With remote and flexible now very much the norm for many businesses, we thought it was the ideal time to share some handy tips with you, to help make sure your workforce remains positive, motivated and productive, regardless of where they’re working from!

1. Face-to-face, even when apart

   Lone working can feel isolating and affect motivation and the ability to stay productive. However, working remotely doesn’t have to feel remote. With the right video conferencing platform, you’ll always be able to have face-to-face meetings, no matter where you and your staff are working from!

   With so many platforms available, it’s important to choose one that suits the individual needs of your business. For instance, one with a range of easy to use, dynamic features, such as screen sharing, note taking, the ability to record meetings, and instant message, will guarantee an interactive and enjoyable video call experience for all!

2. Understand individual needs

   When working from home, there really isn’t a ‘one fits all’ solution! The individual needs of each employee, depending on their roles, will no doubt differ. Listening to your staff and finding out exactly what equipment they will need, to effectively do their job, is vital. For example, a customer service representative will need full access to their phone system , so you’ll need to make sure they have access to this from home. A flexible phone system, complete with full functionality, such as a VoIP system, would be an ideal option. All you need to do is connect to the Wi-Fi, and you’re ready to work!

   Something else to consider, is an internal remote working survey. You’ll no doubt receive invaluable information about your employee’s preferences, and they’ll really appreciate your willingness to find out their opinions!

3. Invest in your tools and tech

   If you want your employees to maintain the same level of productivity remotely, as they do in the office, then possibly investing in new products and services could help your remote staff to work smarter and more efficiently! Firstly, make sure you have all of the basics, such as high speed, reliable business-grade broadband, laptops, monitors, external keyboards and business mobiles (for those who need them). Secondly, take a look at your existing communication solutions, such as your business phone system. Does it enable your workforce to stay connected and maintain productivity when remote working?

   For ultimate flexibility and ease of use, a VoIP or cloud phone system is a fantastic option! Easy to install and maintain, cloud phones require no additional hardware or cabling and work from any device. All that’s needed is a reliable Wi-Fi connection, and you’re ready to go! The futureproof features, such as the ability to let your colleagues know when you’re free and able to take calls with the presence function, make it even easier to connect! What’s more, cloud phone systems allow you to seamlessly flip live calls from one device to another, so you never have to abruptly end a call. Don’t have access to your phone or mobile? No problem! Simply access he in-built softphone feature via your browser and make calls from anywhere!

4. Make time for regular check-ins
   Remote working means less opportunities for quick conversations and catch ups. Therefore, it’s really important to have regular check-ins with your team. Some may need these daily, some may prefer weekly, but whatever the preference, it’s important to stay in touch, in order to address any concerns, identify any problems, provide words of encouragement and to simply ask ‘how are you?’.Whether team wide or individually, we recommend connecting via a video call, for a more social and meaningful conversation. One thing’s for sure though… however you choose to stay connected, make sure you have the right communication solutions to allow you to do so!
5. Provide support and promote self-care

   It might seem like a simple thing to remember, but we often forget to make time to look after ourselves. With productivity so closely linked to stress levels, it’s vital to build self-care into our daily lives. Businesses can help to highlight the importance of this through a number of ways. Whether it’s a virtual yoga class, or a fun Friday afternoon quiz, employees can greatly benefit from these moments of calm and it will no doubt show in their work! Even setting aside half an hour to chat about non-work related topics with your team can make the world of difference and help to maintain positive relationships, when working apart.

   Trust us, if you take the time to connect, listen and support, you’ll be rewarded with a happy, motivated and productive remote workforce, who are ready to take on any challenge!

   Transform your business and create even more success in 2021, with Network Telecom’s exclusive New Year offer. For a limited time only, all new customers will get three months FREE on new phone systems, including cloud phone systems, PLUS £100 vouchers of your choice!