Remote Employees Means No End to Dysfunctional Workplaces

Dysfunctional workplaces can be spotted a mile away. Work environments like these are full of demotivated employees who find it difficult to work and collaborate with each other. However, dysfunctional workplaces are not just confined to on-premises workforces.

A workplace can become dysfunctional despite fostering a hybrid or remote work culture. Even the best companies can find themselves stuck with workers who refuse to communicate properly and are unwilling to work together for a common purpose. So, let’s explore more about dysfunctional workplaces and see how remote employees can still impose dysfunctional workplaces.

Remote Employees – A New Norm in Corporate World

Ever since the pandemic and more use of digital technologies, the concept of remote working has been booming across the world. So, before we look at the role of remote employees and their contribution to workplace dysfunction, let’s take a look at what counts as remote work.

Remote employees execute their professional tasks from a location far from the on-site workplace. The nature of remote work varies from company to company. Some organizations have an entirely remote system where they hire employees who don’t come to the office and may be in different time zones. Other companies work on a hybrid system where employees can visit the office sometimes but work according to their choice of location. The hybrid system can work if a company has fewer personnel. Larger companies may require a combination of dedicated on-premises employees and remote employees to look after global operations.

What Makes a Workplace Dysfunctional with Remote Employees

Managing a workplace with a hybrid or remote work system can be challenging for management. It’s difficult to resolve issues when employees are in different locations and time zones. Therefore, there are many factors that can lead to a dysfunctional workplace, even with remote employees. Some of the main ones are listed below:

Low Visibility

It’s very human to believe what you see. This implies that people are more attuned to what they can observe and interact with in a physical sense, meaning that management might be more generous towards on-site employees versus remote ones. Supervisors may consider on-site workers to be more valuable because they can see and assess their contributions, while remote employees can become invisible. This may lead them to give preferential treatment to on-site workers, creating resentment among remote employees.

Moreover, on-site workers might enjoy quicker promotions, better relationships with management, and other perks, causing remote employees to feel distant and isolated. This can cause remote and on-site employees to avoid working together for common goals, thereby creating dysfunction in the workplace.

Stressed

Although remote-based working seems less stressful with more freedom, that’s not what is happening in reality. There are reports that remote employees tend to feel more stressed during work hours. Moreover, they lack stress relieving environments available on-premises, like in-person company, coffee breaks, small chit-chats, etc. This stressed behavior can reflect in their outcomes, thereby creating dysfunction in the workplace.

Digital Communication Errors

It may be hard to accurately communicate your message to someone who’s not physically present. To begin with, there are several technological issues at play, such as internet connectivity and time zone differences. Additionally, it might be more gratifying to explain tasks or communicate with someone who is physically in front of you. A workplace that includes remote workers necessitates constant digital communication.

Digital communication tools like emails, texts, or chats can have adverse effects in the workplace, especially while communicating with remote employees. Small nuances like tone, expression, and intent can get lost and mixed up through digital mediums, creating confusion and misunderstandings. Simple tasks can become complicated due to poor communication, and the relationship between remote and on-site workers can be rough. This sort of communication can negatively impact workplace culture, thereby resulting in dysfunction.

Little or No Friendship Between Workers

It’s hard to foster wholesome friendships between employees who never meet. Online friendships can only go so far, but it’s true that the proverbial water cooler bonding that occurs in on-site offices is essential. On-site workers aren’t easily able to bond with their remote counterparts due to time differences and distance, leading to dissonance and dysfunction in the workplace.

Discriminatory Attitude

If a company employs remote workers, they might see competition forming between them and on-site employees. On-site workers might feel it is unfair for them to have to put in physical hours while remote employees get paid the same amount but can work from anywhere. This can lead to internal conflicts where employees behave unprofessionally or refuse to work towards shared goals, thereby resulting in workplace dysfunction.

Management Mistakes

The one mistake that leaders can unintentionally make is keeping certain kinds of employees isolated from one another. They may keep either on-site or remote workers in the dark about different projects, causing resentment to develop between them. Not only does this hamper communication and friendship, but it also stops employees from being able to trust each other. This can increase dysfunction, especially as remote workers aren’t around the office as much as their counterparts.

Lack of Contribution to New Ideas

On-site workers get to experience productive collective sessions and huddles where they can come up with new ideas. However, such collaborative environments are missing for remote workers. So, remote employees who lack trust and visibility with their team might not be inclined to work towards a shared goal. They might feel demotivated and unwilling to innovate or switch things up, thereby triggering an environment of dysfunction.

