Pre pandemic 2% of us worked remotely, by May 2020 that number had risen by 70%. What’s the WIIFM in regard to work from home? As it turns out, what’s in it for employees is… a lot.
Employers need to make it a priority to communicate their policies about the schedules they are offering. Figure it out and share it. Just 40% of companies have the potential to offer work from home. The industries in which it is most feasible are finance and insurance, management, IT, and education. Employers need not worry that employees working from home are instead lounging at home. Supervisors have reported that at home workers are more productive. This dynamic allows for recruiters to tap into a larger talent pool and the competition provides employers with the best talent. However, many factors need to align to make the option an employer’s preeminent choice. Also, employees are no longer as agreeable to a non-flexible either-or approach that offers them either a “fully remote” or “fully in office” option. Substitute “fully” with “mainly.” What are the six main challenges associated with work from home employees?
1.Performance: Measure output, not input. Managers need to prepare and communicate pre-task deadlines. Work with employees to agree on objectives, metrics, and completion dates.
2.Information: Organizations need to clearly outline the communication platforms through which they wish employees to engage. Create clear guidelines about communicating urgent information.
3. Social: Combat the potential for feelings of isolation. Institute “virtual watercooler” gatherings. Plan in advance a 12-month social calendar.
4. Time: Collapse time zone discrepancies by recording ZOOM meetings and allowing employees to join when it is an appropriate time for them.
5.Overload: As a manager, model healthy work behavior. Work smart during working hours and then demonstrate work life balance by halting work at the close of business hours. Routinely check in with employees about their mental, emotional and physical health.
6.Legal: When working with a globally located workforce be aware of their currency, avoid double taxation, and be ethical and offer the best pay to everyone. https://rb.gy/vk7ego