There’s no question that COVID-19 has put us in unprecedented times. Business owners have to send their employees home due to government orders, and rightfully so. And while some businesses have remote workers year-round, many businesses are doing remote work for the first time. If your business is in the latter group––that is, the majority––keep reading to learn some of the ways companies can transition to working remotely.
Set your team up for success with tools
As a business owner, you have to set your employees up for success. You can’t assume that your employees have high-quality internet, computers, phones, and so on. Of course, some of your employees probably have devices that are good enough. For those workers, you should encourage them to use their own devices if possible. However, you should also plan to offer laptops and phones for employees that need them.
Use multiple types of communication
Even if you have a team of introverts, everybody needs some human connection. Luckily, technology is amazing nowadays. Between services like Facetime, Zoom, Google Hangout, Microsoft Teams, and more, you have plenty of options. We’d highly suggest having a daily check-in on a video chat if you can, just to have some form of interaction that’s not another email. If you’re not comfortable with video calls, or calls in general, working remotely will get you out of that comfort zone. Consider this an opportunity for growth.
Have patience
As much as we’d all like to have a seamless transition, that’s just not realistic––especially if you’ve never offered remote work before. There will be mistakes, and some workers might start work late due to technical difficulties. However, you need to be a patient and understanding leader. There’s a good chance that working remotely is just as new to them as it is for you. Encourage your team to work together and help each other—you’ll be proud to see your team come together.
Don’t forget about data security
Unfortunately, with so many companies working remotely, cybercriminals are taking advantage of vulnerable networks and inexperienced workers. You must take proactive measures to protect your company’s data during this time of remote work. One of the leading reasons for company data breaches is email phishing scams. To avoid being the next victim, give your employees a refresher on email security before sending them home to work. If your employees are already home, send them an email or give them a brief refresher over one of the many video chat services.
Whether you’ve had remote workers in the past or not, you’re probably a little nervous during this time for several reasons. However, don’t fret. We will get through these unprecedented challenges together. Encourage your team through these ways you can transition to working remotely.