Remote Workforce

While the type of remote workforce you develop will depend on your business, most companies employ a hybrid model. A hybrid remote workforce means you have a balanced mix of in-office and remote employees.

Managing remote teams might seem daunting compared to a traditional office-based team, but plenty of benefits exist.

Remote workers = endless talent pool

Employing a remote workforce means you can build that workforce with team members from anywhere, all over the world.

You don’t have to rely on small, local talent pools to staff your business. You can find the best people nationally or globally, which gives you an advantage in hiring and retaining top talent over competitors that aren’t offering remote work.

Employee engagement and satisfaction

People like the flexibility working from home provides.

Work-life balance is becoming a priority for employees, particularly millennials. Providing employees with work-from-home options can improve productivity and job satisfaction. With flexible work arrangements, workers have the opportunity to focus on their well-being.

Availability and continuity

On a practical note, a remote workforce that’s spread out geographically and working in different timezones will give your business the functionality to operate 24/7, providing your customers with round-the-clock service.

Exceptional customer service can help you build a base of loyal customers.

At the same time, a remote workforce solution means you have an additional layer of business continuity in case an office or remote location is compromised. For example, if a hurricane disrupts remote workers in Florida, remote workers in London can provide coverage.

During the Coronavirus pandemic, for example, it became abundantly clear that remote work capabilities were necessary. Setting up your entire team with remote work options, even if they come into the office most days, will ensure that work can continue and remain unaffected during crises.

Save on real estate

Setting up an office, let alone offices in multiple cities, can be expensive. A remote work setup allows you to curb these expenses by expanding your workforce without the added cost of property and building maintenance.

Utilities, real estate fees, property taxes—it all adds up. Onboarding a team of new employees to work from their own home offsets these costs, improves employee happiness, and improves business continuity—a real win-win.

Luckily, the management skills you’ve perfected in the office can also be effectively used in the home office. Employee communication is key with all team members, but it’s crucial for remote workers who don’t have face-to-face opportunities with senior leadership every day.

Here are some useful tips when managing remote workers:

1) Make sure your team knows what to expect

Make sure your remote workers know what to expect when working from home. Detail desired work goals, timekeeping procedures, and any administrative information they’ll need.

Create an extensive onboarding package for new team members that details expectations. Designate a point person to whom remote workers can reach out when they have questions.

2) Keep in touch with your remote employees

Commit to creating a welcoming work environment for remote workers by communicating regularly. Schedule weekly check-ins via video conferencing with remote team members, and monthly meetings to discuss goals and progress.

Remote workers want to feel like they’re part of the team, so it’s essential to include them in the company culture.

Set up a messaging group or multiple communication channels specifically for employees to chat about whatever they want. Another idea is to create a standing invite for casual morning coffee chats via video conferencing.

The key is to use the tools you have to create an environment that encourages employee engagement and recreates the sociability of a traditional office space. With 8x8, you can jumpstart your company’s digital transformation with tools that will optimize workflows for management and employees.

Connect with remote employees and virtual teams over HD video meetings. Take advantage of 8x8’s APIs to bring all of your work into one project management platform while unifying communications for your team.

3) Remember to celebrate

Another critical aspect of a traditional workspace that you’ll want to replicate remotely is acknowledging and celebrating key achievements. Employees want to be acknowledged for their excellent work, and recognizing their efforts can increase productivity and improve employee retention.

Since you can’t celebrate with in-person meetings, reward hard work and celebrate milestones like work anniversaries or birthdays with curated care packages. Many companies out there offer customized gifts that can be sent directly to recipients, so they’re perfect for remote employees.

4) Pick the right tools for remote workforce management

Ensure your remote employees are set up for success by providing them with the tools to succeed. Telecommuting offers its own challenges. You can’t just pop by someone’s desk for regular check-ins on a project. Ensure every remote employee is equipped with communication tools, like a headset and a good microphone.

Many people will have some of this equipment already, but make sure it’s accessible across the team.

Choosing the right communications solution is essential for creating productive employee experiences. This is the main platform your employees will use to work and collaborate. Choose software that gives you an all-in-one platform with messaging, video calls, phone calls, and metric tracking.

A cloud-based communications solution is the absolute best way for employees to stay connected and communicate with other team members, clients, and management. The right solution can also provide collaboration tools, analytics, lots of API integrations, and dedicated customer support.

With every new endeavor, you’ll undoubtedly face some challenges. The benefits of remote work are plentiful, but there are also some obstacles to keep an eye out for.

• Security and privacy concerns: The most significant challenge you’ll encounter with a remote workforce. The importance of network security, data security, and privacy cannot be overstated. Ensure endpoint security for all of your remote workers and choose software that offers a secure and protected sign-on with full unlimited access.
• Employee wellbeing: Working from home full-time has benefits, but it can also be distracting and lonely. Regular check-ins with your remote employees will help alleviate any sense of loneliness they may feel. Make sure healthcare resources are available for anyone struggling. At the same time, many employees may be trying to work while also caring for small children or other loved ones. Equip employees with what they need to create a distraction-free work environment. Consider flexible work policies, like working at night or over weekends, and provide a database of available coworking spaces.
• Network reliability: You know what else can wreak havoc on your workday? Spotty internet. Make sure all of your employees have access to reliable and affordable internet. Go over network connections with employees and have a resource center available, like a dedicated support channel or an employee message board with helpful tips. Many apps employees use for work are cloud-based so having a reliable network connection is essential.

Long-term decisions, real-time choices—there’s no escaping them.

Work trends show that more and more office workers are transitioning to a full-time remote job or flexible work. Embrace the change with a remote workforce that brings innovation, flexibility, and continuity to your business.

Change is hard, but as any successful entrepreneur will tell you, it’s worth it.

WIth 8x8’s cloud communications and business phone solutions, you can rest assured that your remote workforce can collaborate seamlessly and effectively even when your employees are apart. To learn more about 8x8 products and how they can be used to boost remote work, contact sales and request a demo today.