Why Remote?
Utilizing remote operations management, virtual assistance, consulting or team employment can benefit small businesses and individual owners significantly. Aside from narrowing the overhead costs, you get more work for what you spend:
Increased productivity and attendance comes from employees who are able to skip the commute, adjust working hours, work from various locations when needed, or work through minor illnesses at home. Rather than taking an entire day off work to stay home with a sick child, or working from the comfort of the kitchen counter whilst wearing the latest in creature comfort attire, employees can worry less about stressors that may impact their work. And hey, that means you too!
How Are Operations Conducted Remotely?
Remote operations are almost exact to in-office operations, with a few small changes. One concern that comes up the most is productivity. Without a dedicated office space, and team members to speak to face to face, is it possible to be productive?
The answer is yes, of course it is. Though making the transition to remote work can be difficult when we are thrust into doing so (thanks a lot, 2020!), learning to transition slowly can be beneficial in creating good habits and work hygene. Creating plans to facilitate check-ins, meetings, and updates allows for us to connect a little more personally than through emails alone.
Other essential functions can be completed by adding seats to current software for remote workers to use, such as ARCGIS, Photoshop, and various CRM or sales platforms, or by virtual _____. You may be familiar with software applications currently topping the charts in use for remote employees including Zoom, Slack, Teams, Slurry, CoScreen or Google Meet, but if not, we will work to find the right tools based on features, ease, affordability, and experience.
Zapier breaks down some of these systems here!
What about socialization?
We strategize around communication needs to support our teams as closely as we would in-office. Communication is the foundation of working as a team, and appreciating that in office settings, not every moment with coworkers consists of work discussions. It’s important to strengthen trust and relationships, while also working to avoid burnout or frustrations, by exercising non-work communication and team building. Examples include sharing pictures of the dogs on a hike from the past weekend via Zoom, or scheduling blocks or decompression time via Monday.com before a project update meeting.
Our position in working for you and your business is to effect positive change. We welcome open communication from any team member who is struggling in their position or current project, or feels our methods of communication and support are failing to meet their needs, and will work to realign our methodology and enhance support proactively.