Final Thoughts

Remote employees have become a veritable necessity in modern times for many companies. Although remote-based working showcases fruitful outcomes in many ways, it is not easy to manage a hybrid workforce. Moreover, remote working is not helping much in addressing dysfunctional workplaces. As discussed above, certain consequences can result in a dysfunctional workplace. To sum up, remote work cannot be the solution to workplace dysfunction. Rather, remote employees can usher in new workplace conflicts that increase dysfunction altogether.

Is Microsoft in Trouble? Tech Giant Announces Another Round of Mass Layoffs While Google Announces 88% Growth Since 2020

Microsoft let go a significant number of workers last month, in a continuing round of layoffs that began earlier this year. While the tech giant didn’t verify the precise number, authentic sources like Axios have mentioned that around 1000 employees lost their jobs. The layoffs were cross-departmental, leading analysts to the conclusion that Microsoft isn’t faring too well.

Microsoft seemingly confirmed this conclusion as a spokesperson talked about how the company has to take another look at its priorities and “make structural adjustments”, according to a report by CNBC. They also said that sales for Windows licenses for PCs have been slowing down, leading to possible panic.

A Look at Microsoft’s Layoffs

The most recent layoffs affect less than 1% of Microsoft’s staggering workforce of 181,000 employees, but they still might be cause for some concern. The company reiterated that these were structural changes and it will add additional workers in the upcoming year. However, news from other sources has been grim, with Gartner reporting a 12.6% decline in global PC sales and shipments when compared to the second quarter of 2021.

These October layoffs have been the third wave of such occurrences, with Microsoft slashing roles and shutting down new openings earlier during the year. The company also announced a 10% revenue growth plan in the fiscal first quarter, the lowest in the last five years. While the job loss has been spread across departments, gaming and government services sustained the deepest impact.

Layoffs in the Tech World

The general economic situation, geopolitical tensions, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict are just some of the factors that have impacted Big Tech in a negative way over the past two years. Add a possible threat of looming recession and you have the perfect combination of fear and panic that leads to people losing their jobs. According to Crunchbase, approximately 32,000 employees across the U.S. tech industry have lost their jobs since July.

These layoffs are at the door of massive names in the tech industry. Elon Musk just announced a mass layoff that gets rid of 50% of Twitter’s employees, in a move he claims is unavoidable. The alternative was costing Twitter a loss of around $4 million a day. Musk has joined the ranks of other tech giants like Meta, Salesforce, Netflix, Coinbase, and Oracle, which has considered mass layoffs to save millions of dollars.

The Case for Google (Alphabet)

The pandemic has turned out to be very beneficial for the growth of Google. From 2020 to September 2022, the company’s annual revenue has grown by over 71%. This shows a promising and glowering future of Google ahead. However, the extra revenue boost with the pandemic has slowed down a bit now. Moreover, the economic crunch has somehow snapped at Google’s door too, as the company cut roughly 50% of its Area 120 staff earlier this year. Google chose to proceed with quiet layoffs, which is where companies reorganize teams and subtly ask employees to find new roles. It’s a way of easing them into it, though losing your job can never be easy.

These cuts came after the CEO announced a necessary increase in productivity across the company. He said that a 20% productivity boost is crucial for the business to keep running smoothly. The decision for these layoffs came after a mass hiring wave in the last two to three years, with the CEO saying that growth at Google has been slower than he would have liked. The layoffs will streamline and simplify company processes.

Microsoft Vs. Google: A Look at Growth

Despite the mass layoffs, both tech giants have been faring pretty well in terms of growth. Microsoft reported $51.9 billion in total group sales in the fourth quarter ended June 30, 2022, a 12% increase in comparison to last year’s same quarter. Alphabet/Google experienced a 13% boost in its year-on-year revenue, but saw a loss in profits by 14%. However, Google did report a 12% increase in revenue from online advertising, equaling $56.3 billion.

Both tech giants have reported lower revenues when compared to historic data, but this doesn’t mean that either of them has slowed down with growth. In fact, Microsoft has reported an operating income of $20.5 billion, an increase of 6% if compared to last year’s quarter. Microsoft is also enjoying revenue from its cloud, reporting $25.1 billion in the June quarter and $25.7 billion in the September one.

