Improving Remote Team Culture With Communication Tools

Remote work is fast becoming the new norm. With the pandemic displacing physical workplaces, organizations were forced to work remotely, and the trend is continuing. Boardroom meetings have given way to online conferencing, with Microsoft Teams becoming the most preferred platform for remote work. A study1 quoted in USA Today indicates that around 22 million Americans work remotely, making it equal to almost 14% of employed adults.

While many miss the camaraderie of a physical workplace, remote communication, and collaboration platforms have made several innovations to bridge the gap. Employees can now have virtual video conferencing, see each other, and have seamless communication within the confines of their homes. The popularity of digital workspace services such as Microsoft Teams shows remote workers crave a way to simulate the social and collaborative aspects of a traditional office.

When you see someone’s face and hear their voice, you feel much more of a connection with them than when you merely read the words they type. This is why group video communication tools and AV installations that facilitate video communication are so popular among remote teams.

One drawback of a remote workforce is it makes creating a workplace culture difficult. As workplaces adapt to this shift in work style, savvy companies use digital communication tools to simulate the social benefits of an in-person work culture. Leaders understand how important a strong team is to employee productivity. 

How does Remote Work Influence Team Culture 

Flexibility

With a remote working culture, your team can work from anywhere, be it at home or any location. This does away with the hassles of commuting, helps them spend more time with their family, and saves fuel costs. The remote work culture has also seen employees move to rural areas from cities where they work, easing the real estate space.

Enhanced Productivity and Engagement

Remote work presents a significant advantage in boosting productivity and engagement. Studies reveal that 81% of hybrid employees, 78% of fully remote employees, and only 72% of on-site employees report high engagement levels. However, this surge in productivity and engagement hinges on technological readiness.

Access to a Diverse Talent Pool

Remote work breaks the geographical barrier, expanding the potential talent pool for organizations globally. Recruitment becomes feasible without incurring relocation costs, fostering diversity in ideas, demographics, and skills. Research by the Harvard Business Review indicates a one-third decrease in call-backs for applicants living over 5 miles away in certain roles. Leveraging remote work mitigates location bias in recruitment, enhances organizational diversity, and taps into a richer talent reservoir.

Increased Employee Retention

A robust remote work policy attracts new talent and incentivizes existing employees to remain with the company. Surveys show that 74% of employees express increased loyalty to a remote work option, while Gallup findings suggest that 54% are willing to switch employers for more flexibility. Flexible work arrangements represent a cost-effective strategy to retain talent and boost morale.

Elevated Focus on Cybersecurity and Technology

The shift to remote work relocates employees, devices, and data beyond traditional office confines, heightening cybersecurity risks. Businesses must prioritize cybersecurity measures to safeguard against potential threats and ensure safe and efficient technology usage

Reduced Overhead Costs

Organizations enjoy substantial savings on real estate expenses as remote and hybrid work models require less office space. Additionally, overheads for office supplies, utilities, etc., are minimized. Before the pandemic, employers saved an average of $11,000 per employee working remotely for half the year, potentially doubling to $22,000 for full-year remote workers.

Embrace the Future of Work

Remote work emerges as the future of the workforce. Is your business prepared to adapt? Crossover offers solutions to streamline the recruitment of top remote talent, empowering you to enhance business efficiency and profitability.

With the above advantages of remote work, New Era Technology presents a perfect model for remote work options. Contact us for more information, and read our service offering on Communication and Collaboration.