Future-Proofing IT: The Rise of Remote Workforce Management
The digital transformation of workplaces has accelerated the adoption of new tools and strategies for workforce management - that is, managing an organisation’s people, devices and data. Today’s organisations are leveraging advanced technologies to monitor, manage and support their dispersed teams more efficiently.
EMBRACING REMOTE
WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT
This paradigm shift goes beyond efficiency. It’s not just about adapting to current needs, but also about future-proofing IT operations to handle evolving work environments.
There have been several noticeable benefits to Australia’s national employment metrics since the increase in working-from-anywhere that was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Government bodies have reported that 88% of Australian workers would like to work from home at least partially and 60% would prefer a hybrid work arrangement with days both in the office and at home.
The "connected workforce" remains on the rise, across offices, homes, frontline environments and coworking locations around the world. Organisations must recognise it, respond to it and adapt to it - its advantages and its challenges.
TACKLING THE CHALLENGES OF MANAGING A REMOTE WORKFORCE
Managing a remote workforce presents unique challenges. Common issues include communication gaps, cybersecurity threats, budget constraints and maintaining a cohesive work culture.
TOP 10 CHALLENGES
Organisations today must face these challenges head-on. Let’s look at some best practices that your company can start working towards to ensure your success both today and in the future.
DISCOVERING REMOTE WORK BEST PRACTICES
To maintain productivity and ensure seamless operations, best practices for creating a healthy connected work environment include providing employees with necessary tools and resources, setting clear goals, encouraging a healthy work-life balance and ensuring strong security practices.
For a strong connected workforce, provide your employees with rugged devices, comfortable working setups and use video conferencing, chat applications and project management software to facilitate communication, accountability and camaraderie.
This extends to enabling antivirus software and multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all employee devices, as well as employee training and awareness on cybersecurity threats and risks. 53% of adults admitted they don't know how to protect themselves from cybercrime. When properly trained, however, every employee can be a valuable asset in the fight for an organisation’s strong cybersecurity.
Tech Innovations Driving Remote Work
Technological advancements are driving the efficiency and security of work around the world. Innovations in AI, machine learning and cloud computing are transforming how organisations manage connected teams.
Over the last decade, many industries have benefited from cloud computing. It provides flexible access to resources, enabling seamless collaboration and scalability. More recently, businesses have seen that AI has the potential to enhance security and device management by analysing data for potential threats and it is already proving a promising tool for assisting and augmenting employee workflows.
At Dynabook, we have also invested in hardware and software innovations. These include employing a honeycomb structure chassis, choosing magnesium as a 40% lighter alternative to plastics and aluminium and even designing our own BIOS to protect users and organisations against unwanted manipulation by third parties.
Cultivating Remote Employee Engagement
Employee engagement is crucial for productivity and job satisfaction in a remote work setting. Three-quarters of the Australian workforce say they are engaged, but organisations must remain vigilant, fostering continued engagement by promoting cultures of trust, accountability and transparency.
Employees rate upskilling and personal development as a top priority when it comes to their satisfaction at work. According to the indices of the Gallup Q12 Employee Engagement Survey, employees need opportunities to learn and grow, as well as the encouragement and support to do so.
Organisations must also work towards purposeful, clear and timely communication between employees and their managers, especially as a manager determines up to 70% of an employee’s experience at work. Alongside clear expectations and the undertaking of meaningful and purposeful work, regular recognition of achievements and maintaining a connected work environment are essential.
This holistic approach will enhance engagement and productivity. According to Gartner, engaged employees are 31% more likely to stay at their organisation, 31% more likely to go above and beyond and they contribute 15% more.
Building a Remote-Friendly Culture
In order to create a culture that supports connected work, organisations should encourage a healthy balance between employees’ work and personal life, offer dedicated support for dispersed employees and foster a culture of belonging and inclusivity.
One study found that remote workers were promoted 31% less frequently than their in-office coworkers and received less mentoring. An organisation must ensure all employees feel included and valued as part of the team and provide resources and support to help all employees succeed.
A culture of trust also includes judging and rewarding employees based upon output rather than hours worked. Flexible working hours can also accommodate different time zones and personal commitments for every employee.
Measuring Remote Work Success
Measuring the success of remote work initiatives is essential for continuous improvement. Organisations can track various metrics, such as productivity levels, employee engagement and the effectiveness of communication tools.
- Productivity: Monitor output and performance to ensure employees meet their goals.
- Engagement: Assess employee satisfaction and engagement through surveys and feedback.
- Communication: Evaluate the effectiveness of communication tools and practices.
- Security: Track the incidence of security breaches and the effectiveness of security measures.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE OF REMOTE WORK
The future of work will be shaped by continuous change, advancements in technology and evolving employee expectations. Organisations must stay ahead by adopting proactive approaches to cybersecurity, leveraging AI and fostering a supportive and engaging work environment.
To embrace the future of work, organisations should start to:
- Implement continuous risk management and enhance identity and access management.
- Use technology to streamline workflows, enhance security and improve productivity.
- Embrace remote management and maintenance to reduce costs and enhance efficiency.
- Equip employees with AI-enabled devices to optimise performance and productivity.
Remote workforce management is essential for future-proofing IT operations. By addressing the challenges, implementing best practices and leveraging technological innovations, organisations can create a resilient and efficient remote work environment that is not only prepared for the future, but looking forward to it.
