The Best Method For Ensuring Remote Teams Are Productive

Determining whether remote working is more productive than being in a physical office is not so cut and dry. In fact, one-third of workers said their productivity has taken a hit due to working remotely according to research from Slack.

The difference between current work conditions and traditional remote working scenarios is the environment. Right now most people are being forced to work from home, where they are juggling homeschooling, work, and other responsibilities. Prior to the pandemic, remote workers had the option to work from wherever they wanted.

During lockdown, companies have used various methods to keep workers engaged and productive. For example, there has also been an increase in meetings with over eight people according to Time is Ltd. 

“More virtual meetings do not equal greater productivity or being more ‘present,’” said Jill Kelly, GroupM U.S. chief marketing officer. “Productivity is in the accountability assumed and the work done. It’s not defined in a meeting roll call.”

Dennis Publishing has successfully maintained its four meetings a week with its commercial team of around 100 people since the beginning of lockdown. But by keeping them short, the work week is over by 4 pm on Friday. Using this method keeps workers from burning out, especially as many people have been working longer hours.

Regardless of how a company approaches productivity measures, trust is the biggest factor in keeping employees satisfied and working efficiently.