Priority 2
Overcome remote work challenges
Are there ways to close the distance that you might be overlooking?
Priority 2
Overcome remote work challenges
Are there ways to close the distance that you might be overlooking?
"It’s important to find a balance between remote and in-person working that meets the needs of your company, uniquely."
Katleen Jacobs - Business Manager Legal Consultancy
How to re-align for the perfect match
We asked Katleen Jacobs - Business Manager Legal Consultancy
It’s no surprise that remote working has led employers and employees to have different perceptions of productivity. Remote working policies initiated during the pandemic tend to lean heavily on the ‘remote’ aspect, but they may not have been built on a sustainable foundation of good communication practice. Recently, there have been reports of a WFH backlash, with mandatory return to office policies being enforced at a number of global companies like Amazon and Google. But at the same time, the number of remote jobs for blue-collar workers is steadily growing.
It’s worth noting that a large number of global organisations are shifting to a hybrid model, not a full-time in-office situation. It’s hard to argue with the benefits of both remote working and in-person collaboration, so it’s important to find a balance between the two that meets the needs of your company. Every workplace is different, and you’ll need to tailor your approach depending on how well managers can lead from a distance, or whether employees can do effective work without supervision. Providing the right training and guidance with each policy shift goes a long way towards ensuring its success.
3 tips for tailored flexibility
1. Schedule in-person meetings strategically
- Identify critical project milestones and moments for collaboration that would benefit from face-to-face interaction.
- Plan these alongside routine in-person meetings to encourage team problem-solving. Be sure to encourage feedback so you can set a schedule that works for everyone.
2. Set clear expectations for remote work engagement
- Be transparent outlining work hours, expected availability, and deadlines for deliverables related to remote work. Evaluate whether core hours could be introduced.
- Establish a clear communication protocol, with preferred channels for synchronous or asynchronous communication and for different situations.
3. Optimise the quality and accessibility of communication channels
- When choosing which communication channels to invest in, be selective to avoid employee overwhelm and fatigue.
- Make sure employees have access to a curated set of tools that provide an easy learning curve and accessible features, while integrating seamlessly with the rest of their workplace tech.
