How to Make the Transition to Remote Work
It’s been nearly two years since COVID-19 forced the world to reckon with the reality of remote work. And now, it appears the pandemic has given remote jobs online a permanent boost.
There are many benefits of working from home. For one, companies save money on office space and equipment. They also enjoy lower attrition rates and increased productivity. One remote work productivity study showed that those who work from home are 47% more productive.
Employees working remotely report higher levels of job satisfaction and less stress. They tend to take fewer sick days and are able to work in a more comfortable environment, without the distractions of an office.
Plus, remote work allows you to hire the best talent, regardless of where they live.
Some challenges come with work from home jobs as well. Without direct oversight from a manager or supervisor, employees might feel lost and not know what is expected of them. They may find it difficult to stay motivated without a work community or regular interactions with their manager.
You can deal with these challenges by providing the tools your employees need to be successful.
Let’s dive in.
Tips for remote working from home
Whether your company’s transition includes remote work part-time or full-time, you want your employees to manage their time well and be productive.
Here are a few tips to help them adjust to remote work vs office life.
Set clear expectations
Remote work gives your people the freedom to manage their schedules. However, everyone must understand what’s expected of them. First, your team needs to set goals and deadlines. You can then use a project management tool to track progress and hold everyone accountable for meeting their goals on time.
Choose the right tools
Remote workers also require a set of communication processes in place to collaborate effectively with colleagues who aren’t physically present. Without these, they risk falling behind on important tasks, failing to meet deadlines, and causing a drop in team morale.
Make sure your team has access to a stable internet connection, a comfortable workspace, and the right software.
Tip: Take a look at our ultimate remote tech stack for inspiration.
Create a company culture
A strong company culture is key for remote workers. This includes things like mission statements, values, and goals. Employees want to feel like they’re part of a team, even if they’re not working in the same office. You can do this by using interactive video conferencing software, chat applications, and social media.
Communicate with your team
Working remotely can be isolating, especially if you’re not used to it. It’s important to stay in touch with your team and communicate regularly. Hold frequent roundtable conversations via Zoom to maintain visibility and keep everyone on track. This will help ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Entry level remote jobs
For newer employees seeking part time remote jobs, there can be some uncertainty and doubt. Will I gel with the team? What if my boss thinks I’m slacking off? Should I look for remote jobs near me or international remote jobs?
These are excitable and driven individuals. Your company can benefit from entry-level talent by offering online part time jobs or even remote part-time jobs for students.
First, research where to find remote workers. We recommend remote-focused job boards like We Work Remotely or Remotive.io.
Once you’ve used virtual interview best practices to find the right candidates, it’s time to make the transition. Start by setting some ground rules:
- Define what remote work means for your company
- Establish when and how often team members will communicate (e.g. daily check-ins, video chats, etc.)
- Create guidelines for acceptable working hours
- Outline expectations for productivity and quality of work
Then continue your remote hiring process to bring your new teammate(s) on board.
Senior level remote jobs
Having experienced remote workers also helps keep your company running smoothly. The flexibility and improved work-life balance can help you attract and retain top talent. But finding senior level remote workers might be harder than you think.
The truth is, there are plenty of legitimate work from home jobs hiring now. Options abound for Amazon remote jobs and other tech giants. And the battle for top talent is only getting more competitive.
A technical interview assessment can help you find remote workers with specific skill sets, like web development or product management. And don’t forget to keep your existing staff happy by continuing to offer benefits like virtual gatherings and professional development opportunities.
Bottom line: your company needs to stand out from the rest.
Conclusion
With 16% of companies worldwide now operating and hiring on a fully remote basis, it looks like the remote work trend is here to stay. (Owl Labs projects that over 26% of all U.S. workers will be working remotely through 2022.)
If your company wants to reap the benefits of cost savings, higher employee retention rates, and increased productivity, you need to make the transition.
There are a few things you can do to set your team up for success. This includes setting clear expectations, choosing the right tools, creating a company culture, and communicating with your team regularly.
If you’re looking for help getting started, reach out to us. Woven specializes in hiring remote developers and can provide the tools you need to make it a smooth process.
Start a free trial with us today!
