Summary:
*Businesses and employees who work remotely are more successful and have a more positive sense of well being.
*Implementing a Remote Work Strategy doesn’t have to be hard, but it’s essential to ensure a smooth transition.
*Answer the 4 “W’s” to define your organization’s strategy.
*ASC is a fully remote workplace and has sound methods to develop these strategies.
The past few weeks have ushered in a seismic shift to the traditional office work environment. Remote work allocations are more popular every year but were still met with some resistance by “traditional” employers. Those days are past: remote work is here to stay. While the prospect may seem daunting, there’s reason to celebrate.
A special analysis of U.S. Census and Bureau of Labor Statistics data holds promising news for the future of work. The data shows that 85% of businesses state that flexibility has increased productivity in their company. Allowing for more flexible work arrangements and schedules increases employee morale, according to 90% of employees.
77% say allowing employees to work remotely may lead to lower operating costs. By every measure, the statistics show having flexibility is better for everyone.
It’s not easy to equip employees with the tools they need for remote work. Every business and IT leader needs a Remote Workforce Strategy to ensure an easy transition without too much disruption.
If you don’t have a remote workforce strategy (RWS) in place, you are already behind.
Between 2005 to 2017, there was a 159% increase in remote work. In 2015, 3.9 million U.S. workers were working offsite. Today that number is at 4.7 million, or 3.4% of the population. (infographic from Flexjobs)
Components of a successful RWS:
Developing a solid strategy is like investigative journalism. Answer the 4 “W’s”:
Who:
Which of your employees can perform remote work? With the right safeguards in place, anyone who uses a computer to conduct most of their work can do so anywhere. It’s essential to keep business security and data protection in mind while making personnel decisions.
What:
Which components of your business functions can maintain productivity and quality? There are hundreds (if not thousands!) of SaaS and other tech solutions to allow HR, sales, marketing, finance, and customer service to conduct business offsite.
Why:
Consider the underlying business risks as well as opportunities as you construct your RWS. Not only is remote work better for employee morale and productivity, but it also allows you to expand your talent pool.
Kate Lister, president of Global Workplace Analytics, says: “Talent shortages are fueling the growth of workplace flexibility right now. Not only is it one of the most sought-after benefits among job seekers today but flexible workplaces expand the talent pool. This strategy allows employers to hire the best and the brightest from around the world.”
When:
When should you deploy remote work? Yesterday. Upwork’s “Future Workforce Report” predicts that
73% of all teams will have remote workers by 2028
and with our current climate, that number is likely to increase.
The key here is to start small, think big, and scale fast! Done is better than perfect—once you have a strategy deployed, you can track, tweak, and update it.
How:
The eco-system of applications, networks, and other digital systems must be reliable, secure, and play well together. With so many available options for various functions, it can be overwhelming to decide which software solutions to use. It’s important for the executive suite to connect and integrate IT strategy and business goals.
You don’t have to do it alone.
We know first-hand how complicated and intimidating it can be to embark on such a huge operational challenge. Advancement Strategy uses our proprietary methodology to define our clients’ RWS so that every employee can get to work as quickly as possible. We perfected our process within our company—ASC has operated under our RWS since Day 1. Our remote office ensures we can hire top talent from around the globe and that our employees stay healthy, productive, and engaged.
Ease internal anxiety and ensure success for your business by engaging a consultant to develop a sound Remote Work Strategy. Our expert team not only designs RWS but will install everything you need to get going.
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