Imagining remote work as a norm

Imagine if many companies realized remote work can be a norm and not an exception for any job that can needs a computer - such as knowledge work, Information services, business process, and pre-sales to name a few. After humanity crosses the major risks of the COVID virus; why not reconsider remote work possibilities? Some company cultures rely on an onsite management style of oversight, perhaps a remnant from line work in manufacturing and field work in agriculture. There are still jobs that require onsite presence; such as any job that relies on hands on work w tools and machinery, customer interaction in person, or will benefit from collocation.

There is value in positive collocation even for typical remote jobs; why not let that be a team and specific decision based on purpose of the work? A joint planning white board session or a culture building activity; sure let's encourage collocation. However, any fear of losing apparent control has to go. Management can lead by understanding the deliverable intent and the employee can work based on understood goals.

In a collocated environment, there is an advantage of oversight in a direct fashion. Remote work paradigms will help focus on these more specifically and purposefully. Performance management is still a valid concern - and this is where working closely with team members to align the following will help:

1. Discuss the specific needs of the project or operational role in addition to hiring to a general need based role description

2. Analyze team member’s alignment to the role and the way in which the contribution will provide value

3. Play to strengths of different team members. In fact, be open to the team members' self organizing work around the team members' collective talents, skills, interests, and experience levels.

4. Adapt based on what works for the organization by doing periodic team retrospectives.

In other words, remote work is a test of empowering leadership and effective management.

There are several companies supported remote as a general practice; these companies were well prepared for the recent shutdowns though they probably did not envision such a need when they went with the remote work mode earlier.

It is also beneficial to the environment while helping with the overall goals of corporate citizenship, profitability and employee satisfaction. We can manage city traffic patterns better, be a lesser burden to the ozone layer, reduce green house emissions, save of cost of renting and travel for the company and the employee and last but not least, improve team morale. That last factor alone will help organizations improve their overall bottom line and employee retention. As with any major organizational effort, any company moving to a remote working model for the long term will need to do sufficient analysis of several factors in the strategy. These are tied to many factors such as organizational sociopolitical culture, work force make up and financial considerations.

Any time there is a setback of one nature, there is opportunity for growth. The rebound can be stronger and we can learn from our experiences. Remote work as a norm, where applicable is an avenue we can all benefit from.

#Remotework #Fulfeelment #Efficiency #Effectiveness

Narayan Srinivasan, Founder & Principal, Fulfeelment, LLC

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