However, Google Cloud has been catching up despite comprising around 1/4th of Microsoft’s Cloud business. Google Cloud reported a revenue of $6.276 billion in Q2 and then $6.868 billion in Q3, showing an increase of $592 million. That’s very close to Microsoft’s $600 million revenue jump.

How does Mass Layoffs Impact Investors?

While mass layoffs may be a cause for concern to the larger public, investors may have a different view. In certain cases, investors feel safer when companies lay off employees because this means an increase in overall profits and strategic cost cutting. Investors get more bang for their buck and enjoy higher dividends.

Both Microsoft and Alphabet/Google present strong portfolios and have distinct competitive advantages. The companies have rapidly growing cloud businesses, excellent and multiple growth drivers, solid financials, and a history of good decisions to back them up. Google might be the slight better bet when it comes to investing, but that’s only because it presents a high annual ROR (Rate of Return) at the moment.

Which Tech Giant is in Trouble?

The truth is that neither Microsoft nor Google are floundering in any way. The mass layoffs indicate a larger problem across the tech industry and have affected workforce in companies, like Meta, Snap, Netflix and more. Employment compensation was reported to be the most expensive cost for a number of these companies and had to be cut out. This doesn’t mean that the companies aren’t doing well.

Both Microsoft and Google have their fingers in many pies, figuratively speaking, and while they might have had to scale back from certain areas, they’re expanding into others. While Google seems like the better choice to invest in due to Google Cloud’s rapid growth, Microsoft has a vast and diverse portfolio, meaning that the company isn’t facing any serious stagnation or losses. For the major part, the trouble is being experienced by the workforce and not Microsoft or Google.

How To Avoid IT Downtime In The Workplace 

Information technology (IT) manages and operates the hardware, software, and network that allows information to be collected, shared, stored, and accessed. It’s central to current workplace operations—regardless whether it’s a small business or a global enterprise. However, companies may struggle with IT downtime when there’s no efficient IT management plan. 

What Is An IT Downtime? 

IT downtime is any unplanned interruption in using IT systems. The causes of IT downtime include natural disasters, computer viruses, human error, and hardware failure. 

The cost of IT downtime can be high. For example, if a business has to shut down for one day due to a virus or other malware infection, this could cost them thousands of dollars in lost revenue.

Importance Of Efficient IT Management Plan

The IT department is one of the most crucial departments in any organization. It is responsible for keeping all the systems running smoothly and efficiently, from servers and networks to desktops and laptops. In case of any issues or problems, it is the responsibility of the IT team to fix them.

With many companies offering IT-related services, you must distinguish IT staff augmentation vs managed IT services to select which one model best fits your business. 

Hiring a credible managed IT services provider for round-the-clock support should be one of the first things enterprises should look into.

Ways To Avoid IT Downtime

Below are some courses of action that can be taken to avoid IT downtime in the workplace. Ideally, your IT team should be the one to perform these tasks. 

1. Have A Backup Plan 

Make sure you have an offsite backup of all your company’s data. You never know when disaster might strike, so having a backup will save you time and money if something goes wrong. External hard drives can be an excellent option for storing your data in an emergency, but if you want to ensure that your files are safe from natural disasters and cyber attacks, consider cloud storage solutions. 

Your backup plan must include the following considerations: 

  • A Secondary Site: If you have more than one facility, consider using a secondary site as your backup location. This way, if there’s an issue with your primary location, your employees can still do their jobs and access the necessary data from the secondary site. 
  • A Remote Access Solution: This service enables your employees to securely access network resources from any location using a virtual private network connection or other secure communications channel.  
  • A Clear Disaster Recovery Plan: Your plan should include detailed instructions on how employees will respond in an emergency and what steps the management and IT personnel need to follow to access the backup data and continue operations as quickly as possible after an outage occurs. 

2. Test Your Backup System Regularly 

Another essential step to avoid IT downtime in your workplace is testing your backup system regularly. Doing so lets you know exactly how long your networks will come back online after an outage and what works best when restoring data from backups after a crash or power outage. 

Test the speed at which your employees can access their files if they’re stored on a cloud server or other remote location. You can do this by shutting down the server for a few minutes and letting employees re-access their files. This will give you an idea of how quickly they can get up and running in case of a power outage or other disruption affecting your business’s IT infrastructure. An important thing to note is that tests should be conducted outside active hours. 

3. Always Update Your Software 

One of the most common causes of downtime is outdated software, so you must update any software regularly. Failure to update your operating system or antivirus software regularly can lead to data loss and other issues that are very costly. 

