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Remote Working:
How to make it work for your startup
We asked our Remote Clients about Their Biggest Challenges! A Practical Guide to Remote Working.
We are Oceans, we work with a network of remote startups to boost their success with anything and all to do with offshore outsourcing. Everytime, we onboard a startup, we discuss their biggest concern relating to remote working. And this article addresses them all!
Remote working has always been around, but largely inaccessible to all but the most remote-first organizations like startups. Then, the COVID lockdowns left us all with no option but to work from home.
This is when we all collectively realized that meeting could have been an email.
People started to work to live rather than trying to live to work.
Think about it, the hustle culture has always focused on planning personal aspirations around one’s career. However, during COVID, people realized that health and relationships rank higher. Slow living has started to become the norm. People are taking their time to make breakfasts, skipping the morning fuel isn’t something to brag about anymore. Remote working has made this all possible by making it easier to live. Therefore, people are only looking at work as a means to live but not to make it their whole personality.
This made employees happier, therefore, productive. And the companies with productive employees started having a good time.
According to a Stanford study, remote employees are 13% more productive than traditional office workers.
How do I overcome my trust issues as a manager?
This is a common problem. And it’s normal to feel that way as employers.The answer to this is simple:
You need to be results-oriented and have regular check-ins with your team. This way, you know your remote workers are getting their work done. If they are completing their tasks on time, then there’s nothing to worry about.
In fact, it’s easier to track your remote team’s progress because they are mostly in writing. Therefore, it’s key to implement the below:
- Define their roles and responsibilities in a direct and concise manner. This way, you will focus on the work, instead of the promises.
- Always set deadlines and track them closely.
- Never micromanage as this can hinder your employees’ flow of work, like it would do in a physical office.
- Keep a record of the employees who work proactively and those who only submit when the work is chased. If you have to constantly manage someone’s every little work, something’s wrong.
- Provide extensive feedback, this way, your team is aware of their strengths and weaknesses. They will either improve to build mutual trust or better prepare to bid goodbye!
How do I avoid any miscommunication in a remote working setup?
Communication is a universal problem, everywhere. It’s almost like…inevitable. But that’s no excuse to not to fight it!
- Make sure to track all the tasks in one software like Asana or ClickUp. This way, in one glance, you know what’s up. Ensure the remote workers are updating their task sheets without fail.
- Regular meetings are a must! Whether it’s brainstorming or discussing progress, have a quick call with the relevant members. No fluff, just the important details need to be discussed. This way, you’re not standing in the way of your own startup’s progress. Another thing, never underestimate meeting notes.
- Have a secondary communication system. While the Asanas, Trellos, and Gmails are great for formal exchange and planned tasks, it’s good to have a WhatsApp group. This way, you can receive updates on matters that you may need an immediate response on.
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How do I avoid any miscommunication in a remote working setup?
Communication is a universal problem, everywhere. It’s almost like…inevitable. But that’s no excuse to not to fight it!
- Make sure to track all the tasks in one software like Asana or ClickUp. This way, in one glance, you know what’s up. Ensure the remote workers are updating their task sheets without fail.
- Regular meetings are a must! Whether it’s brainstorming or discussing progress, have a quick call with the relevant members. No fluff, just the important details need to be discussed. This way, you’re not standing in the way of your own startup’s progress. Another thing, never underestimate meeting notes.
- Have a secondary communication system. While the Asanas, Trellos, and Gmails are great for formal exchange and planned tasks, it’s good to have a WhatsApp group. This way, you can receive updates on matters that you may need an immediate response on.
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How can I keep my employees motivated?
Some may repel remote working as it can make them feel isolated. This may lead to them feeling disconnected and demotivated.
- Stay connected by checking in on how they are doing. Grow a genuine friendly yet professional interest in them. People like being cared for.
- Provide positive feedback wherever necessary. This makes the relationship less transactional and more human.
- Take their mental health seriously. Working from home can be equally stressful as working in an office.
- Find creative ways to engage with them in outside-work activities. For example, the whole team visiting the nearest beach on the same day, or it can be as simple as creating a fun playlist! And if you all live in the same country or town, take the time to meet up every month!
What do I do if there are any technical difficulties?
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This is again, unavoidable but can be minimized greatly.
- Especially, in the beginning, be patient. Getting used to new IT systems may take a little time.
- Work with an expert who knows how to handle any technical problems relating to software and technology you use.
- If your remote workers may need assistance to purchase a better laptop or secure connection, help them out. You can always pay it for them and deduct it in the salary as per an agreed plan.
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