For work to be done efficiently and effectively synchronizing the different “home/virtual locations” and the main office, technology is needed to makes it happen.

There are myths out there that it is not possible to work remotely. These different myths have grown from year to year until COVID – 19 struck.

Most organizations had no choice but to give technology a try. That which looked impossible, which was touted as not do-able has been proven to be possible. One by one, the myths have been unraveled for what they really are – mere scarecrows.

Maybe you still hold on to the past, maybe you still have your doubts. The only way to prove or disprove anything is to actually give it a try and prove it for yourself.

If you are ready to explore the possibilities, then come along with me. We will look at some tools you can use to debunk these myths.

It is very important to understand what is really needed to work remotely and ensure you have what is just right for you, that way you can give yourself a fair chance of succeeding.

In my previous post https://legalstaging01.wpengine.com/working-remotely-in-a-global-pandemic/ I mentioned 5 working tools to consider when setting up a remote working system.

Here are basic categories of tools for you to use, that will keep the communication lines open between you and your employees or colleagues despite the fact that you are working from different locations.

1. Basic technical tools

• Get your employees a portable work computer. You can either buy or rent.
• Keyboard & mouse
• Internet connection
• Apps for their mobile devices: You should be subscribed to and making use of communication apps on their mobile devices.
• Scanner & printer if necessary

1. Communication tools

• Chat apps like Skype etc. This will help with communication and collaboration within your teams and the organization as a whole.
• Headsets for those who take or make calls like the customer care department etc. who need their hands free to type in information.
• A good reliable and consistent internet connection. There is nothing more frustrating and demotivating as a poor internet connection. It can be a real pain.

It is important to have regular meetings to keep in touch with each other and make sure everyone is aligned with the goals and objectives for the day, week, month etc. or project.

1. Meeting/Conference/Collaboration Tools

Conference and meeting apps like Google Meet, Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

You can read more about that here https://legalstaging01.wpengine.com/the-new-normal-way-of-business-and-work/

1. Accountability tools

Accountability tools are aimed at tracking progress on tasks, targets and goals.

• Sharing of goals: When goals are broken down and shared and tracked between employees and their managers, it helps employees see the value of their input to the overall objectives and the bigger picture.
• Sharing of calendars, makes it easy for managers to track and visualize what’s going on with everybody as regards activities and goals. Combined with time tracking, it helps with knowing how all employees are doing.
• The proof of the effectiveness of remote working lies in the numbers. Using the appropriate tools to create reports can help track your performance, productivity and other metrics.

If you have these basic tools in place you are well on your way to finding out for yourself if virtual work is a myth or not.

Are you trying to set up a virtual office to keep your firm operations going on as you observe the health guidelines? There are different things to take into consideration and put into place to help ensure an effective and efficient remote work system.

Do you need help? Are you thinking of setting up your firm to run virtually? You can talk with us. Click here to book a FREE consultation call, we can help you.