How to manage the work-from-home model?

Having a virtual remote workforce or work-from-home team is not easy, and after a 2-year-pandemic, some companies are still adjusting and struggling with the concept. This article will help you understand some key elements of managing a great team working from home.

Virtual remote workforces are here to stay.

Some companies executed and leveraged virtual remote workforces a few years ago, but today, remote workforces are familiar and expected to remain so after a two-year pandemic.

Managing teams that operate outside of the company’s premises is a difficult task. It necessitates a great deal of communication and trust for both employers and employees. At the same time, it requires a great deal of organization, monitoring, and, of course, the appropriate technology.

Managing your remote workforce will undoubtedly have long-term outcomes for your company’s growth potential. If you fail and do a poor job, employee morale and productivity will suffer. But if you succeed, however, a remote workforce can build enormous employee loyalty and boost engagement. Put another way, if the remote work environment is stable and healthy, employees will flourish, productivity will rise to the roof, and everyone will be happier, resulting in higher productivity and higher revenue.

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Why is remote work essential and needed?

Only a few years ago, remote work was considered a work benefit or a perk, something an employee received as a reward. However, in the last two years, events have made working from home a requirement and, to some extent, a standard. Even though many businesses still prefer traditional office arrangements, many are now offering hybrid or remote work options. And the importance of the WFH model – is immense! As we mentioned, remote working benefits both employers and employees.

If you are an employer who offers this model to its employees, some of the essential benefits you and your company will face are:

• Lowering of overhead costs;
• Lower turnover rates;
• The larger talent pool from any place in the world;
• More time saved translates into higher employee productivity;
• Better work-life balance;
• Enhanced job satisfaction

If you are an employee whose company offers the work-from-home model, you are more likely to:

• Enjoy your freedom and adaptability;
• Savings on transportation costs;
• Saving time due to fewer commutes;
• Management of a flexible schedule;
• Increased efficiency and productivity;
• Improved mental and physical health as a result of the newly established work-life balance;
• Working in a location and surroundings that are pleasant;
• Enjoy working in your own office space that is personalized to reflect your personality and mood.

So, why return to the old office model?

Despite the numerous advantages, remote working is not as simple to manage as one might think. Many business owners and managers are still terrified of having their teams work from home because they fear their employees will spend their working hours binge-watching or running errands instead of finishing their work. Furthermore, some managers lack the knowledge or experience to manage their employees when absent. Building trust in your team is as difficult as it is crucial. Moreover, managers and business owners may prefer to have their employees on-site due to concerns about overall productivity.

Are those fears legitimate, and can anyone implement the work-from-home?

Believe it or not, the fears are real, and no one can overcome them—both from the perspective of the employer and the employee. You may need to monitor your employee’s work as an employer closely. Or you’ll feel better if you see them in the office every day and can peek over their shoulder to see how the task is progressing.

Working from home (WFH) presents its own set of challenges, just as much as it offers convenience. You might have noisy neighbors who are renovating their homes. Or you have a crying child. Or older adults who require attention and care. Simply put, you lack the focus to complete work tasks while relaxing at home.

The right thing to do

If you are a company or a business owner who wants or needs to implement a virtual remote workforce to boost morale, productivity, and mental health, you definitely should. However, before you enter the void, you must consult with or hire a professional. Think of a company that ca assist you with workforce management, from finding a talent pool and potential employees to interviewing, recruiting, onboarding, and training your team for a unified workforce that will help your business grow.

FrontLogix offers remote workforce management professional services, providing you, your employees, and your customers with one-of-a-kind white-glove services and experience. Feel free to contact us to see how we can help you out.