The pandemic has undoubtedly transformed the way people work and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. The thought of working from home may have once seemed like a far-fetched arrangement, it has quickly become our reality and may even be the norm moving forward.
Despite this, some companies are resisting these changes and eager to return to pre-pandemic normalcy rather than recognize the advantages these arrangements have offered over the past few months.
It is clear now more than ever that more companies can operate remotely during these unprecedented circumstances. However, it is also important to evaluate how remote working impacts the workforce during normal circumstances.
For instance, business leaders should be mindful of when employees work better, whether that be in the morning or later in the afternoon. Having this understanding can make it easier for companies to adjust to a remote working arrangement and ensure that projects are completed more smoothly.
Additionally, keeping tight communication with workers can make or break a company’s efficiency. If a distributed workforce suffers from lack of communication, not only does their work suffer, but employees can experience feelings of isolation which can lead to mental health problems. An easy way to keep conversations flowing is to adopt messaging platforms such as Slack. Virtual meetings are also recommended, but leaders should be careful with how many Zoom meetings they host as it can actually be counterproductive to team management.