How Remote Tech Helps Companies Transition to a New Normal

Undoubtedly, COVID-19 has drastically impacted the way many of us do business. Thousands of people have been forced to adapt to a work from home routine, while many are forced to go into work every day as essential employees, and others face unemployment. 

Though many of us consider ourselves fortunate to be able to work from home, there are still plenty of hurdles and challenges. For instance, many people are working from home with children and must figure out how to balance remote work with childcare.

Given this, it’s more important now than ever before for managers to try to understand and empathize with the needs of their employees. One of the best ways to do this is through remote technologies, which are quickly helping to normalize this new workplace reality. 

Using certain technologies in your company could ease the adjustment of working remotely and even boost morale during this trying time.

Virtual Teams

Many companies have been allowing some level of remote work for years, which has eased their adjustment to managing fully remote workforces during this pandemic. Due to COVID-19’s impact on the everyday workplace, remote work will likely become the new normal. Whether you go back to the office part-time over the next couple of months or transition to working remotely full time, no one should really expect things to go back to how they were before. 

Working remotely can have a lot of benefits and challenges, especially in a team setting. When your remote employees are spread across the country, it can be difficult to interact across different time zones. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, other aspects that were not tricky face-to-face in the office are now challenging, like keeping employees engaged and reaching people who have different communication styles.  

On the positive side, virtual teams allow you to bring together employees that may be spread widely across the nation or even the globe. It can also offer greater flexibility for employees to work in a comfortable location with hours that fit their schedules, which can lead to greater workplace satisfaction and productivity. Finally, remote work can save companies money by reducing or eliminating costs for physical building space and maintenance.

Proper Tools and Technology

Regardless of what industry you work in, chances are COVID-19 has had an impact on it. One of the most difficult adjustments for remote employees is getting set up with the technology they need to be successful at home. Whether it’s providing them with laptops or upgrading their existing ones, make sure that you support your employees by giving them proper tools and equipment. 

If you are welcoming any new hires during this time, it’s crucial to build a virtual onboarding program and provide them with orientation tools. Since it’s not possible to hold an in-person orientation, a solid virtual program will introduce new hires to your other employees, culture, and company values.

This may also be the perfect time for your employees to take advantage of virtual training and e-learning. Encourage your employees to take online courses on sites like Coursera and Skillshare so they can develop their skills and even learn new things during this quarantine.

Employee Engagement

Another major challenge that managers are facing throughout this pandemic is employee engagement. The lack of face-to-face communication can often lead to feelings of isolation. Fortunately, technology can help facilitate employee interaction and communication. 

The key to keeping your employees engaged while working remotely is hosting virtual meetings. Just like normal workplace meetings, you can use these video calls to check in with your employees and see how they’re doing. Virtual meetings can also promote communication and collaboration amongst your employees, while also maintaining a sense of company culture and boosting morale. 

Overall, having remote employees requires a fair amount of trust from a management perspective. By hosting these virtual meetings on a regular basis, you can maintain a sense of trust and check in to see the status of your employees’ work.

Adjusting to remote work has been a challenge for many managers and their employees. Luckily, remote technology is helping to ease some of these growing pains during this difficult time.

Want to find out more ways to keep your employees engaged in a remote world? Check out these 6 tips.