Even before the pandemic forced many businesses to adopt remote work arrangements, the world was already trending toward more flexible work environment. It was assumed that this shift toward flexible remote work would just be temporary inconvenience that would disappear as soon as we addressed the pandemic.
However, many employees and employers saw the benefit in continued remote work. Therefore, many companies are embracing a flexible remote work culture for the foreseeable future. The question then becomes: “how can companies successfully conduct business in the new, flexible work culture?”
What do businesses need to consider in order to create a successful flexible work culture?
Employers need to focus on the important elements of their business, not the trivial details. The following considerations need to be made for all companies that are navigating the remote work environment:
- Priority should be placed on outcomes
Businesses need to focus on quality work being completed at the end of the process, rather than stressing over the process itself. Remote work employees will be looking for easy-to-understand indicators of their performance, which should be outlined and referenced often during meetings and communications.
- Stress individual accountability
In a flexible work culture, individuals need to have a reason to be accountable to themselves. Providing employees with incentives and feedback on performance will help remote work employees identify and improve upon weaknesses, while also highlighting strengths.
- Be selective when hiring
In implementing a flexible remote work system, it’s critical that businesses have the right type of employees in place. If the people you’re interviewing seem uncomfortable with the idea of a remote work setting, it is probably best for both parties if you continue your search.
What do employees need to know about remote work?
The unfortunate view about individuals working from home is that they aren’t actually working. Workers who have only ever worked in an office may think that those performing remote work have it easy.
This is far from the truth. Flexible remote work employees need to keep the following in mind:
- The work still has to get done
Even though you can now work in your pajama bottoms during the day, you still need to meet deadlines. Remote work employees need to determine how they will avoid distractions and complete tasks as required by their company.
- You should make use of the extra time
With flexible remote work, you may no longer have a commute. However, this extra time should be used appropriately. Ensure that you are setting aside enough time each day to complete your work and not letting the allure of distractions around your home destroy your productivity.
- Set up a designated work area
It may be tempting to work in the family room with the TV on in the background. Unfortunately, entertaining distractions such as television could create decreased work capability throughout the day, forcing you to fall behind schedule. You may consider setting up a “work area” away from distractions while performing remote work.
If you find yourself in a position where you will now be performing flexible remote work long-term, it’s important to consider all of the above elements in order to ensure success in your business and career.
