Over the last 18 months many businesses have had to adapt to the new normal of remote working. While restrictions ease, many workplaces will offer a blended approach and allow staff to continue working remotely for the majority of the time.

We wanted to share our top tips on how to ensure business continuity when managing a remote team.

1. Ensure an adequate set up

Make sure to check in with all employees on how their working from home conditions are. Do they have all the necessary equipment to do their job? Tools such as web-cams, microphones and so forth may be needed so virtual meetings can take place effectively. It’s also worth considering the ergonomic set up employees have at home, it may not be viable to supply office chairs etc. However, you can still provide helpful information to help staff are set up to work in a comfortable and appropriate manner.

2. Stay Connected

Make a conscious efforts to keep an open flow of communication. Set expectations on how is best to communicate with one another and how often employees should update the business. Similarly, it’s important that any organisational change or business updates are communicated in a concise way that ensures everyone is felt updated.

3. Culture is still crucial

Company culture and values will always be an important part of an organisation. Even if employees aren’t working in the same shared space, it is still important to embrace company values and keep the culture alive. Consider tone of voice in email communications, remind employees regularly of company policies. What’s more you may need to get creative, if well-being, work-life balance are values of your organisation consider new ways to honour this while working from home.

4. Embrace the new norm that is working from home, and welcome the change
There are many benefits to our new ways of working such as time efficiencies and providing employees with greater flexibility! As a manager, this presents an opportunity to manage your team from a different perspective, empower employees to work independently and as a business perhaps change the way you deliver for the better.