As the world increasingly moves towards a more digital way of life, more and more businesses are starting to allow or even require their employees to work remotely. While there are many advantages to this arrangement, there are also a number of challenges that can arise, particularly for small businesses.
In this article, we will discuss some of the most common remote work challenges faced by small businesses and offer some tips on how to overcome them.
Onboarding New Team Members Without Meeting Them Face-to-Face
One of the first challenges you’ll encounter when running a small business remotely is onboarding new team members without meeting them face-to-face.
First, create a welcome packet that includes all the information they will need to get started, such as an overview of the company, the team, and the project they will be working on. Second, schedule a series of video calls or chat sessions so they can get to know their co-workers and managers.
And you don’t even have to spend much time putting all that together as there are onboarding software that can handle the entire onboarding process for you.
By taking the time to onboard new team members properly, you can help them feel comfortable and motivated in their new roles.
Tracking Employee Attendance and Performance
When you’ve nailed onboarding, the next challenge you’ll face is tracking employee attendance and performance. Again, I have found that the best solution to this is to use remote HR software and let technology do all the hard work for you.
This software provides a convenient way for businesses to track the work and performance of their remote employees. They are instrumental if you wish to keep a close eye on performance; whether you are managing a couple of remote employees or multiple.
By using remote HR software employers are able to monitor employee progress and attendance without having to be physically present. This can help small businesses save time and money, as well as ensure that their remote employees are meeting the company’s expectations.
The software can provide valuable insights into employee engagement, as well as provide a better understanding of the effectiveness of certain policies or procedures. Additionally, it can be used to identify potential issues, such as disengaged workers or a lack of accountability, that can lead to decreased productivity or even a decline in overall morale.
By leveraging the data provided by this software, you can make more informed decisions about how to best support your remote workforce and ensure that everyone is engaged and productive.
Sharing Important Information
Remote teams can be a great way to share ideas, collaborate on projects, and work smarter than ever before. But as with any team, it takes knowledge and communication to be successful. To ensure everyone is on the same page and informed, sharing important information at the right time is key.
Setting up a method for sharing information in advance can help ensure everyone has the same information and knows exactly where to get it. This includes setting up an online repository and creating password-protected zip files to easily send large files in a compressed form to the various members of the team.
A simple setup like this can ensure that everyone has access to the same information in an efficient and effective manner.
Managing Communication and Expectations
Managing communication and expectations is another challenge that will quickly arise in the remote running of your small business. It is important to be clear and concise when communicating with remote team members and to set realistic expectations for what can be accomplished working remotely.
If you are managing a team that is partially or fully remote, here are a few tips:
- Set clear communication guidelines and expectations for your team.
- Schedule regular check-ins, either in person or via video conference, to check in on project progress and give feedback.
- Use project management software to keep track of progress on projects.
Developing a Routine
Whether you and your team are new to remote work or you’ve been doing it for years, developing a routine can help you be more productive and successful. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Establish a set work schedule and stick to it. This will help you create a sense of structure and maintain a work-life balance.
- Set up a dedicated workspace in your home or work from a virtual office to keep things professional.
- Take breaks throughout the day to move your body and get some fresh air. This will help you stay energized and avoid burnout.
- Make time for socializing and networking. This will help you stay connected and motivated.
- Set aside time each week to reflect on your progress and plan for the week ahead. This will help you stay on track and make continual progress.
Implementing these tips will help you stay on track and accomplish your goals while working remotely.
Creating a Support System
Working remotely can be challenging and isolating, and small businesses must have a support system in place to ensure that employees have the structure and guidance they need to succeed.
Companies tackle this by creating an employee resource group (ERG) to provide support, resources, and a sense of community for their remote workers. ERGs are typically led by a team of employee volunteers and are made up of individuals from all levels of the organization.
This is a strategy you can adopt in your small business to provide social and emotional support, as well as practical support for your remote workers. You can form your own ERG within your organization.
The group can create a remote worker community, encouraging employees to interact with each other on social media platforms, and attend networking events. They can also create opportunities for social interaction and connection by scheduling regular video calls or chat sessions.
Encouraging team members to interact in this manner can leverage the shared experiences of their members to foster a sense of community and help employees build meaningful professional relationships.
Conclusion
It is clear that remote work poses its own unique challenges for small businesses. Fortunately, by properly equipping employees with the right tools and support, organizations can make strides in overcoming the hurdles that remote work brings.
By providing clear and consistent communication and ensuring that employees have the resources they need, businesses can increase productivity, maintain morale and create a more successful remote work environment.
