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Expand your reach with a remote team

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Determine why you want to build a remote team.  Consider the following:

• Studies have indicated that employees are productive only 60% of the time; more so if they work from home
• Reduce current overhead costs
• Expand your business domestically or internationally
• Less distractions and noise if a home office is established properly
• Without a commute to work, workers do not waste valuable hours in traffic
• Home workers often take fewer sick days, vacations and personal time
• 86% of workers tend to prefer working alone
• Meetings are unproductive and tend to be shorter when held online
• Team members may be contractors rather than employees saving your organization dollars of vacation pay, sick leave, healthcare benefits
• Time spent of social media platforms are not billable by a contractor

Will your remote team members be employees or contractors?

• There are pros and cons to both arrangements, with significant variables depending on the role

What will be their structure?

• Will it be 100% remote or hybrid (work from home vs in office a percentage of the time).

What will be their location?  Are you planning domestic or international expansion?

• If they are expanding into different time zones, consideration must be made for meeting times that work for everyone
• We are advocates of expanding within your own country and should not go international until you have exhausted every possibility to expand domestically first.

What are the characteristics of remote workers?

• A remote team must only consist of individuals that have the discipline, motivation, and skills to work remotely. The role must also be designed to monitor output and measure results with a supervisor trained to ensure team collaboration and positive engagement.  Studies have shown that those that can work remotely are more productive and satisfied.
• Recruiting for remote workers varies significantly from hiring employees

What must I as an organization provide to them?

• You must set clear expectations, time guidelines and accountability. There are many task tracking and time tracking options available to monitor task progress, work hours and goal attainment.  These devices will assist you will client billing, team member remuneration and overall optimization of resources.
• Be sure that your remote team has effective communication tools so that they can engage with each other on specific projects
• Be sure all members have the tools they need to do their job. This involves computers, printers, cell phones and other personal devices.  Consideration should be given to security of your business or customer information if using the BYOD (Bring your own Device) method.  While it may save you an initial cost outlay, there are many factors to consider based on your provincial or state laws.
• Ongoing training and development are important for team retention. This will benefit your business in terms of remaining current on technology and best practices but will also provide them with a necessary sense of feeling valued by your organization.  This may be provided by an educational stipend (to be used only for work-related courses), or refresher courses and workshops given by your business

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Pros

• Increased productivity
• Expanded marketplace
• Cost savings
• Healthy work-life balance
• Higher level of technology
• No unnecessary meetings
• Reduced paperwork
• Bigger talent pool
• Reduced carbon footprint
• Faster time to market

Possible Con’s

• Security risks
• Reduced team collaboration
• Hidden technology costs

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Let’s talk

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