How to Make Remote Work Arrangements More Effective

Remote work agreements can increase productivity, elevate employee happiness, lower costs, and more... but only if you plan for success from the beginning.

In order for remote working arrangements to be a success for your business, there are a few best practices you should follow. Despite increasing popularity, this approach represents a relatively non-traditional way of doing business, and here’s how you can prepare.

1. Create a plan for communications

In the absence of face-to-face communication, businesses have to work a bit harder on their internal communications. With so many tools available, it’s important to have a plan. Communication is the only way you’ll have a transparent look into everyone’s workloads, challenges, and more.

You might use messaging tools like Slack, project management tools like Basecamp, and others. Regardless of how you communicate, make sure all expectations are delivered to employees, preferably in writing. And, don’t forget to call each other occasionally — sometimes, a phone call is better than an email.

2. Use a virtual office service

Working from home or from a local coffee shop isn’t the best way for remote employees to reach peak productivity. You don’t have to rent an office building, but you can rent office space. This solution is affordable, flexible, and includes all of the tools and support an employee needs to do their work.

Virtual offices are also a great way to help traveling employees stay productive on the road, especially when you sign up for a membership with a provider that has an extensive network of locations (like Intelligent Office).

3. Make sure everyone has the tech they need

This is true of nearly any modern job, but it’s particularly important with a remote business. Employees won’t have access to a closet of supplies and technology, so you need to proactively purchase everything they’ll need.

From laptops with enough processing power to headsets for important phone calls, work with employees to identify what tools they absolutely must have to do their jobs properly. Additional pieces of office equipment that can come in handy include printers, scanners, and specialty software.

However, if you opt for a virtual office space, much of the most common office equipment will be available for use.

4. Make sure everyone feels like they’re part of the team

When we don’t see our coworkers and employees in person on a regular basis, it’s easy to feel distant and disconnected. That means you need to pay extra attention to the internal culture you’re building. Schedule weekly staff meetings and check-ins, do virtual “happy hours” on a video conferencing service every once in a while, and don’t forget to praise employees for a job well done.

If you aren’t sure how to begin cultivating a unique company culture within a remote team and need more ideas, this guide will help you get started.