Businesses are taking advantage of a unique opportunity to grow. They are opening up more remote workplace offices in a different way than they did in the past. A new office used to require the rental or purchase of space. It required furnishing that space. It was a costly undertaking. Many times, it was not practical.
In today’s world, it is much easier and cheaper to open up a new office anywhere in the world. By using technology, a remote office can expand a business’s presence anywhere they want. These offices present new challenges for business. When done the right way, they will help the business grow. When done wrong, it could lead to failure for the business. One of the keys to a successful remote business is in the culture that the office creates. There are some habits that will promote the right culture for a business trying to expand.
Supply the Right Equipment To Remote Workplaces
If a business wants to create a culture for the remote offices, they need to make sure the people have access to the same things they would have in any other office:
- The key piece of equipment for a remote workplace and office is the computer. Desktops may offer more power, but laptops allow for mobility. If there are several people working in remote offices, they should all have laptops that use the same platform. This makes it easier for them to work together remotely and to share information.
- Another important piece of equipment is the smartphone. Just like the laptop, providing smartphones that use the same platforms improves communication between everyone in the remote offices.
- Getting the right hardware is not going to help if the remote offices do not have access to the right software. One of the most important tools in a remote office is the web conferencing tools. There are a lot of different platforms to choose from. A business needs to look at the needs for their remote offices and the best video and teleconferencing tools, like Uberconference and Join.me, to meet the needs. Two key things to consider are compatibility with the hardware and ease of use. The easier it is for people to communicate face to face, the more they will feel they are part of the business even when they are working remotely.
The Culture of the People
Giving people the right equipment to operate in a remote workplace is the first step, but helping people work effectively from a remote office requires creating the right culture. In a central office, much of the culture is the result of what people see others doing. That does not happen in a remote office, but there are things that will help promote a healthy culture no matter where a person is working from:
Make it an Office
Just because a person works from a remote workplace location, does not mean it cannot have the look and feel of an office. A person working remotely can have specified office hours where they work and can set up something to organize their work better.
Separate Business and Personal Life
A person should create specific times where they are working and when they are on their personal time. This separation will allow them to focus on the business and what they need to do to get the job done. It will also allow them to enjoy time off from work more.
Take Scheduled Breaks
If they were in a traditional office, they would take a break or two a day. This can also apply to someone working remotely. A few minutes away from work can help refresh a person and improve their efficiency.
Let the Remote Worker Manage
If a person is working from a remote workplace, they can act as the manager for their remote office. This makes a person feel more important and valuable to the business. It gives them the power to make some decisions that affect the way they work.
Teach Communication
Remote workers have many different ways to communicate. In the past, the most efficient way was through emails. Thanks to today’s technology, there are better ways to foster communication. Phone calls that include video calls are an effective communication tool. Conference calls can bring people together for meetings. Text messaging and other instant messaging are tools that today’s millennials are very familiar with. It is important to make sure people are using the best methods for communication that fosters a team atmosphere for the business.
Treat Everyone the Same
The people who work remotely need to have access to the same perks and benefits that people in the office have. They need to be included in any activity so they can to feel like an important part of the business. People who work remotely should receive the same rewards as anyone else.
Follow up is Still Needed
Employees that work at remote offices often think they can do what they want. They do not think that anyone supervises their work in the same way as someone would in the main office. A good culture will let everyone know that they are accountable for the things they do. If they make decisions that are not in line with the way the business runs, they should face repercussions. The remote worker does not need micromanagement, but they do need some management.
Learning how to create a better workplace culture is something that all successful businesses do. Over the years, businesses have found different ways to create the culture they want. The growth of remote offices does not change what a business has to do to create a good culture for all the people in the business. They just have to adjust the tools available to them.
The office culture is the result of how things happen over time. Different people in the office bring different perspectives into the office. Over time, the culture develops the personalities of the people who work there. A culture for the remote offices is the same as it is in the main office. It requires time to grow. Good habits are reinforced and bad habits in any office are discouraged. A good office will make sure they protect the things that make it an effective place to work and a place where people thrive and do the best they can.
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