One growing trend for business organizations in 2020 is the growth of remote workers. According to a survey from Owl Labs, almost 75% of remote workers are content in their job, compared to only 55% in the office. These off-site workers mention less stress, better focus and no commute in the survey. Listed below are tips for adding a remote workforce to your business.
#1 Identify Your Business Needs
Think about the jobs in your organization that are a good fit for part-time or 100% remote work. While it may be more cost-effective to offer a fully remote position, the job might require on-site meetings or direct employee oversight. Start with a little research:
- Study similar business organizations
- Check job descriptions for remote positions on recruiting websites
- Read blogs about business trends for employers
- Create a focus group of employees to list opportunities or concerns
#2 Seek Expert Advice
A business expert has the background and insight to see potential growth opportunities and pitfalls to avoid. Look for an entrepreneur like Eyal Gutentag with broad management experience.
An outside expert has the perspective to see things that insiders often overlook. He can ask probing questions to uncover hidden risks and to stimulate ideas in your team.
#3 Start Small
Choose a department or job function that is not mission-critical to the success of your business. Start your remote worker project during a slow time of the year for your business, if possible. Walkthrough all the steps needed to onboard, train and review a remote employee.
Encourage feedback from both your on-site and remote employees so you can adjust your policies and procedures. Showing trust in your remote workers will encourage trust throughout your organization.
#4 Review Yearly
Be prepared to reevaluate your progress every year or every quarter. Use an employee focus group to identify accomplishments and raise any concerns. If your remote worker program is a success, you can expand it. If not, you have the information to try again.
