offerings: a video conferencing platform. If employees can’t be in the same space to collaborate and converse, having a tool to see each other face-to-face is the next best thing. At Recharge, we use Zoom, while other businesses may use something like Google Hangouts or Skype.
I’d like to know something else to consider when implementing remote or a hybrid work environment your video conferencing etiquette. We recommend a camera-on policy for the majority of calls. It creates accountability in terms of multitasking during meetings and gives everyone a chance to connect on more than just a text or voice level.
A fun tip: Encourage colleagues to include something in their backgrounds that can serve as a conversation piece. Whether a picture on the wall or something is written on a whiteboard, this is an excellent way for people to connect around something other than the task. It helps foster relationship building in an organic, meaningful way, and who knows… it might lead to friendships being forged over a common interest.
Other video meeting etiquette tips: We encourage all colleagues to be presentable and attentive. If they cannot prepare in terms of being camera-on, this is where we reserve the camera-off exceptions.
Could you keep everyone in the loop?
Staying organized and getting things done no matter the distance between your teammates is imperative to getting work done. Do you think the best way to make it happen seamlessly? Your project management tool.
Plenty of project management tools are available, and at Recharge, we use a variety of departments based on their needs and scalability. Our marketing team uses Monday.com, whereas other groups use Jira (Atlassian). The most important thing is to find the tool that best works for you and allows you to set and achieve your goals. It would be best to have something trackable with an easy-to-navigate user experience that will scale with you as your team grows.
Some other types of tools you may need are:
- Internal Documentation
- Support Platform
- Organizational Chart
- Payroll and HR Tools
- Applicant Tracking System
Tips for Creating a Positive Remote Work Environment
The best way to ensure a positive remote work experience is to embrace the change it instills and not try to conform it to traditional office working traits.
At Recharge, we encourage our team members to work when they are most productive. We’ve got teammates working across the globe in dozens of countries and numerous different time zones, so trying to regiment schedules to one timezone, 9-5 clock, doesn’t work. Instead, we care that you do good work, get that work in on time, and engage with your teammates and external groups effectively.
That freedom and trust resonate with Recharge team members who can work flexible schedules and set work around their life instead of life around their work. In our previously mentioned “staying connected” slack channel, a question was asked about what perks they loved most about the work-from-home lifestyle. There were dozens of responses, ranging from “Being able to drop and pick up my daughter from the bus stop every day” to “not wasting an hour each way commuting to work” to numerous responses from our travel addicts who can work from anywhere in the world they can find a reliable internet connection from.
Again, The lesson is to honor remote or hybrid work for what it is and not try and conform it to the decades of traditional office work that preceded it. One of the most commonly asked questions about remote work is how do you trust your employees to work when they’re supposed to be?
And the simple answer is: you trust them.
If they need to complete their work or attend meetings, they should; then you have a problem. But remote work shouldn’t have some employee surveillance attached to it to ensure team members are bolted to their desks for eight hours daily. If you don’t trust your employees to do the work they’re supposed to regardless of whether they’re working in the office or remotely—then you’ve got a bigger problem on your hands.
Some other things we do here at Recharge to ensure a positive experience for our employees, we encourage weekly 1:1s between managers and their direct reports. These meetings are a mix of formal (tracking projects, looking at KPIs, career planning) and informal (checking in on burnout, talking about life outside of work, etc). I feel more connected to my direct manager (whom, after a year of working with, I’ve never met in person) than any previous manager I’ve ever worked with.
Weekly department meetings are also encouraged to run through project status reports and ensure alignment for the week ahead. We also host bi-weekly Town Halls where the entire company meets with senior leadership and get updates from various departments about various initiatives or the status of company-wide goals.
We’ve also had significant engagement with an anonymous “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) that we host at the end of every Town Hall, where employees can freely ask any question to SLT or across departments that they may not feel comfortable saying publicly.
Embracing Remote and Hybrid Work
Embracing the Digital Transformation
The digital era has made remote work not just a possibility but a reality for many businesses. With the rise of advanced tools and platforms, companies can now operate efficiently without the constraints of a physical office. This shift has opened up many opportunities for businesses to tap into global talent, reduce overhead costs, and offer a flexible work environment that caters to the diverse needs of their employees. However, embracing this change requires a strategic approach, ensuring the company’s culture, values, and objectives remain intact.
