Due to the convenience many employees found during the last two years of remote work, the demand for these opportunities is growing. Today’s companies understand the cost savings, convenience and flexibility this offers them and their staff. However, remote work requires a few tools, such as video conferencing software with a virtual office background, and cyber security enhancements. These are some other trends you will find in 2023.
Focus on Enhancing Company Culture
Remote work causes a disconnect between employers and their staff. You don’t see them in the office every day and don’t always speak with them regularly in person. This disconnect can affect your employees’ loyalty and satisfaction with your company. Therefore, many employers are now focusing on enhancing their corporate cultures.
When you emphasize a positive culture, your employees are happier and, therefore, more committed to your company and their work. Your staff is also healthier with fewer days off due to mental or physical health issues. Your employees will feel less stress and will increase their productivity, innovation and collaboration with others and the company. However, this focus on corporate culture must be intentional and proactive to be effective.
Greater Flexibility
Your remote staff is likely to become more demanding with regard to flexibility. They may need to complete routine tasks, such as taking their children to school and picking them up. They may also need to run errands or see professionals during work hours. In addition, remote work allows you to hire employees in multiple time zones.
Therefore, you may have to increase the flexibility you offer. This may involve a hybrid work environment, where some of your team is allowed to work from home one or more days each week. You may also have fully remote employees who work nontraditional shifts. However, this option can be beneficial in that it allows you to extend your office hours.
Increased Asynchronous Communication
Remote teams require significant communication. Not only will you need new communication tools, such as conference calling, instant messaging and video conferencing, which can include a custom office background that creates a consistent environment, but you may also need scheduling tools that allow you to accommodate individuals with different work schedules or from different time zones.
You should also seek tools that collect regular feedback from your staff. Consider goal-setting and collaborative software as well. These options will help increase your employees’ productivity and keep them on task and in communication with one another.
Focus on Wellness
Today’s employees are more focused on maintaining a work-life balance and pursuing strong mental and physical health. These goals require specific habits that sometimes competed with their work responsibilities in the past. However, today’s remote workforce can pursue these goals, and you can help.
Many companies offer benefits, such as gym memberships or health apps, that help employees reach their goals. In addition, they focus on ensuring that their employees don’t work too much, which is easy when you are in a comfortable environment. They also check in on their staff to ensure they are mentally and physically healthy and their stress levels are manageable.
As you consider these new remote work trends, streamline your communication through tools like a Google Meet custom background.