Getting the most from a digital workplace

How remote work is reshaping the workplace

Business leaders are reimagining the way their organizations work, while understanding ways to leverage technology to support remote working. Organizations adopting this change consider flexible working models, rapid decision making, easy collaboration, real-time access to information, and frequent interactions all of which are fully supported by reliable technology. Pre-pandemic, many organizations were already looking at digital transformation, but the global pandemic simply accelerated this move to digital and made it possible, faster.

Keys to successful digital work

Work Smarter

Set clear requirements and expectations from the very beginning. Increase workforce efficiency with smarter tools that allow real-time collaborations such as document sharing, whiteboarding, etc. where meetings can turn into productive assignments.

Open and frequent communication

Even though physical interactions are no longer in place, it’s important to maintain clear communication across team members and build trust. Having a top-down approach that empowers and engages with employees helps set the stage for transparency and expectations. It’s also important for team members to join meetings and be reached when needed.

Integration and simplicity

Tools used across the organization should be easy-to-use and well-integrated enabling a consistent, productive, and seamless work environment.

Reliable Technology

Organizations need to make sure that their team members don’t have any technological issues or poor internet connections, at the same time having access to data wherever and whenever they want. Cloud storage is one way of having reliable technology, allowing employees to move easily between data without disrupting their workflow.

Keep security top of mind

By shifting to home networks, the rise of digital threats and cybersecurity can become a great concern. Organizations must address data security in their tools, policies, and practices, and enable enterprise-grade security.

Challenges of building a remote team

Although remote teams sound somewhat ideal, there are a few challenges that can come to light. One aspect is management and micromanaging. Within remote teams, members often allocate their time in a way that best works for them. Having set agendas and timely outcomes set a clear path and understanding of the task and expectations to get the work done in a timely manner.

Another challenge is finding the right talent. Talent is not about having a unique set of skills, but also the ability to work in remote environments and be self-motivated to do so. After finding suitable matches, organizations must ensure that everyone is receiving the same level of training and development.

Finally, work-life balance. Not being able to separate between the two can be a challenge that can affect employee productivity.

How to measure the productivity of remote workers

Measuring productivity in remote teams is somehow better than in-office teams. For one, being in the office, organizations make sure that their employees are clocking in and out and are within their offices before considering anything else. Taking that factor out, organizations measure productivity through delivered outcomes. Being results-oriented drives qualitative work.

Although the concept of clocking in and out is still there to track and review employee time, employees are more focused on being results-oriented and delivering qualitative work, rather than just punching in hours.

XCentium, an advocate for working remotely

Before the pandemic, XCentium had various team members working remotely and continues to hire remotely even after things are settling down. The location of employees wasn’t really a priority, as long as we were able to find the right talent. Working remotely opens doors to talent across the country with no boundaries.

XCentium continues to invest in talent and better tools to deliver superior service both internally and externally. Our culture promotes an open-door policy and giving a space for team members to be transparent and authentic.