The Role of Data in Remote Work
Data-driven decisions have become the backbone of successful remote work strategies. Businesses can identify the best practices that increase productivity and employee satisfaction by analyzing patterns and trends. For instance, understanding when employees are most productive or which communication tools are most effective can help managers tailor their strategies to maximize output. Moreover, data can provide insights into potential challenges, allowing businesses to address them and ensure a smooth remote work experience proactively.
The Hybrid Model: A Balanced Approach
While remote work offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to recognize that it may only be suitable for some or some roles. This is where the hybrid model comes into play. Companies can offer the best of both worlds by allowing employees to split their time between the office and home. This model fosters collaboration and team bonding while providing the flexibility many employees desire. It’s a balanced approach that caters to diverse work styles and preferences.
The Future of Work: Beyond the Traditional Office
The traditional 9-5 office setup is gradually becoming a thing of the past. With the rise of remote and hybrid work models, the future of work is set to be more flexible, inclusive, and global. Companies that adapt to these changes and invest in the right tools and strategies will attract top talent and foster innovation, creativity, and growth. The essential lies in understanding that remote work is not just a trend but a fundamental shift in business operations.
Building Trust in a Remote Environment
One of the primary concerns managers have about remote work is trust. How can they ensure that employees are working diligently and meeting their targets? The answer lies in fostering a culture of trust and accountability. Instead of micromanaging, managers should focus on setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback, and recognizing and rewarding achievements. When employees feel trusted and valued, they are likelier to take ownership of their work and deliver their best.
Summary
In today’s digital age, many companies, including Recharge, are grappling with adopting a remote, hybrid, or traditional office setup. While each company’s needs are unique, the overarching sentiment is clear: employees crave flexibility. Tools like Slack and Zoom have become indispensable in facilitating communication and collaboration in remote settings. However, beyond the means, the company culture, trust, and data-driven strategies play a pivotal role in the success of remote work. As we navigate this new normal, it’s evident that the future of work is set to be more dynamic, inclusive, and flexible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does working remotely mean?
Working remotely means performing duties outside the traditional office environment, often from home or another location, using digital tools and platforms.
What is the best site for remote work?
There are several reputable sites for remote work, including Remote.co, We Work Remotely, and FlexJobs, among others.
Do you know if working a remote job well?
Yes, remote jobs offer flexibility, reduce commute time, and can lead to increased work-life balance. However, it also requires discipline, self-motivation, and practical communication skills.
Does remote work have a downside?
While remote work offers many benefits, it can also lead to feelings of isolation, challenges in team collaboration, and potential work-life boundary issues.
How do companies ensure productivity in a remote setting?
Companies can use project management tools, regular check-ins, clear communication, and data-driven insights to ensure productivity in a remote setting.
How do remote employees stay connected?
Remote employees stay connected through communication tools like Slack, video conferencing platforms like Zoom, and regular virtual team meetings and events.
What are the essential tools for remote work?
Essential tools for remote work include communication platforms, video conferencing software, project management tools, and cloud storage solutions.
How do companies maintain their culture in a remote environment?
Companies maintain their culture by fostering open communication, hosting virtual team-building events, and ensuring that company values are integrated into daily operations.
Is remote work more productive than office work?
Productivity varies based on individual preferences and job roles. Some studies suggest remote workers are more productive, while others indicate challenges in maintaining productivity.
How do managers build trust with remote employees?
Managers can build trust by setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback, recognizing achievements, and fostering open communication.
What are the security concerns with remote work?
Security concerns include potential data breaches, unsecured Wi-Fi connections, and using personal devices for work purposes.
How can companies address remote work challenges?
Companies can address challenges by investing in the right tools, providing training, setting clear guidelines, and fostering a culture of trust and accountability.
How do remote employees handle work-life balance?
Remote employees can handle work-life balance by setting clear boundaries, taking regular breaks, and designating a specific workspace at home.
What are the environmental benefits of remote work?
Remote work reduces the need for commuting, decreasing carbon emissions and reducing traffic congestion.
How do companies measure the success of their remote work policies?
Companies can measure success through employee feedback, productivity metrics, retention rates, and overall business performance.