Updating software is not that complicated. You can set up automatic updates so that you are always working with the latest software versions. For software updates that take a lot of time, it’s best to schedule them on weekends. 

4. Invest In Firewalls 

If any device in your office has been infected with a virus or other malicious software, it could cause severe damage to your entire network and even result in a full-on cyber-attack on your company’s network. 

To secure your office computers, it is crucial to invest in firewalls and antivirus software to protect all devices against these threats in real time. When choosing firewalls, you must ensure that they are compatible with all of the computers currently used by your employees. If you have outdated systems, there could be problems when trying to get them up and running again after an attack. 

5. Invest in Power Management

Invest in a generator for back-up power: Ensure uninterrupted IT operations by  investing in a generator, with the addition of continuous fuel delivery by Specialty Fuel Services to mitigate the risk of IT downtime, at least until you get your main source of power back up.

Key Takeaway 

Since the advent of information age, IT has become an indispensable component in business operations. IT downtime can significantly affect your entire organization by making you vulnerable to data threats and reducing the productivity of your staff. You should not only have an IT team at your service but also an efficient IT management plan to avoid IT downtime. By taking the time to devise a plan for addressing downtime, you can save a substantial amount of money in the long run. Other advantages of avoiding IT downtime include maintaining workplace morale, brand image, and customer satisfaction.

Top Investments for the Office Worker

Numerous CEOs, journalists, and bloggers have claimed that the office has never been more vital or is completely extinct following a significant work-from-home trial. These contradicting messages might perplex firms trying to resume pre-Covid commercial activities while keeping their personnel secure. Over the past several weeks, we have been talking to businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors from all points along the real estate value chain to establish how and how long the next phase of the contemporary office may take.

Many employees, particularly those with modest incomes, cannot work entirely from home. However, businesses like Twitter may permanently implement rules allowing employees to work from home. Others, like Apple, could demand that workers start showing up in person at their offices again. Additionally, some companies may use hybrid tactics, in which staff members alternate between working remotely and in-person with coworkers.

Badges for less Physical Contact

Even when lockdowns are over, we’ll be dealing with the effects of coronavirus for a very long time. Touchless offices and clever social distancing will become commonplace. This, in our opinion, will influence everything from touchless technology to workplace design. Additionally, applications and technology will be available to manage workers in faraway places or minimize office occupants. Intelligent badges will even warn us over the Internet if we approach coworkers too closely.

Office Headsets

The office headset has developed into more than just a requirement and also more than just a cool technological gadget. Headsets have become essential for those who use a radio, a cell phone, or even a standard phone at work. Worldwide, enterprises have realized the value of headsets in ensuring productivity and mobility in the workplace. Because of this, more companies are searching for wireless headsets of the highest caliber. As this is essential to invest in, we recommend carefully selecting your options; see this review for a Plantronics office Headphone

Cloud Computing

Without the direct and active administration of the user, on-demand access to digital resources is made available via cloud computing. Your data is not kept on a server on your property; instead, it is retained on a server someplace else. Internet connectivity, security, dependability, and network access advancements have increased this availability and appeal. Cloud technology guarantees that your data are always available and that access is constantly active, facilitating a shift to more mobile, flexible, and hybrid working styles. Many of Xerox’s top software solutions are entirely, or at least optionally, cloud-based, and our machines are cloud-ready right out of the box.

EnGenius Durafon

A long-range cordless phone from EnGenius Durafon increases mobility at work. Imagine broadcasting from phone to handset in a warehouse up to 250,000 square feet or on a school campus with the most extended range of capabilities. Consider the potential for higher earnings and productivity if store managers and employees accept calls while managing store inventories. Products made using EnGenius Durafon make these ideas a reality. The DuraFon is a dependable and reasonably priced option for your communication needs, thanks to its robustness, usability, and extended range capabilities.

BYOD

Our teams may be provided with more customized and targeted devices and services as we share fewer gadgets with our coworkers. An as a service approach can frequently make it easier to handle such personalized technologies. Cloud technologies and subscription-style contracts that simplify switching and modifying office equipment will have a big influence on lowering upfront hardware expenses. To encourage more BYOD working, some offices would even relocate. Businesses can increase efficiency by, for instance, allowing staff to use their own smartphones, but there are drawbacks as well. BYOD may cause shadow IT problems, or those that are not supported by IT departments, as well as privacy and security difficulties.

