Mobile workforce productivity is on the rise, with those who work remotely reporting 50 to 60 hour workweeks and many reporting working on the weekends. Nonetheless, improving the productivity of your mobile workforce should be at the forefront of your priorities. Here are eight best practices for mobile workforce productivity.
2. Introduction
Mobile workforce productivity is on the rise, with those who
work remotely reporting 50 to 60 hour workweeks and
many reporting working on the weekends. Nonetheless,
improving the productivity of your mobile workforce should
be at the forefront of your priorities. Here are eight best
practices for mobile workforce productivity:
3. 1. Operate Strategically
If you’re implementing a mobile workforce or overseeing
one that’s already in place, it’s essential that you operate
strategically. As such, the remote program should be
unequivocal in its goals, straightforward in its expectations,
and fully understood by management and employees alike.
4. 2. Embrace Flexibility
Working remotely and managing a mobile workforce
complete changes the traditional dynamic of workplace
practices. Adapting to this change and being flexible with
the new change is necessary. If your employees need a
professional workplace at times, offer it; if they need
services and support, provide it. Your employees, despite
working remotely, should still feel as though they have a
network of support and services if they need them.
5. 3. Don’t Allow Room for Idleness
A common complication experienced by managers of a
mobile workforce is the tendency for workers to slack
without a manager’s physical presence. To avoid this,
remain engaged with your employees and their work. While
you may not be able to sit down with employees face-to-
face, you can implement good communication practices,
host conference calls, and maintain consistency.
6. 4. Maintain High Expectations
From the initiation of your mobile workforce, there should
be no question as to what the expectations of your
employees are. Whether it’s deadlines, the amount of hours
worked, accessibility, or quality of work, make sure that you
maintain expectations that are equivalent or higher than
those you would enforce within a regular office.
7. 5. Stay Organized
When you’re managing a mobile workforce, there can often
be confusion over who’s assigned to what, when deadlines
are, or how employees can connect with each other and
share information. Preserving organization within your
company is essential to preserving high levels of
productivity. Using a project management tool that is
accessible by your employees is an apt way of ensuring
organization.
8. 6. Design a Training Program
An effective way to increase knowledge of newly
implemented mobile workforces’ practices is through a
detailed training program. Training should include a
thorough explanation of any necessary technologies or
management tools, as well as training concerning issues
such as how to be self-motivated; how to focus on results;
and how to effectively communicate when working
remotely.
9. 7. Create Policies for Mobile Working
Productivity will increase with the implementation of clearly
defined telecommuting policies regarding working remotely.
These policies should include standards about the
maximum number of hours an employee should work, how
communication will occur (emails, video conferencing,
phone, etc.), how often employees need to “check in,” what
tools employees require, and whether or not employees will
be required to attend in-person meetings.
10. 8. Be a Leader
A lack of direct leadership is one of the major culprits in
decreased productivity. Be diligent in your response to
employees’ questions or concerns; be aggressive in your
expectations and support; implement input from HR,
management, and employees; and be enthusiastic about
both the program and your employees.