Make Remote Working A Permanent Change For Your Business

Remote working is the new norm for many people right now. While social distancing measures are in place, businesses have had to adapt quickly to new ways of working and making sure employees feel content and comfortable out of the office environment.

While many businesses can’t wait to get back to normal, for many, the coronavirus pandemic has been a wakeup call that many have needed. Being able to work remotely, effectively could save on business costs, while transforming your business. For your employees, it could mean a better work/life balance while also boosting productivity.

Could remote working become a permanent change for your business? Here are some of the things you need to do to make it happen.

Consult with your employees

Before rushing into a decision to make remote working a permanent arrangement, you need to consult with your employees. They might have very different feelings about the situation. Some employees might welcome the move, while others might prefer to have the flexibility to work in the office and then work from home when they choose. Surveys and one-to-one conversations with your employees can gauge the mood and help you make the right decision for everyone.

Invest in the right technology

To enable effective remote working, your business needs to invest in the right technology. From having a mobile kit such as laptops that are powerful and secure, to choosing the right apps for home working, there will be some investments to make. There’s also some testing to carry out to make sure you’re choosing the right tech.

Improve your security

Securing your business becomes even more important once you factor remote working into the equation. Being away from secure networks and servers requires new security software and protocols, as well as an investment in storage. The cloud can be an excellent solution, with many tools such as virtual data rooms proving valuable to enable businesses to operate from wherever they are. But what is a virtual data room used for? For businesses, they help keep files and information secure and can be especially useful for protecting sensitive or high-risk data.

Remember to show your employees that they’re valued

Offices are typically social environments, and many people are missing that interaction right now. If you decide to make remote working more permanent, this is something you’ll need to consider. It’s important to show your employees that they’re valued, and this could involve some extra engagement on your part. There are many tips from leaders about managing remote teams you can learn to help you make the transition a successful one.

While the future is uncertain for now, there are certainly opportunities for businesses to change their ways of working. If permanent remote working isn’t in your business’ future, then there will still be changes ahead when restrictions ease. Get your office ready for staff to return and start planning for your business’ future.