Conclusion

Cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) are expected to continue to grow, supporting mobile, hybrid, and flexible teamwork. While this is going on, the tools we use to accomplish it will advance, reducing the noise and fostering a revitalized feeling of health alongside the desire for effectiveness, security, and productivity. As we, hopefully, start to move through the worst of the lockdowns, we also anticipate that environmental concerns will rise back up the list of priorities.

Return to the Office Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Business leaders invested in the idea of returning to the office need to find practical and actionable answers to the following questions to complete this transition successfully.

You may want to know how to plan the entire process. Then how to communicate this request efficiently so it doesn’t backfire in higher turnover rates. And most importantly you need to know what incentives will attract your employees to work from the office often. 

The workplace has changed irreversibly over the past two years, bringing changing employees’ needs. This is why the entire return to the office process can be challenging and time-consuming. If you want to overcome these challenges and apply the work model that best suits your employees’ needs and your business goals, keep reading. 

Here you’ll find ways developed in collaboration with clevercontrol how to create welcoming and motivating work environments that may boost your team collaboration and employee productivity.

You can learn more about reinventing your hybrid work policies, using advanced technology like employees monitoring software, project management platforms, and wayfinding apps, and adjusting benefits to better fit your employees’ changing needs.

Understanding Different Work Models

The hybrid work model has proven to be the most effective and desirable among employees, providing a happy middle between the office-based and work-from-home. Offering a hybrid model to your employees instead of insisting on working from the office full time may motivate them to visit the office and socialize with colleagues frequently. 

But how to decide when and who will work from the office? This choice has become easier since you can opt for 3 workplace models depending on your goals and leadership style.

  • Choice-based model is perfect if you want to let employees choose when they want to come and work from the office. This option offers increased flexibility, leaving workers to decide when office-based work makes them more productive and when they want to work remotely.
  • The schedule-based model represents a carefully devised weekly, monthly, or even quarterly plan of days when you expect your employees to work from the office. You may use this model in an onboarding process when you want your new employees to create meaningful relationships with their co-workers by meeting and working in person.
  • Purpose-based model is ideal when you want to boost cross-team communication and collaboration while working on critical tasks and projects. 

This model also helps you determine which employees can work fully remotely. Or the roles that require full-time work from the office.

A better understanding of different hybrid work models will help you choose and apply the office work schedule that best reflects your employees’ needs and your boosting interpersonal interactions and collaboration. 

Deploy Technological Solutions to Boost Collaboration and Productivity

You need to rely on advanced tools and apps to create a fully functional and productive workplace. Whether it’s remote or hybrid. Many businesses have reached out for project management platforms and staff monitoring to keep track of their projects and employee productivity when they switched to working fully remotely. 

You can keep using these effective apps when your employees return to the office. Even though you may think that your employee will work harder in the office under your watchful eye, you can always turn to real-time data monitoring to check how their performance fluctuates during the day or compare their productivity levels on their office days with performance data from their remote days.

These valuable insights will help you determine when your workers may benefit from going to the office and what tasks demand increased focus and are more effectively completed when employees work remotely.

Workplace Benefits Need to Reflect Changing Employee Needs

If you want to attract more employees to start working from the office in the post-covid era, you need to cater to their needs when it comes to benefits. The serious health and existential crises the entire world has gone through over the past two years incited employees worldwide to question their values and put their well-being and work/life balance into the limelight. 

So occasional free lunch and happy hour may not be sufficient incentives for employees seeking a psychologically safe workplace where they can openly share their ideas and suggestions and thrive personally and professionally. 

To create work environments that check all these boxes, try to offer lounges where employees can decompress and reenergize. Create spaces for brainstorming where they can exchange ideas and work on innovations with their colleagues. Also, make your offices pet-friendly and offer healthy food stations or spaces for exercise within the premises.

5 Techniques to Optimize Any Remote Workspace for Better Productivity

As anyone working remotely knows, you have to think about your workspace and make sure it is comfortable and well-equipped. The quality of your remote workspace definitely has an influence on your productivity. A calm, well-organized space with all the tools and equipment you need allows you to produce your best work. Here are five techniques to help you optimize your remote workspace.

1. Have the Right Tools and Equipment in Place

It’s vital to have the right tools and equipment in place for you to be comfortable and productive when working remotely. Consider what you lack that could prevent you from working your best and find solutions. 

