By Michael Briggin
Whether before or after the COVID-19 pandemic, the digital revolution hasn’t gone away. As more organizations going through a hybrid or 100% remote work model, change cannot be avoided.
However, having completely digital operations has its benefits and drawbacks. Here’s what to be aware of when starting your enterprise in a completely digital, remote environment:
Organizational Structure Matters
Although remote operations can provide alternatives for cost reduction, nothing will matter unless you have an idea of how your company’s operations are organized.
Drawing out a diagram of your organizational structure can help you figure out how each department relates to your business. If certain departments work cross-functionally with each other, make note of these details on your diagram. A roster helps as well.
Meeting Face-to-Face First Is Crucial
If you have a team meeting, using a video conferencing program like GoToMeeting or Zoom can always be beneficial for helping your teams stay engaged.
Try to have meetings more frequently than occasionally so you and your employees not only get to know each other but feel comfortable working together on an ongoing basis. Even if you may not have a physical office, meeting in-person at varying locations can help in boosting employee morale.
Be Mindful of Technology Essential For Operations
Slack or a similar business communication program allows you to set up multiple channels so you can talk to and coordinate with employees.
Every department will have its own program need and productivity is important. As long as everyone can communicate to each other without productivity being compromised, your goals can be accomplished with less pain and chaos.
Prioritize Flexibility With Your Employees And Manage Appropriately
Not all organizations are made to be the same but when you have remote operations, you’re likely not going to be able to monitor your employees like you would in an onsite office environment.
Employees in each of your organization’s departments will have different varying schedules. Be sure to be aware of their responsibilities and aim to be more collaborative than authoritative in how you approach your management skills.
Lastly, invest in career growth and well-being for your employees. They will likely stay on in your organization if you offer more of this.
An Onsite Office Environment Isn’t a Bad Thing
Companies that start off digitally without a physical office don’t always have to stay digital only forever.
Looking into a commercial lease in an office building is fine but not required if you want an onsite location. Co-working spaces like Industrious and Regus allow you to rent out space at a substantially lower cost than a traditional commercial lease and offer more flexibility.
