Only 6% of individuals in the UK have the traditional 9 am to 5 pm jobs. The workplace is increasingly changing, and the workers are embracing new ideas. Remote and mobile working has become the norm for most companies.
The advent of technology has made it possible to have a valuable mobile workforce. Employees don’t have to be in the office to have work done. You need effective strategies to manage mobile workers.
Are you trying to manage a mobile workforce? Click here to learn seven ways to do this well.
Workplace communication is an essential part of increased business productivity. Contrary to the typical workplace, you can't post a memo at the reception, hoping that mobile workers will get the updates. You'll need to rely on communication technology to pass information.
Mobile employees need user-friendly technology. The communication software should be compatible with the workers' mobile devices. You need a system that will allow real-time communication even when workers are in transit.
Don’t limit communication to just one or two modes. You should have the option of video sharing, messaging, push to talk, calling, file sharing, and video chats. Besides, you need to have a feature for group conversations.
Your workers should feel connected despite the distance. Communication tools should further promote collaboration. The workforce is working towards a common goal, and being on the same page is necessary.
While the move towards a paperless office is gradually taking precedence, we are yet to get there. Physical paperwork in an office is somehow indispensable. You need to file tickets, service records, and receipts, among other crucial papers.
But what happens when you have mobile employees? To manage a mobile workforce, you'll need a plan on how to go about organizing the papers. One of the main challenges is the increased chances of document loss, damage, or misplacement.
Consider having an organizational system in your business vehicles. A portable system for filing documents is ideal. Your workers can put relevant papers in folders until they return to the office.
You can opt for electronic record-keeping for storing and transmitting papers. The technology reduces paperwork. The move saves time besides enhancing efficiency.
Regular communication is necessary when dealing with mobile workers. But too much calling can distract the drivers and cause unnecessary stress. Communicate when necessary.
In the office, overseeing meetings, operations, and managing time is possible. When you decide to have mobile workers, you’ll need to loosen up on micromanagement approaches. Trusting your workforce will be beneficial for you and your workers.
Set goals and focus on results. You can’t keep calling to know what your workers are doing each minute. Managing mobile workers should border on trust.
Interestingly, your less-managed workers might have significantly impressive results. Employees feel valued when you allow them to work on tasks unsupervised. Nonetheless, have metrics on the successful completion of projects.
The relationship you have with your workers determines their integrity when working away from the office. How do you approach issues? Do you know your workers individually?
If you have a good relationship with your employees, they will be loyal. You don’t have to worry about the workforce wasting your organisation’s resources when in the field. What’s more, you will hardly deal with workers’ conflict.
You can build a lasting relationship with your workers if you have an open, two-way communication. Encourage your staff to the air to you any of their concerns. Give feedback and address the issues raised.
Motivate your workers and delegate roles when necessary. Your employees will feel invaluable. The relationship you form with your staff will be evident in the loyalty they convey when working remotely.
While you don’t want to be bossy, you need to be firm to manage a mobile workforce effectively. Communication can never be sufficient. When there are no incomplete tasks, forgetting the mobile workers wouldn't be a surprise.
You can use technology to check in with your team. Get to know how things are running in the field. Not all workers are diligent enough to handle tasks as expected.
If you have drivers on the road, a management solution is necessary. You can invest in a technology that prevents mobile phone distraction while on the road. The move will save you from unnecessary accidents and fines.
Performance management is a crucial tool in organisational development and employee growth. This management tool incorporates functions such as performance review, goal setting, rewards, and feedback.
Understanding the performance of a mobile workforce can be a challenge. Invest in a tool that allows your workers to track and record their successes. Customer surveys can also be ideal performance management tools.
The information will help you gauge your mobile employees as individuals. Consequently, you can address issues with each worker as you foster a more stable relationship. Make sure to reward well-performing workers with relevant incentives.
In 2017, the National Health Service lost 162,000 documents besides the 702,000 known to be missing. The mishap shook the public's confidence in the agency. Document loss or theft is a factor that can cripple a business.
With a mobile workforce, having sensitive data out in the field is a scare. A case of stolen mobile phones or laptops is a threat to your business data. It is easier to protect documents in the office than in the field.
You’ll need to set stringent safety standards to protect your company’s data. Your mobile workers must adhere to the regulations towards enhancing information security. Prioritize the security feature when shopping for communication and document management software.
Mobile workers are a resource for any company. These workers spend less time with their families as they are ever on the road or in the field. Your management strategies should border on building your team other than reprimanding.
Have a balance between pursuing the company's goals and building exceptional working relationships. With a mobile workforce, promoting employee loyalty should be your primary aim.
Do you want to manage your mobile workforce with the latest technologies? Check out our services and give us a call.