Tip of the Week: Easing the Shift Between Remote and In-House Work

While many businesses right now have found it best for their operations to shift to a remote strategy, it is important to consider how these operations will return in-house when it is again appropriate to do so. For this week’s tip, we’re reviewing a few best practices to help you contend with both processes.

Shifting from In-House to Remote

Whenever your business is considering (whether by choice or through necessity) remote operations, it is important that your team is prepared for the experience. Here are a few things you should do to make sure that this transition goes as smoothly as possible.

1. Prepare for productivity—As you and your team embark on your remote working endeavors, it may be helpful to keep some of the conventions of the office in place. From keeping similar working hours, to setting a dedicated workspace, to dressing as though you’re going to the office, there is a lot that can be done to ensure that everyone is in the right headspace to get work done.
   
   
2. Encourage good communication practices—As your team will not be working alongside one another as they work from home, they will not have the same inherent opportunity for communication in the office. In addition to providing them with the means to collaborate with one another, actively insist that they do so until it is second nature. This will also help prevent feelings of isolation that could pop up over extended periods of remote work.
   
   
3. Provide the right tools—Proper remote collaboration will require your team to have access to the tools that enable it. While email is the most recognizable of these, other solutions need to be in place for different contexts. Video conferencing and instant messaging platforms are suited for certain needs, while email and file sharing serve others.

Shifting from Remote to In-House

Once your team can return to the office, it is equally important that they are prepared to switch back over to the professional environment. As this happens, your team will likely need some assistance in adjusting back to the office routine. Here are some simple ways you can help them to do so.

1. Carry over your remote work habits—When the time comes to resume working in the office, you should encourage your team to maintain some of the same routines as they did while working from home as much as possible. If they’ve found that a certain task is more effectively fulfilled in the morning, have them continue that pattern.
   
   
2. Make the workplace more comfortable—While we aren’t saying that your employees should start showing up to the office in a pair of old sweatpants and a mud mask, encourage them to make adjustments and customizations to their private work areas. Small plants, blankets, and other amenities can help bring a little bit of home with them.
   
   
3. Be social, with boundaries—One sacrifice that comes with remote work is the sudden lack of any social aspect to work. Once your team is back in house, don’t be too strict about your employees chatting with one another if they are able to focus on the task at hand as need be. You might consider implementing company events and occasions for the purpose of team relationship building. Of course, we’re not totally out of the woods when it comes to COVID-19, so plan accordingly.

The transition to and from the office and the home can be jarring. Try these tips to make it a smoother experience for your team. Ferrum Technology Services can also provide the tools to help simplify the practical aspects, like improved business technology and collaboration solutions. Learn more about what we have to offer by calling (847) 697-3282.