COVID-19 has forced many companies to become remote almost overnight, with varying degrees of success. While many will go back to their old structure post-virus, many companies will likely be transitioning to at least a partially remote workforce. Middle-market companies are especially suited to make this shift. Read on to learn the why and the how for going remote in the mighty middle market.
Smaller Companies Can Be More Versatile
Smaller companies are easier to coordinate and can be more progressive and flexible since there is less bureaucracy and red tape. That progressive culture also means more collaborative and cooperative work environments that lend themselves to making remote working successful. Tighter margins mean that companies are often looking for ways to decrease overhead while still maintaining robust benefits and compensation packages for their employees. To remain competitive, a remote workforce can be a creative way to do that while also attracting and retaining top talent.
Tools For Managing A Remote Team
Great, but that’s easier said than done, right? Not necessarily! Since its inception, ROI has been a remote enterprise with an entirely remote team. If you think your company is ready to make the switch, there are tons of resources available for managing a remote team. We use most of these here at ROI:
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Remote scheduling and task/workflow apps like Acuity, Slack, Asana, and Trello can help keep an entire team on the same page. Some can also provide a hub for team communication.
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Video conferencing platforms like Zoom and GoToMeeting allow real-time one-on-one or group meetings. A video option can help people feel more connected when they are far apart.
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Desktop recording applications like Loom are an easy way to teach or troubleshoot from a distance
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Apps like Voxer and Zello are a great way to communicate as coworkers are now separated and can’t just go visit with a colleague down the hall. They can be a useful tool to facilitate communication without a phone call.
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This might be a given, but Dropbox and Google Docs/Sheets and a Google Drive folder help to manage paperwork and files, especially if a team doesn’t have an existing intranet.
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Remote, specialized talent via websites like Fivver and Upwork can source industry-specific experts all over the world. Need a podcast editor, or someone to design a logo, or a person to do some voice ads? These sites are a great place to start without having to hire someone in-house.
Leadership is Key
Leadership that can encourage team communication in a social way will also foster a tighter, more cohesive team. Start a water cooler thread on your chosen messaging/work flow app. Or, have themed Zoom call once a month (like Casual Friday)! It’s also important to cultivate a strong company culture. This can be more difficult with a remote team, but it’s still very possible. In conjunction with tech tools, a clear mission that everyone knows and is enthusiastic about makes collaboration possible. Culture is also very dependent on shared values and passion for the company and job. The right leadership will be able to facilitate a strong, positive company culture, even from across the globe.
Ready to explore going remote in the mighty middle-market and need an innovative executive to lead the way? Book a call!