Since the global pandemic “remote employment” has boomed. Employing remote workers within New Zealand and overseas offers New Zealand businesses the flexibility and access to a broader talent pool than just wouldn’t have been possible several years ago. As with most things in life, remote working does come with a particular set of challenges.

Here are five essential considerations to keep in mind when employing someone working remotely:

Communication and Collaboration Tools: Effective communication lies at the heart of any successful remote working arrangement. Invest in reliable communication and collaboration tools that facilitate seamless interaction among team members. Platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom provide channels for real-time messaging, video conferences, and file sharing. Implement clear guidelines for communication protocols, ensuring everyone is on the same page despite their physical distance.

Establish Clear Expectations: Defining roles, responsibilities, and specific deliverables for each team member is essential. Establish transparent guidelines for work hours, availability, and deadlines. Clearly outline performance metrics and goals, allowing remote team members to understand what is expected of them. Regularly revisit and update these expectations to adapt to changing circumstances and evolving business needs.

Cultivate a Strong Company Culture: Maintaining a cohesive company culture is challenging when employees are scattered across different locations. However, it is not impossible. Foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie through virtual team-building activities, online social events, and recognition programs. Encourage open communication, celebrate achievements, and reinforce shared values to create a unified company culture that transcends physical boundaries.

Focus on Cybersecurity: Remote work can potentially expose your business to cybersecurity threats. Implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and ensure the privacy of both your company and your clients. Provide remote team members with secure virtual private networks (VPNs) and multi-factor authentication tools. Educate them about phishing scams and best practices for securing their home networks. Regularly update security protocols to stay ahead of emerging threats.

Prioritize Mental Health and Well-being: Remote work, while offering flexibility, can also blur the lines between professional and personal life, leading to burnout and decreased productivity. Encourage your team to establish clear boundaries between work and personal time. Promote regular breaks, exercise, and social interactions to combat isolation and stress. Offer resources such as access to counselling services or mental health workshops to support your team’s well-being.

Embracing remote workers can bring tremendous benefits to your business, but it requires careful planning and monitoring.

Find out more about how I help my clients here:  https://www.networkhr.co.nz/