by Alex Schnee
As more and more workplaces make the transition to working remotely, how different systems are organized might need to be changed. Files that might have been shared in-person or printed out might need to be kept in another, virtual location, while documents might need to be marked up on an online editor. With the adjustments, knowing where files are kept and that they are safe is of the utmost importance.
Here are four ways you can keep your business running effectively.
1. Make sure you know your processes
If you haven’t already, you’ll want to sit down with your team and discuss how your processes might be different than they were in the office. You might have to have items double checked, extra security in place, and more. If things are a bit different than they were when everyone is in the same workplace, then it can help to go through things again over video chat or through a presentation so that everyone feels solid on what they need to accomplish.
2. Provide ways to communicate
Communication is more important than ever when you are working with a remote team. As well as having email, you are also going to want to have a chat application available so you can convey messages quickly if necessary. There are dozens of these types of applications available, and you’ll want to choose the ones that work best for your type of communication style between employees and your industry. You’ll also want to make sure that employees are checking and answering their emails on a regular basis, as well.
3. Have the correct tools
A remote team might require more online tools than when you are in the office. This might include a cloud to keep documents, or an editor to help you with your contract lifecycle management. It might take you a few weeks or months in order to determine what exactly you will need, but it’s often worth investing in the right ones for you in order to help things run more smoothly. You might also want to poll your employees to see where they think your business could use some more organization and how you can find the right tools to solve these problems.
4. Keep files organized
It’s much more difficult to keep files organized when your team is in a number of places. If everyone has stored files with his or her own system, it might be time to create a concrete process that you use throughout the entire company. One way to do this is by having a company-wide call where you share what you would like everyone to do when it comes to naming files, storing them, and more.
In summary
Keeping organized is an important part of running an effective business, and when you’re remote, it’s more essential than ever before. Sitting down and communicating with your team can be the best way to make sure everything runs smoothly.
