Transitioning Business Operations to Remote Work During COVID-19
As the world remains on lockdown to slow the spread of the coronavirus, explore how to navigate traditional business operations to remote work.
The novel coronavirus has turned the world upside down. Schools are shuttered and kids are at the kitchen table trying to do their math. Stores and businesses are closed. Workers sent home.
Some businesses are attempting to keep their business operations and employees working by setting them up at home. While it's great to keep the business operational and workers doing their job, there are many things to consider.
Read on to learn about how to navigate your business operations from home.
Consider Needs
It would be foolish to assume that your work operations can transfer to the homes of your employees and everyone would have exactly what they need.
To be successful, your employees will need to have:
A computer
A good internet connection
Chat and conferencing applications
A dedicated workspace (preferred)
Optionally, a phone
You will want to confer with your employees if they need a higher speed internet connection and perhaps offer compensation so they can get it.
Cybersecurity should be at the forefront of your considerations. Sadly, cybercriminals are taking advantage of these unique times. Depending on the size of your operation, work with your IT department to confirm all devices have the appropriate security measures in place.
Make decisions about what networks need to be accessed from home. Can your at-home workers use cloud-based information or do they also need access to internal networks?
Transition Plan
As your workers' transition to work at home, be realistic and attempt to develop a plan. Be prepared to be flexible as not all home situations will be the same. There will be distractions, after all, homes have kids and dogs too.
At the same time, attempt to establish some expectations and routines for your at-home workers. Provide guidelines for your expectations.
Consult the experts, as in those who might have already been working from home. They will best be able to offer insight into this transition.
Also, consider your business needs. You don't want there to be gaps where a potential business or clients' needs are not met. Do you need to hire someone to answer your phones remotely? Do you need assistance in setting up a work schedule or appointments for your teams?
Communication Is Key
You need to keep in contact with your remote workers and know what they are doing. Establish communication routines. You will want to have multiple ways to communicate with employees like:
Phone conferencing
Email
You will want to establish your expectations for when, how and how often you will communicate and meet as a team. Let your employees know how quickly you expect a response.
Remote Culture
These are uncharted times for all workers. The anxiety and worry levels are high. It will be important to build a strong remote work culture. Check-in with your employees. Plan opportunities where the whole team can connect together.
Find ways to:
Employees are maintaining a home and work-life balance
Help workers from feeling worker isolation by video meetings and gatherings
Encourage healthy workers
The truth is workers are working from home because of a global pandemic. Show you care about the health and well being of your workers and their families.
Business Operations Away From the Office
Business operations will not be the same during this time of social distancing. Yet, they can still be productive and connected by using a focused and organized work from home plan.
If you need some support during this time, we can help with our support services. Contact us today to learn more about our business outsourcing services.
