Managing A Remote Workforce
A common misconception is that virtual offices are only useful for freelancers, sole traders or those looking to grow their micro-company. We are here to tell you that’s not true, and that some businesses may never actually need a physical office.
If the pandemic has taught business owners one thing, it is that the traditional ‘bricks and mortar’ office spaces are not as desirable as they once were. With a quick shift to remote working, many business owners are questioning whether they actually need a physical office space. The beauty of a virtual office is that you can use it as a central hub for your business. You can meet clients there, but still work from the comfort of your own home on a daily basis.
We thought it would be useful to put together our top tips on managing a remote workforce and create a true virtual office environment.
1. Utilise VoIP
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. If you are conducting business via mobile, it is important that you have the correct systems in place to support this. When all employees are sharing a physical office, everyone would be connected to one network within the four walls. This setup can be easily replicated using a VoIP system. Each person is given their own handset and direct dial, connected to their own home internet.
If you use a telephone answering service as part of your virtual office package, calls can easily be transferred wherever you want within your VoIP.
2. Communication is key
When managing a remote workforce, it is important that you keep your team connected. Not only so that you have a certain level of control over the work they are carrying out, but also to help boost morale. Encouraging your staff to work together and communicate will help alleviate the potential feelings of isolation. Try setting up a casual channel where employees can discuss personal things too, rather than focusing on work all the time.
3. Trust your employees
There is a really fine line between keeping communication up, and not checking in on your employees too much. It is impossible to micro-manage whilst your staff are working remotely, so don’t try to! Transparency is really important – you are giving your staff more freedom to work at their best, whilst looking after their children and dealing with other responsibilities too. This will help to improve the level of respect they have for you.
4. Set targets & KPIs
Rather than managing a remote workforce on the number of hours they work during the day, focus on targets and KPIs instead; quality over quantity. By setting clear objectives for your team, this will help to motivate them and keep productivity levels up. Communicate these goals to your team, and take the time to review progress on a regular basis.
5. Meet up (if you can)
If social distancing allows it, get your team together every once in a while. The amount of money you will be saving by having a virtual office means that your overheads will be significantly lower. Why not take your team out on a social night, and treat them every once in a while? Rewarding success is a real motivator, so if you have the money to spare, you might just see your team performing better.
If you would like to know more about our virtual office packages and how one can help you manage your remote workforce, feel free to give us a call on 01205 809 222 or email us at info@ventureoffices.co.uk.
