The pandemic and the repeated lockdowns quickly raised the issue of business continuity. While some companies had already embarked on this digital transition, for many the deployment of telecommuting was a matter of urgency. The health crisis has led to a real upheaval in the world of work, and a change in professional practices. What can we learn from this in terms of remote management? How can we ensure that conditions are favorable? And what tools should you adopt to telework effectively?
Workspace and computer equipment
Ideally, employees should reserve a room in their home for telecommuting. There are several reasons for this, starting with the fact of being able to isolate oneself from other members of the household. But it's also a matter of being able to establish a strict boundary to distinguish between professional and private life, to avoid employee overwork and burnout.
The equipment must also be suitable for carrying out tasks in the best possible conditions, including a desk, chair and basic IT equipment (computer with webcam, headset and microphone). Either employees have sufficiently powerful equipment at home for the tasks at hand, or the equipment must be provided to ensure business continuity.
Network connection quality and access security
Once the question of hardware has been resolved, it's time to ensure that your Internet subscription provides a quality connection with sufficient bandwidth. To do this, you can carry out speed tests.
It is also important to bear in mind that employees' private networks do not benefit from the same level of protection as those on the company's premises. It is imperative to ensure access security by controlling antivirus software and providing a virtual private network (VPN) solution for every device connecting to sensitive company data.
A space for sharing data
Documents need to be available quickly and easily. To reduce time wasted and avoid multiple mailings, it's a good idea to use a cloud-based online data hosting solution, alongside access to business applications.
A project management tool for remote teamwork
The right organization of tasks and an overview of project management, thanks to digital tools, can help ensure business continuity at a distance. Trello, Monday, Asana... These tools focus on accountability and results, rather than presenteeism, even virtual presenteeism.
Instant messaging
Real-time chat tools (Slack, WhatsApp, etc.) ensure rapid exchanges that don't saturate mailboxes. They can be used for simple questions, validation requests, project feedback, etc. It is then possible to create common communication channels or target by team and task.
A videoconferencing solution
When telecommuting, it's essential to stay in touch. Teams, Zoom... Videoconferencing enables regular face-to-face updates andteam meetings with the same frequency as on site.
A shared calendar to synchronize appointments
How best to organize appointments between different contacts: customer meetings, supplier calls, staff meetings... Online scheduling tools avoid the need for multiple round-trips by e-mail to set a simple appointment. Based on established availabilities, proposals are sent to contacts. Once the slot has been validated, it is blocked directly in the synchronized calendar.
Remote assistance software for online troubleshooting
Indispensable for resolving bugs remotely with just a few clicks, rather than leaving a staff member stranded while waiting for a troubleshooter at home. Team Viewer, for example, can be quickly installed on any computer, enabling IT departments or any experienced person to take control and intervene in any difficulties encountered. Much simpler and faster than endless explanations by telephone or video.
Adapting management to digital practices for efficient teleworking
The transition to telecommuting requires a minimum of adaptation on the part of managers and their teams. One of the first criteria for maintaining the effectiveness of even remote working is to question employees' access to digital technology.
However, while IT tools ensure the technical side of telecommuting, the practice of remote management must revolve around communication. For the well-being of employees, it is imperative to maintain the dialogue and rituals that bind the team together.