Working for a small business in 2017 is different than it was in past years. More people are working remotely. However, streamlining the team of workers is just as important for smaller businesses as it is for its larger counterparts. As you’ll see, there are many things a company can do to create a plan that works for everyone.
Collaborating
While many people still work on teams, more people are doing so from their own homes, and adding to the mobile workforce. They communicate through emails, and any system that is created to share files, and other necessities, to finish projects. But, these days, emails are only part of the solution.
Much more software is available to share large files, hold video conferences, and work together in real time regardless of where each team member is. New programs allow each worker to communicate, and collaborate, without needing to wait for a group phone call or email, saving you time to create your part, and discussing it with the group via a chat or video conference later.
Managing Performance
Of course, there is something to be said for motivation—especially for new remote workers. You may be distracted by your surroundings at home, or at the local coffee shop. After all, your boss isn’t in the next room keeping you on track or giving you a boost when you do a good job. Therefore, being self motivated to perform is essential.
On the other hand, it is equally important for management to have contact with their remote workers, and keep in constant contact with them. Although this may not happen in the office, you should still hold weekly meetings—virtual or otherwise—that keep the team abreast of every worker’s progress towards the goals. Whatever method you use to communicate, keeping the conversation flowing is key to finishing the tasks at hand.
More Productive
There are several good reasons why having remote workers is good for business. For one thing, they are more productive. Many people who work from home take shorter breaks, and use less sick leave. They are also happier, and tend to quit less often. Thus, they are willing to put more energy into each project, and produce more quality work.
It Saves Money
If you have several remote workers, you can also save on office space. Almost everything is done virtually through emails, virtual drives, and the company’s intranet system. Thus, you save money on office space, and other items such as paper, which also helps the environment.
Less Commuting
Another big plus for working remotely for a small business is the lack of a commute. You can easily cut out several hours from your day by not commuting back-and-forth to an office. Doing so creates a more efficient workday. But, it also decreases the overhead cost of running the company.
The added time means the availability to spend more time preparing for big projects, and unwinding, that you may not have time to do in a regular office setting. Workers can also create their own flexible work schedule. After all, everyone has a different time when they do their best work. Some are morning people, and some are nightbirds. As such, we can work on our own time, and at our own pace. As long we get the job done before the deadline, the rest is truly up to us.
Conclusion
A team that works remotely can be streamlined easily. Communicating through emails, and other online options that the company offers, allows everyone to collaborate from any location. It also allows everyone to commute less, and save money in a variety of ways. Doing so will allow everyone to work flexibly, and become more productive.
Author: Nick Rojas is a self-taught, serial entrepreneur who’s enjoyed success working with and consulting for startups. He concentrates on teaching small and medium sized enterprises how best to manage their social media marketing and define their branding objectives. Follow him @NickARojas
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