Ergonomic Office Furniture

Think about buying an ergonomic office chair. Your employer may be willing to subsidize its purchase. Try to replicate the type of equipment you used while working in an office. If we’re used to using two monitors, consider using two at home. 

The Right Software

When it comes to software, there is probably a wide range of cloud-based software your employer will expect you to use for communication, productivity, sharing information, and managing tasks. You need to make sure it’s all properly installed and up to date. 

A Smoothly Operating Computer

No matter where you work, your computer has to work optimally. If you are using a Mac and it begins to work slowly, try to clean up the hard drive to get more storage and ensure faster operations. This improves worker productivity and saves a lot of time for the organization. 

2. Minimize Distractions

One of the main reasons for a lack of productivity when working remotely is that you have too many distractions. Not having a dedicated workspace makes it very hard to minimize distractions, such as interruptions from kids, knocks at the door, etc. According to Lensa, employee experience and motivation go together with engagement to boost productivity.

A Dedicated Workspace

Having a dedicated workspace allows you to establish better boundaries. When you enter your workspace, your brain knows it’s time to concentrate. When you leave the space at the end of the time, it knows you are done for the day.

A Schedule

Sticking to a schedule will help you to avoid distractions. When you allocate time for certain tasks, breaks, etc., you will be more productive. For example, email notifications can distract your focus. Turn them off and allocate a specific time every day to attend to them. 

3. Optimize Natural Light in Your Workspace

If you regularly experience headaches, eye strain, and blurred vision, your workspace may not have enough natural light. Think about repositioning your desk to take advantage of natural light. Natural lighting in your workspace has many proven benefits. Studies show that when you’re exposed to natural light, you will sleep better and enjoy better health. You tend to be more engaged and productive when you work in natural light.

4. Invest in Good Storage

There’s nothing worse than a chaotic, disorganized mess that affects your productivity. Think about investing in some wall shelving for storage. This will allow you to optimize your floor space. Good storage solutions make it easier to find what you need when you need it. Tidying your desk at the end of the day helps you to approach work the next morning with a clean slate. 

5. Keep Junk Food Away From Your Desk

If you want to feel energized and focused, you need to watch what you eat. Maintaining a nutritious, balanced diet will give you the fuel you need to increase your productivity. 

  • Pay attention to what you eat for your main meals and take a break to eat lunch. 
  • Avoid eating junk food while at your desk. Junk food will give you a temporary lift from the extra sugar and refined carbs, but this is followed by a crash that makes you feel more like sleeping than working. 
  • If you want to snack, try snacking on fruit or nuts instead. They will keep you feeling full for longer and enhance your productivity. 

Conclusion

Discomfort, a lack of boundaries, an unhealthy diet, and disorganization are just some of the factors that can make your motivation and productivity drop significantly when working remotely. By using the above techniques, including developing a dedicated workspace with the right tools, equipment, and storage, you will find working remotely a happier, more fulfilling, and more productive experience. 

Remote vs. In-Office: The Conflict Between Businesses and Workers and Where It’s Headed

Businesses worldwide have struggled to make sense of the remote vs. onsite work debate. The last two years saw a rise in remote working, with numerous offices closed for months if not years. While businesses are almost back to usual now, some employees still prefer to work remotely, while others insist on working onsite.

This conflict between remote and onsite workers is a tricky one. It gets murkier when you consider the employers’ point of view. Tensions can be high between all these groups as each tries to manage the work in the best way possible. Businesses are trying to focus on collaboration, schedule management, and commuter perks to smooth over these conflicts, but some issues haven’t been resolved. So, let’s explore in detail the remote vs. in-office conflict.

Conflicts Between Businesses and Workers over Remote vs. On-Site

Here are some of the conflicts that businesses are finding themselves currently:

1. Work-Life Balance

While some remote workers have established productive and flexible routines that give them time both for professional and personal tasks, others haven’t been able to do so. The danger of remote work is that it can blur the lines between work hours and free time. Many remote workers may feel like their company is taking advantage of this irregularity.

Businesses that haven’t set down proper schedules for remote workers will find that there is an immense conflict between themselves and the two sets of workers. Remote workers may be irked by their on-site counterparts’ clean schedule, while on-site workers might find they don’t find enough time to spend at home or with family. This inconsistency can cause workers from either side to leave their remote flexible jobs in search of one a better work-life balance.

