The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many businesses to close their doors and send their employees home to work remotely. While this may be a temporary measure, it’s still important to know how to effectively manage your business remotely. You want to ensure that your employees are productive and that your customers still get the same high level of service, even if you’re not physically present to assist them. Here are a few tips to help you do just that.
1. Create a Schedule and Stick to It
Business owners and managers are used to being able to pop into their office at any time of day or night to take care of tasks. But when working remotely, you need to be more intentional about when you’re available. Let your employees know your schedule and when they can expect to hear from you. This will help them plan their workdays more effectively and avoid feeling like they’re constantly waiting on you to respond to their questions.
Include breaks in your schedule so you can take time for yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in work at home, but burnout is a real danger when you’re constantly on the job. Make sure to schedule some time each day to relax and recharge, even if it’s just for a few minutes. You’ll be more productive in the long run if you take care of yourself first.
2. Use Technology to Your Advantage
There are several great tools out there that can help you stay connected to your team and manage your business remotely. Video conferencing software like Zoom or Google Hangouts allows you to host virtual meetings, while project management tools like Asana or Trello can help you keep track of tasks and deadlines.
You can also use remote access software that allows you to control your system from another computer, which can be helpful if you need to troubleshoot an issue or access files that are only stored on your office computer. But you will need software specific to your computer to do this. So if you have a Macbook, you will need a Mac remote access software downloaded on both your Macbook and the computer you’re trying to access.
3. Set up a Dedicated Workspace
If you can, set up a dedicated workspace in your home where you can go to work each day. This will help you get into the right mindset for work and make it easier to focus on the task. If you don’t have an extra room that you can use, try setting up a small space in another area of your home, like the kitchen table or living room. If you have kids at home, you may need to get creative with your workspace to ensure you can concentrate.
But even if you don’t have a dedicated workspace, you can still create a productive environment for yourself. Make sure your work area is well-lit and free from distractions. And if you can, try to avoid working in bed or on the couch, as this can make it harder to focus and be productive. Try to find a comfortable chair you can sit in for long periods.
4. Keep Communicating with Your Team
Just because you’re not in the office doesn’t mean you should stop communicating with your team. In fact, it’s even more important to stay in touch when you’re working remotely. Schedule regular check-ins with your employees, whether daily, weekly, or bi-weekly. This will allow you to touch base on projects, offer feedback, and answer any questions they may have.
You can also use this time to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in the office. If you have employees working remotely, ask them how they’re finding the transition and if there’s anything you can do to help them be more successful. You want your team to feel supported, even if they’re not in the same physical space as you.
5. Take Advantage of the Freedom
Of course, one of the best things about working remotely is that you have a lot more freedom and flexibility. You can take advantage of this by being more intentional about your work schedule. If you know you’re not a morning person, don’t force yourself to start work at 8 AM just because that’s what everyone does in the office. Instead, start your day when you’re feeling most productive and work until you need a break.
You can also take advantage of the fact that you don’t have to commute to work each day. If you need to run some errands or take care of personal business during the day, you can do so without using up all your vacation days. Just be sure to communicate with your team about your availability and when you’ll be working.
Working remotely can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. By following these tips, you can learn how to effectively manage your business from afar. With a little effort, you’ll be able to keep your business running smoothly—even during these uncertain times.