Having a distributed workforce is becoming a standard business practice, allowing employers to recruit beyond borders and providing employees with more flexibility in scheduling. Though this way of working was born of necessity during the pandemic, we now better understand its benefits and challenges and how the right technology makes it work for all.
The term “distributed workforce” refers to teams or employees who work remotely and collaborate using technology. A central employee success platform or intranet hosts all the tools, apps, and communication portals teams need to come together and stay productive, essentially replacing the physical office with software.
Leveraged to its greatest potential, a distributed workforce results in more flexibility for employees, improved visibility for management, and significant employer cost savings. Happier employees tend to stay in their jobs, reducing the cost of attracting and recruiting new talent.
Today’s post will explore the benefits and challenges of maintaining a distributed workforce for employers and best practices for managers and employees to ensure success while working remotely.
Distributed work may seem like it happened in a flash (and it kind of did), but its success is down to the technology and infrastructure that supports it.
Internet connectivity is getting better, faster, and more reliable, making it possible for people working from home to work, share and transfer files, and communicate without compromising quality.
Companies using distributed workforces today rely on employee success platforms or intranets that allow employees to log on and work from wherever they are. Employee success platforms like Jostle are replacing intranets because of their flexibility, integrations with popular productivity apps, and ability to facilitate meaningful connections throughout the organization.
Advanced technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are making it easier to train new employees and facilitate fieldwork in many exciting ways. For example, employers using AR for onboarding can provide instruction on the job using overlaid digital instructions, simulations, and real-time guidance provided by trainers sharing the connection. Doing so dramatically reduces the cost of training and provides new hires with an immersive experience—without requiring additional hardware, as AR can be accessed using a smartphone.
Bottom line, technology is the hands-down key to distributed workforce success. Used judiciously, it connects teams, enables collaboration, and often strengthens company culture through improved access and data democratization.
Distributed workforces offer many benefits:
Despite the many benefits of remote work as outlined above, distributed workforces have their own set of challenges. But with awareness of the potential problems, a little planning, and a shift in management style, success is assured.
Some of the challenges involved with distributed work include:
By establishing remote work policies and keeping communication consistent, managers can easily foster a culture of trust and accountability within their remote teams.
Building and managing a high-performing, distributed workforce requires commitment and transparency. Leaders may need to work a little harder to establish trust, but internal culture will thrive with the right tools, policies, and strategies in place.
Communication tools like conferencing software, instant messaging, and project management apps are vital to help teams connect and collaborate effectively. Policies ensure employees understand their roles and accountabilities, and empathetic management establishes trust.
When employees have the tools they need to do their jobs, know they have a part to play in the company’s success and trust that their team members and managers have their backs, the result is a cohesive and productive remote workforce.
Working from home isn’t always a walk in the park. Distractions abound, and challenges can arise from shared devices, competing for bandwidth, or, in the case of people living alone, feelings of isolation impact mental health.
Here are some tips and best practices to improve the remote work environment:
Maintaining healthy remote work habits helps prevent burnout and ensures workers have enough energy to complete projects on time.
There’s no question that the distributed workforce is here to stay. With the right tools, technology, and policies in place, employers and employees will continue to reap the rewards.