In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally altered how people approach and interact with work. During the height of COVID-19, many companies, including tech companies, implemented work-from-home policies.

There was a brief period when companies saw a light at the end of the tunnel and made plans to bring employees back to the office, at least part-time. However, some companies have chosen to adopt indefinite remote work policies. The reason? Simply put, most employees prefer working remotely due to better work-life balance.

One major concern for managers and directors is ensuring employees work diligently; another is developing an effective remote work policy. If you’re grappling with these issues, let us provide some insightful tips to help you ensure a smooth transition to remote work.

What does the Future of Remote Work Look Like for Other Companies?

Many small, mid-size, and large companies have transitioned from in-office work to fully remote working. A notable example of this shift is Amazon, which, in October 2021, allowed many of its tech and corporate workers to work remotely, though they were still required to come to the office when necessary.

Similarly, around the same time, Microsoft announced an indefinite postponement of a return to the office for its employees. However, in 2022, Microsoft began recalling employees to its headquarters, with its return-to-office strategy focusing on a hybrid work model.

How to Ensure a Seamless Remote Work Experience

In a previous blog post, “5 Exceptional Strategies for Thriving Remote Software Development Teams” we discussed why it is important to build a dedicated remote development team. As experienced remote workers, our tech talent knows how to implement processes to ensure internal and client work efficiency successfully.

Our 10+ years of supporting remote talent and interacting with them have taught us how to promote an environment that supports collaboration. The following are some key considerations for organizations transitioning to remote or hybrid work:

#1. Use agile methodologies as the standard

Adopting an agile approach, a set of practices designed to enhance the effectiveness of software development professionals, teams, and organizations, is crucial for home-based work trends.

Agile methodologies, long utilized in technology, are the gold standard for companies striving to labor quickly and efficiently in digital contexts. Explore how agile technologies can benefit your company and determine how to implement them for your remote employees.

#2. Expand your network and team to work globally and bring diversity to teams

A virtual workforce offers a new perspective and allows you to expand your talent pool dramatically.

With remote teams, you’re no longer limited to employees based on geography. Broaden your search to include individuals from various locations, backgrounds, and cultures. Often, this diversity drives meaningful change and provides positive results.

#3. Take advantage of increased time online 

As mobile devices and technology become more popular, people spend more time glued to their screens.

According to the DataReportal report, average daily internet usage worldwide is 6 hours and 41 minutes. This screen time presents an opportunity; as people spend more time online, they become more accessible for digital marketing and engagement, potentially increasing customer reach and interaction.

The shift to online platforms can also streamline business processes, making employees more efficient. Employees can save time by not having to commute, allowing them to focus more on their tasks and productivity.

#4. Implement flexibility as the key to success

While the pandemic was extremely severe, it also served as a driving force for change, forcing companies to adapt.

Companies, willingly or not, now have the opportunity to reflect on and implement necessary institutional changes and updates that might have been previously postponed. Companies should foster a thriving digital culture by establishing policies that support home-based work.

How Is Working Remotely Beneficial?

Working remotely offers numerous benefits for employees and employers. Below, we explore some of them:

• Cost savings: Virtual work significantly reduces expenses for both employers and employees. Employers save on office space and utilities, while employees cut down on commuting and wardrobe costs.
• Increased productivity: Many find working remotely reduces interruptions, allowing for more focused and productive grind sessions.
• A flexible work schedule: Remote work allows employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Global workforce: Remote hiring enables companies to recruit talent globally, allowing them to access a broader range of people with different skills and backgrounds.

Are You Ready to Embrace the Future of Remote Work?

As virtual work becomes more prevalent, your company must keep up. Our insights are here to provide you with an analysis of why the move to remote work could help your organization remain competitive and in sync with global trends.

As experts in remote work ourselves, we can help you embrace this work dynamic by providing top-notch software solutions for your organization. If you want to navigate this transition strategically, we’re here to guide you. 

Contact WillDom today to learn more about implementing effective remote work policies and staying ahead in the digital age.