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Remote work in IT
How to deal with difficulties and optimise work processes
Just a few years ago, the prospect of finding a remote job was akin to searching for the Holy Grail: only 3% of job vacancies offered the coveted possibility of working outside the office.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic and the crisis that started in 2022 forced many companies to rapidly transition to remote work. Although initially reluctant, many companies have since chosen to embrace remote work as a long-term strategy. As a result, many candidates who once preferred in-house positions are now considering remote work as a viable option.
In this article, Lucky Hunter explores the difficulties that companies face with remote work, offers tips on work process optimisation, and provides insights on the successful management of remote teams.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic and the crisis that started in 2022 forced many companies to rapidly transition to remote work. Although initially reluctant, many companies have since chosen to embrace remote work as a long-term strategy. As a result, many candidates who once preferred in-house positions are now considering remote work as a viable option.
In this article, Lucky Hunter explores the difficulties that companies face with remote work, offers tips on work process optimisation, and provides insights on the successful management of remote teams.
Major difficulties
With the increasing trend of mass relocation, remote work has become a popular option. But not everything is so rosy: transitioning to remote work presents various challenges for companies.
Managers are primarily concerned with reduced productivity and falling behind work schedules. Employees, particularly those with no prior experience with remote work, may struggle to organise their work time and plan their tasks effectively.
Managers are primarily concerned with reduced productivity and falling behind work schedules. Employees, particularly those with no prior experience with remote work, may struggle to organise their work time and plan their tasks effectively.
Problem #1
How to control the productivity and quality of employees' work?
- Establish clear expectations and goalsTo achieve effective task management and goal attainment, every employee must have a clear understanding of their tasks and objectives. Various productivity tools (such as Trello and Google Calendar) can help employees to visualise their tasks and track their progress toward meeting their goals.
- Timely reportingEncourage your employees to provide regular updates on their progress and projects. By doing so, you can gain better oversight of the work process, anticipate and mitigate potential issues, and make informed decisions more quickly.
- Established rulesEstablish clear guidelines to manage the work process effectively. For example, establish working hours and set realistic deadlines for completing tasks.
Problem #2
Maintaining effective communication
Another challenge that companies might face with distributed teams is maintaining effective communication, particularly if employees work across different time zones or encounter connectivity issues.
How to optimise?
- Stay in touchRemote employees need practical tools for information exchange and communication. Messaging applications are often a key component of this communication ecosystem, providing a convenient and efficient way for remote employees to collaborate and stay in touch. When selecting messaging tools, it's essential to consider your company's specific needs and priorities.
- Regular video conferencesRegular video conferences can be a powerful tool for keeping remote teams connected and aligned. By bringing everyone together in a virtual setting, you can discuss the team's progress, brainstorm solutions to challenges, and plan for upcoming tasks and projects.
- Leading from afarSenior management should maintain regular contact with remote team members to ensure efficient work. Schedule regular video conferences to discuss progress and provide feedback, request updates on completed work and ongoing projects, and regularly seek input and feedback from team members.
- Virtual bondingFacilitate regular communication and interaction to promote a positive and collaborative relationship among remote team members. It can take many forms, from virtual coffee breaks and social events to chat communication and joint project discussions.
Problem #3
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is a significant challenge for many remote workers. Since home becomes a workplace, many employees may find it challenging to transition from work mode to relaxation mode, leading to higher levels of stress, burnout, and other negative impacts on physical and mental health. As a responsible employer, it's crucial to prioritise the well-being of your remote employees and take proactive steps to support their work-life balance.
How to optimise?
- Respect BoundariesDefine working hours and only contact your employees during work hours.
- Break TimeEncourage employees to take breaks during the workday.
- Flexible work scheduleEmpower your employees with a flexible work schedule and the freedom to work from any location.
- Building ConnectionsOrganise regular events and team meetings to support open communication and friendly relationships within the team.
And what about advantages?
Remote work can offer advantages not only for employees but also for management.
- Cut ExpensesRemote work can help to reduce the overhead costs of maintaining a physical office space and other expenses associated with a traditional office.
- Going globalEmployees can work from anywhere in the world with internet access. And companies can attract talent from around the world, not just limited to one country.
Learn more about global tech recruitment.
Of course, remote work is not a universal solution for all companies and employees. It is necessary to carefully evaluate all the advantages and disadvantages and develop tailored strategies and approaches for managing a remote team.
Successful remote work requires establishing clear guidelines and goals, prioritising effective communication and reliable monitoring, and fostering an environment of personal and professional growth for employees.
Successful remote work requires establishing clear guidelines and goals, prioritising effective communication and reliable monitoring, and fostering an environment of personal and professional growth for employees.
At Lucky Hunter, we operate worldwide, and our blog showcases numerous successful job vacancies we have filled worldwide. For instance, we recently found three Senior Java Developers within just one week.
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