In the pre-COVID-19 world, the rates of people working from home were already on the rise. Now that so many businesses have been forced to close their office doors and transition their teams to remote work, it’s likely that a lot of them will continue this pattern even after social distancing measures are scaled back.
Experts even estimate that by the year 2021, between 25 and 30 percent of the workforce will be working remotely at least a few days per week. Remote work has been a game-changer for many businesses during this difficult time. In many cases, it’s even helping them to be more productive and set themselves up for long-term success.
Read on to learn how remote work is future-proofing companies across the globe. You’ll also gain valuable insights into the benefits of remote work and virtual hiring.
Times Are Changing
Not too long ago, the idea of working from home instead of relying on the structure of a traditional office might have seemed absurd. Now, though, many workers have everything they need in their houses to have a successful and productive day. If there’s one thing we’ve learned from COVID-19, it’s that a lot of people have jobs that they can do from home just as well, if not better, as they do them at the office.
There are a lot of factors that have contributed to remote work being such a successful venture for so many businesses. The following are some of the most noteworthy:Innovative Tools and Software
Over the last few years, there’s been a significant increase in the development of tools that remote teams can use to stay organized, keep in touch, and manage projects in an effective way. From Google and Microsoft suites to video conferencing tools like Zoom and Skype, there’s no shortage of software for teams to use to check in and hold each other accountable.
Empowering Communication
Many business owners and team leaders may have been hesitant about remote work at first due to concerns about how everyone would stay connected. Now, though, teams don’t have to rely on email alone to touch base and make sure everyone’s on the same page. There is a myriad of communication tools out there that are much more efficient than email, including chat apps like Slack.
Healthier Company Cultures
Remote work can promote healthier company cultures, too. Some of the most successful companies that are or have been relying on remote work allow for more flexibility when it comes to the times when people work, as well as how they work (at a desk, at a table in their backyard, on the couch, etc.). This increased flexibility helps workers to feel more satisfied and less stressed, both of which contribute to greater health all around.
Benefits of Remote Work and Remote Hiring
We can’t ignore the advantages that come from working remotely and hiring remote teams to assist with everyday business matters. The following are some of the greatest advantages companies have been experiencing, whether they were relying on remote work pre-COVID-19 or if they have just made the switch:
Improved Productivity
There is lots of research that shows that people who work remotely are often far more productive than those who work in a traditional office setting. They have fewer distractions to deal with in many cases, and they can get their work done without having to interrupt their flow to attend as many meetings.
Improved Job Satisfaction
People who work remotely are often happier and more satisfied with their jobs, too. When workers have higher levels of satisfaction, they also have higher levels of engagement and are more likely to stick with the company long-term. Both of these factors can contribute to greater success for the company as a whole.
Access to a Larger Talent Pool
When remote work is combined with remote hiring, businesses can really see major changes and start to thrive. Remote hiring and outsourcing allow companies to gain access to a larger talent pool. This, in turn, helps them to find the very best people for the job, and they’re less limited by things like zip codes.
Remote Work Tips
For businesses that are new to the practice of remote work, it’s easy to feel daunted. Workers may struggle to feel productive, and business owners and managers might find that they’re facing different demands now that people are working outside of the office.
Here are some practical tips that workers and employers can implement to ensure success while working remotely, both short-term and long-term:
Invest in the Right Tools
For remote teams to succeed, it helps to have everyone using the same tools. Make sure everyone is on the same page with the software they’re using to stay in touch so that important things don’t fall through the cracks.
Provide Training
Businesses that train their teams properly when it comes to using remote work software or handling working from home will see better results than companies that just throw their team to the wolves.
Establish Workflows
Part of this training should involve establishing workflows and creating systems for how work should be completed. Having some structure in place will help team members to focus and ensure that they remain productive.
Work with a Global Outsourcing Team
When it comes to outsourcing and virtual hiring, it helps to work with a global outsourcing organization. They can help with the heavy lifting and ensure that businesses find contractors who are a good fit for them and their specific needs.
Is the Work from Home Approach Right for Your Business?
You now know much more about the advantages of remote work and virtual hiring, as well as the way these practices can be used to future-proof your company. Are you interested in giving these strategies a try?
If you need help finding new contractors and putting together a remote team, we can help at CrewBloom. Contact us today to request a consultation and learn more about how our global outsourcing services can help your business grow.
