The emergence of remote work due to the COVID-19 lockdown presents a new reality. For business owners, particularly those leading small businesses or startups, the challenge extends beyond mere survival during this period. The aim is to ensure that their businesses not only weather the storm but also emerge from it even stronger.
Start-ups inherently carry a certainrisk factor , their role within the dynamic market is subject to constant change, and currently, their owners are grappling with the task of working from home. Numerous businesses of this nature operate with compact teams, although certain instances involve larger-scale operations.
In 2020, the business landscape underwent a significant transformation due to the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The prevalence of remote work increased notably, particularly among start-ups and their employees. However, the current scenario reflects a mixed state. While remote work was already a part of many employees' routines, numerous start-ups and their teams are still in the process of adapting to this fundamental shift in work dynamics.
Initially, the surge in remote work has introduced a heightened level of distractions. These distractions are compounded by limited opportunities for organic interactions with colleagues and increased social isolation. This cumulative effect invariably results in reduced overall productivity.
Amid the global trend of cancellations and postponements of sports events, India's cricket matches have experienced a similar outcome. Cricket, a sport that traditionally unites the diverse nation, has also impacted online betting sites in India and enthusiasts eagerly awaiting a return to normalcy.
Indian betting sites encountered unique challenges as businesses. The sudden absence of Cricket betting prompted them to explore innovative strategies to sustain themselves. Adapting creatively, they diversified by offering bets on ongoing markets and even incorporated casino games into their offerings. This strategic maneuver not only showcases astute business acumen but also provides a substantial response to the prevailing circumstances.
Amid the circumstances, online casinos encountered fewer challenges; however, they aimed to enhance their revenue streams by prioritizing their mobile casino activity . By refining their mobile services, they effectively bolstered their position, leveraging the situation to their advantage.
Naturally, the question arises, prompting employers to seek novel methods of managing and fostering collaboration among employees, while also facilitating increased avenues for employee connectivity. At Start-up City, we have compiled a selection of strategies to assist your start-up in navigating this scenario, offering valuable working-from-home tips for your workforce.
In the initial phase of remote work for teams, one of the crucial working-from-home tips for employees is to equip them with the necessary tools to enhance connectivity and productivity. Additionally, consider the following tips to ensure successful remote work:
Set Clear Expectations: Outline work expectations, deadlines, and communication guidelines to maintain clarity and efficiency.
Establish a Routine: Encourage employees to follow a consistent work routine, including set start and end times, breaks, and lunch hours.
Create a Dedicated Workspace: Suggest setting up a designated workspace at home to minimize distractions and boost concentration.
Regular Communication: Foster open communication through virtual meetings, team chats, and regular updates to stay aligned on projects.
Use Collaboration Tools: Leverage online collaboration tools for project management, file sharing, and real-time updates.
Encourage Breaks: Stress the importance of taking regular breaks to prevent burnout and maintain focus.
Stay Social: Promote virtual team-building activities and informal chats to maintain a sense of camaraderie.
Maintain Work-Life Balance: Remind employees to disconnect after work hours to prevent blending professional and personal boundaries.
By incorporating these additional tips, you can empower your team to thrive while working remotely.
Monitor work-from-home productivity using apps like Asana and Airtable. Foster communication through chat/messaging platforms like Slack and Microsoft Teams. Facilitate virtual meetings with video conferencing apps such as Zoom and Google Hangouts.
Amid a scenario of remote isolation, where everyone operates from different locations, these applications are designed to facilitate remote teamwork, ensuring seamless collaboration and alignment even in the absence of physical interaction.
Maintaining regular check-ins with the team is an imperative tip for successful remote work. With the shift to working from home, the familiar face-to-face interactions have changed, and casual office conversations are no longer feasible. Hence, instituting a daily check-in routine becomes paramount in setting priorities and nurturing connections.
Initiating a morning check-in through video chat, phone calls, or instant messaging can help restore a sense of normalcy. These sessions can be one-on-one or conducted within small groups. Utilizing video conferencing applications can replicate the essence of in-person meetings, ensuring a virtual version of the same interaction each morning.
In the past, traditional office employees often didn't require dedicated home workspaces. However, with the shift towards frequent remote work, it falls upon managers to promote the establishment of distinct home offices, separate from communal areas. This guidance serves as a pivotal tip for successful remote work. In certain instances, companies have gone as far as providing substantial stipends to assist employees in crafting suitable and productive remote work environments.
Creating dedicated workspaces is a strategic approach that empowers start-ups to facilitate seamless and efficient remote work for their teams. By establishing these spaces, employees can liberate themselves from typical home distractions. This initiative is especially beneficial for team members who are parents navigating school closures during lockdowns. An external office space can help maintain focus and productivity. But where exactly can this temporary workspace be located?
Designating a guest room, basement, attic, or walk-in closet as a dedicated workspace can effectively create a mental boundary between work and home environments.
Experiencing anxiety and stress in the current situation is completely understandable. Therefore, it falls upon team managers and start-up owners to shoulder the responsibility of safeguarding employees from potential side effects of remote work, such as loneliness and negative emotions. Providing emotional support becomes crucial in this regard and serves as a vital tip for nurturing productive remote teams.
Initiate the virtual office environment with a composed and positive demeanor. Make yourself more accessible than usual for check-ins and addressing queries arising from novel circumstances. Establish set virtual office hours and ensure your presence on instant messaging platforms throughout the day to assist and support your team members.
Leaders should also promote self-care practices among their employees, including engaging in regular exercise, prioritizing quality sleep, maintaining personal hygiene routines, and striving to maintain a sense of normalcy in their daily lives.
