For a long time, people have worked in offices. Every day, they wake up, put on their smartest attire, have breakfast, and start their morning commute – it’s the classic routine that everyone has become familiar with. However, the times are changing. Now, a new era of hybrid working has begun, and there’s lots of reasons to be excited about it.
As a business owner, you’ll be familiar with this new trend. Thousands of companies up and down the country have implemented hybrid working models for their employees and a project management for the company. Some employees permanently work from home, while others only work remotely on specific days.
So, if you’re interested in implementing a hybrid working model but don’t have any idea where to start, then you’re in the right place. This easy guide will provide you with some essential steps and tips that you need to know.
Firstly, use cloud technology
Naturally, when your employees are working from home, they will still need access to all your important data, files, and other resources. Because they aren’t physically in the office with you anymore, the only way they will be able to access these resources is through the internet – specifically, cloud technology.
For example, if your business has a lot of customer service agents, they will be able to use cloud technology to access customer profiles and other important information. Simple enough, right?
However, managing your cloud technology isn’t always easy. As a manager, you will need some help with this, such as keeping all of your content synchronized. To do this, get professional cloud management help.
Next, make sure your team has all the equipment you need
Working from home means that each member of your team will need to have all the right equipment, from laptops to headsets. So, when implementing your model, you must ensure that you tick this particular box.
If employees don’t have their own computers or laptops at home, then you will need to invest in some. Otherwise, they will be unable to do their jobs properly.
Arrange daily meetings and feedback times
Even when they’re working remotely, you need to maintain regular communication with your employees. Otherwise, standards and consistency levels can drop.
Therefore, it’s recommended that you use Microsoft Teams, which will enable all your team to hold meetings and talk together over video calls.
Alternatively, you can use Zoom, which is another popular communications tool currently used by businesses.
Chat with your team about their needs
Speaking of communication, it’s also important to stay up-to-date with your team’s needs. For example, some employees might not want to work remotely, so it’s important that you keep the option open for them to work in the office. Whenever possible, you must work around your team’s needs to keep them happy; otherwise, your remote model will cause more problems than solutions.
Make sure to still provide incentives
By removing face-to-face contact, it can lead to some employees feeling like they can’t progress through the company. Therefore, it’s essential that you ensure this doesn’t happen. Make sure to still provide incentives – and let your team know that they will be rewarded for their work.
Ingrid Maldine is a business writer, editor and management consultant with extensive experience writing and consulting for both start-ups and long established companies. She has ten years management and leadership experience gained at BSkyB in London and Viva Travel Guides in Quito, Ecuador, giving her a depth of insight into innovation in international business. With an MBA from the University of Hull and many years of experience running her own business consultancy, Ingrid’s background allows her to connect with a diverse range of clients, including cutting edge technology and web-based start-ups but also multinationals in need of assistance. Ingrid has played a defining role in shaping organizational strategy for a wide range of different organizations, including for-profit, NGOs and charities. Ingrid has also served on the Board of Directors for the South American Explorers Club in Quito, Ecuador.
