Maximizing Efficiency With Employees Working From Home

With Employees Working from Home, Follow These Tips to Keep Your Business Running As Usual

Providing employees with remote work options is one method businesses are using to eliminate workplace distractions and increase productivity levels. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that approximately 23.7 percent of employees worked from home either full-time or part-time.

Now more than ever, employers are looking to transition from the regular office setting to work from home accommodations per the CDC recommendations in the current health crisis.

If your company is new to working remotely due to the virus spread, we are here to help. Employer Support Services partners with businesses to ensure their company operates at maximum productivity and efficiency, even when your employees are working from home.

 

Have Policies and Procedures in PlaceEmployee working from home at a desk.

Remote employees have more freedom to work wherever, which can make them more focused and engaged in their work. In fact, providing employees with remote work options is one method to eliminate workplace distractions and increase productivity levels by 57 percent. However, some structure must be maintained to keep employees working efficiently.

Our human resource management system (HRIS) is a cloud-based system that seamlessly integrates with your company’s workflow and structure. Business owners or HR departments can receive access to the information they need to run an efficient business, even if they are not in the office. From process tracking to payroll and attendance tracking, companies can manage data and internal processes all remotely to operate business as usual.

 

Maintain Regular Hours

Because employees are not in their regular office setting, it can be difficult at first for them to strike a balance between work time and home life. By continuing regular work hours, employees can maintain their daily work routine for time management and project workflow.

If employees need to work different hours from their regular schedule, be sure the rest of the team is aware so that there is no break in workflow and efficiency.

 

Take Advantage of the Latest Technology for Workplace Communication

Without face-to-face interactions, employees working from home may experience difficulties with collaborative projects and communication. According to HR Dive, 83 percent of remote workers use technology to collaborate with others in real time. Technology that employers should consider investing in include video chat, sharable calendars, and project management software.

 

Establish Employee Accountability MeasuresImage of clock and small floating shelf on a wall.

In our previous blog, we said that employers must hold employees accountable by setting clear expectations, establishing concise goals that are achievable, and measuring these goals throughout the project. This is especially true when employees are working from home.

Although establishing accountability in a traditional workplace setting can be different than when employees are working remotely, there are similarities. Compared to 56 percent of office employees, 39 percent of remote workers say that micromanagement makes them less engaged in their work. Employers must come up with accountability measures that do not approach micromanagement levels to keep employees engaged, yet productive.

Inform your employees of their responsibilities for completing assignments and communicating with others. As mentioned earlier, using video chat, project management software, and other technology components are the best methods in keeping employees on track with upcoming deadlines.

For further assistance with choosing the best technology for your company, reach out to an ESS representative today.

 

Review Safety and Workers’ Comp for Employees Working from Home

According to SHRM, injuries or illnesses are still compensable under workers’ compensation, even when employees are working from home. However, SFM states that “injuries suffered while home office employees take breaks to do housework, provide care to children, etc., will not be found compensable.”

Be sure to go over the safety and workers’ comp protocol with remote employees so that they are aware of what is covered and what is not. Our team can also assist employers in going over the new safety policies for working from home to help streamline your company’s efficiency and workflow.

For Specific Help with Your Work-from-Home Processing, Contact an ESS Representative Today

Our team is here to help yours with any administrative processing and tracking you need to make your new remote employees as efficient as possible. From time and attendance to performance tracking, we have HR software that will help you track workflow and efficiency even with people working in different places.

For more information, contact ESS today.

 

This information is provided solely for informational purposes.  It does not constitute legal advice.  Before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. 

If you are not currently an HR client of ESS, please contact one of our representatives to learn how to become an HR client so we can provide specific guidance to you.

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