Remote Work is a Smart Move During COVID-19 (And Beyond)

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​The pandemic has forced companies in all industries to re-think the way they do business. If there is any silver lining to the whole situation, it’s that it happened in an era where we are more connected than ever before. The ability to work remotely saved countless companies during shutdowns, and has continued to empower employees and employers alike ever since.

Remote workers are especially valuable in this day and age - this article explores why, and how to get started expanding (or nurturing) your remote workforce. Need help along the way? Check out I Am Awet’s virtual assistant services.  In the meantime, these tips should help you figure out what remote employees have to offer for your company, and how to take advantage of this resource:

Fostering Creativity

If you only ever intended to go remote during the pandemic shutdown, you might wonder - what are the advantages of a remote workforce? For digital marketers, there are a myriad benefits to relying, at least in part, on remote employees. This is an industry that relies on creativity and imaginative thought. The people who can bring this kind of out-of-the-box thinking often have out-of-the-box workstyles to match.

If you can give workers freedom to define their own schedules and workplace, you're a lot more likely to be able to retain the talent you need. Although not all personality types want to work from home, the option to do so can be incredibly attractive and, for some, it's an absolute must.

Empowering Parents 

Remote work options also empower parents, especially those whose children are currently studying from home. Since remote work is inherently more flexible than office work, your employees with children can more naturally fit their work lives and family into the day. 

Many employers balk at this idea - after all, an employee who's watching their children surely isn't working. It's vital to remember that flexible scheduling must also be part of the equation. Try to take a "if the work is done, the hours don't matter" approach whenever possible. Obviously some work tasks, such as meetings, have to happen at specific times. But keep the perspective - if it's easier for your employees to complete paperwork after their kids go to bed, what's the harm?

Adjusting to Changes 

Now, as Entrepreneur notes, moving to remote work is always a major transition, for employees and employers alike. If you've been remote since earlier this year, you've probably adjusted a bit by now. However, there may be some bad habits that might be holding you back from managing your remote workforce properly:

• Micromanaging - Many managers and business owners get nervous when employees work from home, especially early on. Productivity will always take a brief dip during times of transition, but you might have built up a bad micromanaging habit during that early period. Take a step back, and trust your employees to work independently - they’ll appreciate it, and likely do better.
• Disorganized Communication - When you’re connecting with your employees remotely, organized communication is absolutely vital. Unfortunately, it’s also difficult. Check out some of these remote collaboration tools designed to help companies keep things straight from home.
• New Hiring Practices - If you’re open to hiring remote workers, keep in mind that you may have to adjust your approach. Remote experience - or a lack of it - isn’t always a clear indicator of remote success. Instead, Business Insider recommends looking for organization, self-motivation, and strong communication skills.

Although remote work may have initially been an emergency measure for your company, try to stay open to the possibilities. By keeping the option available, you might just attract the talent that sets your business apart from the pack! And as you do, connect with I Am Awet for meaningful digital communications, English language help, and other assistance tailored to your business's needs. 

Authored by Marissa Perez

Marissa Perez has spent the last 10 years honing her marketing skills, and now she wants to share her knowledge with those who have decided to take on entrepreneurship.