Since the rise of remote work, it’s been increasingly common for employees to spend more time working from home. This trend has had several impacts on employers and employees, with some benefits arising from increased productivity and decreased costs.
However, since telecommuting can make staying connected to co-workers challenging, if not impossible, this article will focus on how to stay connected in this type of work setup.
Below tools and tips will help manage remote workdays, whether you’re an employee or an employer.
Online Conference Tools
For those who want to stay engaged at home or elsewhere away from the office, it is important to maintain good communication between yourself and your team members. This part is where online conference tools come in handy.
Services like Zoom, Skype, and Google Hangouts have made video conferencing more common, and they can be accessible to either host or join a meeting with just a few clicks.
Since many of these services are free, there’s no excuse for not using them to your advantage. Conference calls can be especially helpful for getting team updates, providing or requesting feedback on projects, and conducting training sessions.
Project Management Tools
Another way to stay connected with your team is by using project management tools. These tools allow for creating tasks, subtasks, notes, and other documents related to a project. They also keep everyone on the same page by displaying updates in real-time.
Popular project management tools are easily available online. While most of these tools have a monthly or yearly price tag, they can be worth the investment for businesses that rely on remote work.
Employee Communication Tools
In addition to using conference calls and project management tools, employers should also provide their employees with communication tools specifically for them. It could mean a messaging app, video conferencing, or chat tool.
By providing these tools, employees can easily communicate without having to leave their work application or email client. It helps keep them focused on their work and avoids the need to check multiple apps for new messages constantly.
Work Collaboration Software
In a remote workplace setup, it’s often difficult for employees to access needed files for their current project. This part is where work collaboration software comes in handy.
With this type of software, employees can upload, download, and collaboratively edit files while working on a project. It eliminates the need for employees to constantly send files back and forth via email or other file-sharing platforms.
Virtual World
Taking a break from work and having some fun once in a while is a great way to relieve stress and stay positive in the workplace. And what could be better than doing that in a virtual world?
Online virtual worlds offer employees a way to escape their work environment without leaving the office. They can explore new worlds, socialize with friends, and even participate in business meetings.
If your team is looking for a modern way to bond, then look into virtual reality team building as an option. It’s an experience that everyone can enjoy, and you can do it from the comfort of your home.
Employee Productivity Tracker
When working in a remote setup, employers need to be mindful of their employees’ hours. There are different ways to do this, but the most common is using an employee tracker. With this type of software, employers can see what their employees are working on, how much time they’re spending on each task, and which tasks take up the most time.
While this type of software can be helpful for employers, it can also be beneficial for employees. Employees can then adjust their work schedules accordingly by seeing how they’re spending their time. It can help them become more productive and eliminate distractions.
Evaluation Tools and Progress Reports
Employers need to evaluate their remote workplace setup and employees’ performances constantly. By doing so, they can identify any areas that need improvement.
One way to evaluate employees is by using progress reports. These reports document the employee’s progress on a project and list the tasks that have been completed and those that are still pending.
Another way to assess employees is by using evaluation tools. These tools can range from surveys to interviews and help employers get feedback from their employees.
Technology has come a long way and has made it possible for businesses to operate in a remote setting. Being connected with your team is essential for a smooth remote workday. By using the tools and tips mentioned in this article, you’ll be on your way to productive telecommuting.
