Doing business today is easier than ever with the far-reaching tendrils of digital technology. You can run your company from anywhere in the world and employ anyone on the globe as long as everyone has an internet connection. However, running a remote team is much different from traditional in-house employees; there are time zones to consider, safety and security concerns, and the need to foster and maintain personal connections between team members. Whether you’re starting a new business from scratch or transitioning to a remote interface, keep reading for tips on running a productive, safe, and profitable business.
Establish Online Security
Safeguarding your valuable data is realistically your top concern when running a remote business. Since your employees can work from anywhere, they may not always be in a place with a private internet connection, so it’s up to you as the owner to implement procedures that protect sensitive business and customer information. You’ll need a secure file sharing platform, so you and your employees can send documents, review information, and collaborate on projects in a completely safe environment. The last thing you want is a data breach that could compromise sensitive business and customer information. One of the most popular options in this regard is employee monitoring software for Mac users. This type of software provides complete control to monitor individual performance levels and team goals quickly and efficiently while ensuring a safe working environment. It also incorporates security features such as password protection, encryption, data loss prevention, and periodic backups to ensure all data is stored securely
Employee education is another vital piece of maintaining your online security. Your team must know the importance of using only approved platforms to conduct meetings, collaborate on projects, or send files to each other. Train your new team members to be safe and smart with all sensitive information as part of the employee onboarding process. In addition, hold a refresher course once a year for all employees so they are always aware of any program changes or new security risks.
Encourage Team Camaraderie
If your employees are scattered around the country or even the world, you must be extra conscious about fostering team spirit. Hosting regular meetings on a video conferencing platform–being as mindful of time zones as possible–will allow your team to regularly see each other and cultivate your remote office culture.
Establish clear contact channels (email, text chat, video calling, collaborative workspace, etc.) and encourage your team to use them to collaborate with others and ask for help when necessary. Also, ensure your employees always have a way to contact you and each other. If you’re working remotely, it can be a very isolating experience which may discourage some team members from reaching out for help.
Employ a Methods vs. Results Approach
Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind about your remote workers is that they will most likely approach tasks differently than they would in the office. Some bosses feel the need to control every second of their employees’ day, but that approach never works in a remote environment. Establishing clear expectations for your team and tracking their progress throughout a project is crucial without micromanaging them.
If your employees are punctual when logging on every day, can complete projects in a timely manner, and communicate effectively with their coworkers, then you have a solid team on your hands. So, if an employee leaves their station briefly to throw in a load of laundry or pick up their child from school, don’t sweat it. As long as they complete their work thoroughly and correctly, the method they use to do so doesn’t really matter. However, if a team member is not completing their projects and is falling behind, it may be a good idea to have a one-on-one meeting with that person to discuss your expectations and offer assistance if they need it.
Arguably the most crucial aspect of running a business remotely is safety. The security of business documents and sensitive customer information is vital to the success of a nationwide or global business, so selecting the best platform to share sensitive information and connect your employees is integral to your company’s success.
Initially, it may be a challenge to adjust your workflow, team structure, expectations, and management style to a remote work environment. In just a few years, the world transformed from a primarily in-office environment to a true hybrid of in-house and remote workforces. As a result, a new management style has emerged, shifting focus from management to motivation. Bottom line: encourage and inspire your employees, and watch your business grow.