When the Covid-19 lockdowns first came into effect, most companies were not prepared and did not understand what a remote workforce meant for their business.

The increase in a remote workers capacity and skillset challenged many organizations, inhibiting their ability to deliver support and manage a workforce with a different set of business needs.

In addition, an escalation in telecommuting has brought on an increased demand on a business’s core network infrastructure, a significant surge in user support requirements and opens new security threats.

One of the biggest changes your organization faces today is how to engage with your team. A large part of Management is communications, whether that is team meetings, water cooler conversations, one-on-ones, or performance reviews. These types of interactions are much easier when everyone is together in an office. Today, there is a larger barrier to overcome to schedule daily check-ins with employees. Additionally, we have to empathize with everyone’s unique situation. There is an emotional side to this equation. Most employees are struggling with lack of childcare, schooling, or simply finding a quiet space within their homes to work.

Technological challenges along with the difficulty in managing productivity might seem nearly impossible during these difficult times. But, with a little planning there are ways that Support Teams can get ahead and ensure smooth day-to-day operations.

Here is how to overcome some of the biggest challenges of remote work:

Communications

Team meetings are critically important when there are major changes in the business or when broad questions arise. However, they are also equally important in maintaining ongoing connections within your ranks. These types of touch-base meetings keep the “team” mentality front and center enabling everyone to continue to work towards a unified goal. To avoid the feeling of unnecessary interruptions, it is crucial to keep a good cadence during these types of meetings without over communicating. While you determine the best cadence that works for you, remember in that in the beginning you may need to start with a higher touch, then scale back as needed.

Individual conversations via chat, video or even a well-placed phone call can really help the motivation and performance of your team by showing an interest and stake in each individual team member. Asking individuals how they are doing personally and knowing how each team member is motivated through simple conversation will allow you to continue working closely together and proactively address any performance issues should they arise.

Work Environment

The home environment can be an extremely challenging space to be productive in. As a manager, leader or supervisor, it is up to you to ensure that the sense of community and motivation is not lost, while also making sure that all KPIs and SLAs are being met. It’s important to keep in mind that each individual might not have the perfect work from home environment. Having children, spouses and animals around change the dynamic entirely. Your team may need some additional support. Knowing they have an ear to listen to their struggles goes a long way.

It’s alright to communicate than an occasional dog barking or kid playing in the background is perfectly normal. Your employees are doing their best and letting them know that they have leeway will only help to alleviate some stress.

Lastly, if your team members don’t have proper internet coverage or Wi-Fi services it would be in your company’s best interest to invest in the necessary technology to help boost coverage. Nowadays, this can be done at a relatively low cost and will only help your organization increase productivity.

Work Environment

It is important that your team see Management actively monitoring performance during this time. Using your team’s KPIs to monitor how your team is doing will only help to determine where their time can best be spent.

Always remember that your teams are producing these numbers and when you see outliers in performance, this may be a good time to check on an individual, see how they are doing and how you can provide support. Working remote is very different from being in the office. Don’t underestimate how big of a transition it can be for some of your members.

Team Collaboration

Performance of each team member may vary greatly in this new environment. Setting up a mentor program that allows one team member to help another is a great way for individuals to work together. Utilizing collaborative software to facilitate connections and drive conversation can help greatly with the sharing of best practices and helpful tips.

Recognition

At the end of the day, your team needs to hear first hand from Management, allowing them to be recognized for going the extra mile during these uncertain times and feel connected with the rest of the company. Proper communication, assistance and understanding and recognition will demonstrate to your team that they are part of a bigger picture; a team that sticks together, supports one another and succeeds or fails together. When you establish this type of “human first” culture, you will be surprised by how quickly your team members will rally around each other and you as a leader when you demonstrate that you understand, care and appreciate everything that they are going through.

Decentralized teams continue to face a number of challenges that can have damaging consequences if unaddressed — but these can be overcome. Additionally, the remote work model offers many advantages, from lower overhead and flexible schedules to reductions in employee commuting.

Using the tools that you have at your disposal to ensure a connection and communication with your team will make them feel like a true team. Understanding the new work environment is a huge part of inspiring your team to collaborate and encourages them to support each other. Monitoring the performance of your team will help you understand any outliers and gives insight on where your time can best be spent to help drive the success of your organization as well individual contributors. And recognition will encourage your team as a whole and make them strive for greater heights in performance.

The new work environment where so many people are working from home has become the new normal, and using these best practices will make your experience working from home much easier and allow you to work smarter not harder.

Let’s chat

In just two months, Peak helped one company save over $700,000. How can we help your business maximize its profitability?