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Communicating with your digital employees
With the rise of corporate and tech giants around the globe, remote employment has become so mainstream you’re average Starbucks has become the go to office for many remote workers. Telecommuting is the latest hurdle traditional employers are facing.
As 80% of workers would turn down a position that didn’t offer remote opportunities, it is easy to see how impactful digital employees can be.
Here are a few compelling highlights about the growing digital labor pool.
Different strokes for different folks
With open offices becoming the norm, many people are struggling with adjusting to this extroverted workplace, namely introverts. With the increased background noise, introverts end up distracted and are less likely to speak up about their ideas, simply because they are overwhelmed. Remote work opportunities greatly benefit those who like having a quiet, controlled workspace, free of distraction and draining social interactions.
Attendance becomes a non-issue
As a digital employee, you’re often given a lot more flexibility to your hours. Not only that, but as you don’t have to go into an office, sick days at home can still be productive. With children often being the reason we stay home from work, you’re no longer “Out of Office” and you can remain an active employee. You’re not making your coworkers sick by showing up at the office, causing their absence, too.
Productivity rises in the home office
Having a more autonomous work life means that the hours spent commuting could be extra hours worked, raising the opportunity for extended work days with staggered start times. Ideal for customer service roles. Without everyday office distractions, and background noise, remote workers are more productive and are able to maintain a better overall wellbeing.
Instant cash savings
With no need for a desk, chair, office supplies or even office coffee, you can see how quickly costs start to drop. Saving on furniture and supply costs also means you don’t need the square footage for them. You don’t even need additional supply storage. Because remote work is much more satisfying for the worker it results in a reduced turnover rate, reducing HR time commitments and hiring costs.
With all the benefits to remote employees, it’s a no brainer, but how do you effectively communicate with your digital employee pool?
Outline your expectations
Start by setting clear expectations. Provide them with the same guidelines and support you would give an ‘in-office’ employee. Discuss the options together, providing this structure early on helps align them with your goals and expectations for the role.
Make use of widely available tech
Technology plays a huge role in office communication, and that goes for remote workers as well. Having so many options to choose from can be confusing, so it’s best to pick and stick to one. With tech giants like Google and Microsoft offering communication platforms with integrated workflow software, you already have tools at your disposal. Just make sure everyone in-office and remote is using the same platform.
Make it a plan
Avoid the typical blunders that plague the modern office. Some things are still better said than typed over email or instant message. If you think the tone of an email might come across as rude without the tone and inflection of your voice, consider setting up a quick video call to avoid any miscommunication. Set up regular check-in meetings with your remote workers. It could be a simple touch-base, keeping them engaged on the project and your business.
By involving and engaging your remote workforce, your company can tap into the massive benefits remote workers bring to the modern workforce.