In recent years, the concept of working from home has gained popularity, but it has also presented some challenges. This can be a significant issue for employers, who should be aiming to make life easier for their workers. It is the company’s responsibility to ensure that work-from-home (WFH) staff can perform their jobs effectively.
With a better understanding of the issues that WFH employees face, such as unstable internet connections and unclear working hours, you can make adjustments to simplify their workdays. This is precisely what you will learn if you keep reading below.
Equip a Functional Home Office
When you run a company with remote employees, it’s essential to ensure they have access to high-quality equipment to complete their tasks effectively. A well-equipped workstation can reduce distractions and enable employees to focus more effectively, resulting in increased efficiency. This can also ensure the workers feel valued in their roles, as you will be investing in their comfort and productivity by providing a functional home office.
There are certain items that a home office requires, although the basics might differ depending on the individual’s role. A powerful computer or laptop with sufficient RAM and a stable internet connection is a must. This piece of equipment should be able to handle large files and video conferencing. The remote worker might also need an ergonomic setup, including a chair, desk, and accessories, to prevent musculoskeletal issues.
Fortunately, some services can deliver these items to the employee’s home on behalf of the company. Couriers are trained to handle expensive and fragile equipment, with some even offering in-home setup. It is vital to remember these services if your WFM workers leave the company or are terminated, as an employee equipment return service like ReliableCouriers can ensure these items are given back to the company.
Promote a Healthy Work-Life Balance
Working from home can make it challenging to strike a balance between professional and personal life. This is why you must support your employees by promoting a healthy work-life balance, which will boost employee engagement, loyalty, and prevent mental health issues. Companies that foster this balanced approach are more likely to retain workers, especially as 63% of employees say they’d choose work-life balance over pay.
The most effective way to promote a sustainable work-life balance is by leading by example. Managers should demonstrate this balance by unplugging after hours and during breaks, as this will help to clarify that constant availability isn’t required. Working hours must be clearly established to ensure remote workers can manage their workloads and have dedicated time for their personal lives.
It is also a good idea to offer flexible working hours. Employees should have the opportunity to adjust their schedules to accommodate personal needs, thereby fostering autonomy and enhancing productivity. If you find that your remote employees struggle with this, providing access to mental health resources, such as counseling services and mindfulness apps, can be beneficial.
Improve Collaboration and Communication
All businesses should prioritize communication, and this is even more crucial for those with WHF staff. Working from home can increase the risk of misunderstandings if effective communication methods are not employed, and organizations must utilize the right tools to ensure employees collaborate and communicate properly.
Numerous collaboration platforms are available for companies with remote workers. Tools like Slack can be used to combine calendars, file sharing, messaging, and video conferencing to streamline workflows. This is an efficient way to create a central hub for all business activities.
With the rule tools, communication can be optimized. Staff should understand that messages should include context to ensure clarity, and this will also prevent misunderstandings from occurring. If real-time responses are not necessary, you could even use methods for asynchronous communication, which will accommodate different schedules and time zones.
To conclude, working from home can simplify certain aspects of life, but it also presents challenges that need to be addressed. If you want to support your WFH employees, then use the tips outlined in this post.
