The work from home trends have significantly evolved this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Working from home has become the new normal, so companies must understand the present and future remote work trends to be as efficient as possible. Remote work is quickly becoming the new model for businesses, so the trends we will be seeing are vastly different from what many had predicted before the global crisis hit.
By understanding these trends, companies will be better able to work with remote teams and be more productive.
IT and Security
There are significant benefits that come with working remotely, however, this way of work can only be made possible with strict security measures in place since the risk for getting computer viruses or being hacked is much higher if strong precautions aren’t secured.
Cyber threats can put a major damper on workflow. When servers and systems are forced to shut down and cleaned so staff can safely use them, the pause in work could result in a loss in revenue.
In extreme cases, a virus attack could even cause a data breach or compromise client information. Revenue and the brand’s reputation could become significantly damaged. IT must have systems ready to protect in-house computers and servers and ensure that remote workers have protection for their home laptops and when opening websites via mobile apps.
Precautions IT must implement:
- Boost security for business servers (especially when being accessed from multiple locations).
- Regularly change passwords.
- Update antivirus software (Everyone should have a regular update schedule).
- Prioritize cybersecurity so teams can work from home and more remote workers can be brought on board.
More Remote Communication
Many companies are now adapting to a new way of communicating with their employees. Emails may have been the main way of communication, but they are more likely to slow down workflow, as the back and forth nature of it cannot keep up with the demand for instant interaction needed to run a business at large.
For effective communication, companies are now changing the way they engage with internal staff and external parties, which is crucial when working with individuals from different time zones. Video calls are becoming the most popular method for both internal staff to communicate and stay in touch with external parties.
The current situation will also lead to more flexibility for remote workers to take breaks during the day while still being productive. With more remote workers joining the workforce, companies are beginning to shift entire functionality online, which is the beginning of a digital workplace. This has led to them learning to use more remote tools to facilitate teamwork and engage with clients and customers.
Transparency and Socializing
There has been a strong need for transparency from businesses throughout the past few years, and has only become more essential to run operations.
When remote work comes into play, transparency takes on an even deeper meaning. Businesses must be as open as possible with their remote workers, including expectations of them.
It is important to:
- Hold thorough onboarding sessions
- Have regular briefings
- Implementing frequent meetings
- Design instruction manuals
- Foster a sense of community and strong company culture even for remote employees
Remote teams should feel comfortable enough to ask questions so they can work more efficiently and be encouraged to share their opinions, such as if a particular method or software is working or not.
Managers should ask remote workers to share updates on projects they are working on, along with any roadblocks they may be facing.
Many remote workers begin to feel a sense of isolation and can struggle with loneliness. These feelings of isolation can be detrimental to mental and physical health, and as a result, have a negative effect on workflow.
Human contact is needed in order to feel connected to a company and colleagues, so companies must make it easy for employees to stay in touch and stay up with the 2020 work from home trends.
This can be done by:
- Holding regular video meetings
- After-work socialization activities, such as game nights, which can be held online through websites, and video sessions
- Using team collaboration tools like Slack and creating specific channels for employees to have general conversations.
About World Wide Specialty Programs
For the last 50 years, World Wide Specialty Programs has dedicated itself to providing the optimal products and solutions for the staffing industry. As the only insurance firm to be an ASA commercial liability partner, we are committed to that partnership and committed to using our knowledge of the industry to provide staffing firms with the best possible coverage. For more information about Staffing Professional Liability Insurance or any other coverage, we have available to protect your staffing business, give us a call at (877) 256-0468 to speak with one of our representatives.