So you’ve decided to let your employees work from anywhere?
Congratulations! You’re embarking on a new era of productivity and flexibility for your company.
In today’s business world, it’s more important than ever to offer employees the flexibility to work from wherever they feel most productive. Giving your team the ability to work from anywhere in the world can result in huge boosts in productivity, morale, and creativity.
But before you can reap the benefits of a good Work From Anywhere policy, there are a few things you need to do to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Keep reading for our tips on how to implement a successful Work From Anywhere policy.
Why You Need a Work From Anywhere Policy
Let’s face it.
The landscape of work—what it looks like, its definition, how we carry it out and facilitate it, and where we execute it has changed forever.
Allison Munro
, Chief Marketing & Ecosystem Officer at Vena Solutions, shares, “We aren’t returning to the office—we’re returning to a new way of working. In this new world, flexibility is key.” Companies and employers who recognize and adjust to these changes are ahead of the curve. It’s a great war for top talents across the world so it’s essential to implement progressive strategies and policies. Nowadays, employees value flexibility and freedom.
Those are exactly what a Work From Anywhere policy offers.
Here are other benefits of working from anywhere that may convince you that your organization needs a Work From Anywhere policy:
- Efficient communication. With software tools and apps, it’s easier to communicate and store files. Project management and tracking is also smoother with project management solutions, such as Trello.
- Increased productivity. Less distractions result in increased productivity, which impacts overall performance. It also saves more time since employees no longer have to spend time commuting, which means they can get more work done.
Sarah Jean Gavile, Social Media Specialist at Rogue Pine Creative, even says, “Remote work doesn’t mean you don’t work—it means that you have more flexibility in how, where and when you do your work. If someone works hard in an office, then they’ll work hard from home or anywhere too.”
- Reduced overhead costs. Not only could you save money on office management fees, but you can also save money on team building events, such as holiday parties.
- Lower employee turnover rates. With better work life integration, employees will enjoy better health and wellness. That reduces the rate of employee burnout and turnover.
LinkedIn Chief Economist Karin Kimbrough states, “Companies need to recognize that the power dynamic has changed—workers are going to demand more from them on multiple fronts. Candidates are being much more selective about where they work, and workers are more vocal about what they want.”
- Expanded talent pools. Companies are no longer limited to hiring local talent, providing access to top talents around the world.
- Access to global insights. Because you’re able to hire from a diverse talent pool, you’ll gain fresh ideas and unique perspectives and ways of thinking. In a competitive industry, uniqueness certainly gives you an edge.
- Lighter supervision. Using technology tools in Work From Anywhere allows employees to work more independently, resulting in less supervision needed on the employer’s part.
- Better brand reputation. If your employees are happy and satisfied, then people will be more inclined to support your company.
- More sustainability. Working from anywhere lets employers lower their environmental impact since they’re using less gas and oil.
Tips and Strategies for Successfully Implementing a Work From Anywhere Policy
If you’re looking to introduce a Work From Anywhere policy, here are some useful tips on how employers could best implement and make the transition:
- Ensure employees have proper technology. Employees would need computer, email, access to internal networks and phone conferencing wherever they choose to work.
As HR Consultant and Strategist Rhonadale Florentino stated, “… technology is our friend. We would not be able to do what we do if we do not have a platform that can help ensure we are all on the same page.”
- Implement a communications program. Communication is all the more crucial when your employees are working from anywhere. Decide on synchronous and asynchronous communication methods, such as Skype and Zoom, and provide training if needed.
- Use work from anywhere tools. These could include:
- Project management
- Instant messaging
- Video conferencing
- Collaboration platforms
- Cybersecurity
- Offer the required support. Some employees might not have the right equipments and tools available. Identify the tools they need and ensure every employee gets them.
- Set clear expectations. When creating and implementing Work From Anywhere policy, include your specific expectations. It could include instructions for employees’ daily work schedule, overtime policy, and more.
- Set attainable goals. Set deliverables and metrics to monitor your employees’ progress and effectively measure their performance.
- Test the policy. Take at least six months to evaluate the policy’s effectiveness. And then adjust the program based on your findings.
- Ask for employee feedback. No one else can tell you what works for your employees than your employees themselves. Ask about their needs, concerns, and suggestions.
What makes employees stay in a company?
Is it career growth or salary? Or is it organizational policies and culture that allows them to live how and wherever they want while also allowing them to grow professionally?
Angel Morales, Bus Operator at VIA Metropolitan Transit points out, “As you can see, there is a delicate balance that employers and employees must now face when thinking about the way people work. Whether companies continue to lean into more flexibility or traditional values of productivity within an office are something that employees will be keeping an eye on when choosing their place of employment for years to come.”
Work From Anywhere is agreat way to grow, celebrate and maintain talents in the company—as well as elevate your company to new heights and keep up with the changing landscape of work. With it, you can blaze through the challenges of the new, modern workforce.