2. Fair Pay

On-site workers may have issues with remote employees being paid the same wages as them, considering they don’t have to commute to work. Businesses also struggle here because creating a policy that pleases everyone can be tricky. If they promise additional benefits to on-site workers, their remote employers will raise an outcry, and if they continue in the same vein, on-site workers might get up and quit.

3. Exclusion from the Team

Exclusion conflict affects all three parties, i.e., remote workers, on-site workers, and the organization itself. Remote workers might feel excluded from important decision-making because they may not be able to attend spontaneous meetings or other crucial events.

On the other hand, on-site workers may feel frustrated because collaborating with remote workers online can become tiring after a while. They might feel that work gets done quicker when everyone is at the office and contributing to the meeting together. When it comes to team dynamics, both remote and on-site workers can feel disconnected from one another. This can affect the overall productivity and morale of the team.

Managers can find themselves in the middle of this conflict because there can be delays in decision-making. Moreover, communication breakdowns like these can ruin team dynamics, meaning managers must do much more to get remote and on-site workers to collaborate.

4. Time Zones

If a company has remote workers in different cities or countries, the difference in time could lead to conflict. On-site workers might have to delay their tasks until their remote teammates can work on them according to their time zone. Similarly, remote workers who have to wait for office hours for on-site workers will feel frustrated by the difference. This is tricky for a business to navigate because it would require one of two options, i.e., asking remote workers to change their timings to suit on-site workers or vice versa. Either way, one group of employees will feel resentful and alienated.

5. Where All This is Headed

According to a Forbes report, the most productive workers were neither remote nor on-site, rather, hybrid employees produced the best results and performed best. However, remote workers were found to be more effective than both hybrid and on-site employees. This could be due to remote workers working past their scheduled time and finishing tasks deep into the night.

Corporate work has been permanently transformed, and there is a low chance of things returning to the way they were. Rather, there may be an increase in hybrid workers or a hybrid structure, where some employees work from the office, and others stay remote. It’s up to the organization to create balance and address each group’s concerns.

Possible Ways to Resolve Conflicts

While remote vs. in-office seems like a tightrope situation, there are several actions that companies can take to resolve these conflicts:

  • Offer additional stipends to on-site workers to compensate for their commute and taxes instead of reducing remote workers’ base salary.
  • Create a schedule that shows cut-off hours for remote workers and ensure that all managers and supervisors follow this. Alternatively, and/or additionally, offer overtime pay to remote workers who have to stretch their hours.
  • Offer moving services to help workers better resolve their work life conflicts. Particularly in large cities, a offering a service like NYC Movers can be a greatly benefit workers who need this option.
  • Organize weekly or bi-monthly check-ins to ensure that remote and on-site workers are communicating in a sociable way. This will increase collaboration and create a sense of mutual trust. Ensure on-site workers loop in remote employees during spontaneous meetings or discussions.
  • Create a flexible time-zone policy if you have workers across countries or cities. Organize meetings where teams can discuss important tasks all together so they can continue working on them on their own time.

Wrapping Up – Retain your Top Talent

The current workforce model confuses most organizations because employees struggle to adapt to on-site and remote work. Businesses should make it easier for workers to be productive and create schedules regardless of whether employees work in the office space or from their homes.

Mediating these issues will ensure that you increase your employee retention rate and don’t lose your top performers. As the Forbes report pointed out, these could very well be remote workers who’re putting in the hours but feeling alienated or isolated. Discuss options with your HR team and create a flexible policy that strikes a balance for both groups.

Make Corporate E-learning a Positive Experience for Your Workforce

There are various advantages of eLearning, but two of the most essential ones are higher productivity and decreased turnover.

In this digital world, many organizations are looking towards e-learning as a way to improve their productivity and effectiveness. In our ever-changing society, employees must have access to updated information so that they can be productive in the workplace while also learning new skills as required. However, organizations now have access to LMS platforms such as mindflash, where they can include courses to develop their employees’ skills.

As an organization, you should focus your staff training on how your firm works. You can provide employees with comprehensive training, including how to perform their job, but you won’t be able to engage them if you don’t express any interest in helping them develop. Employees will leave if they are not engaged with your training. We’ve described below how eLearning can improve the employee experience.

1. Invest in Quality and Diversity

Today, a growing number of organizations and learners are opting for integrated platform courses in nearly every field. Online learning programs are largely targeted at giving the greatest potential learning results in the digital realm, therefore contributing to educational institutions’ overall goals.

Organizations should invest in digital learning programs’ because they allow them to adapt to the diverse learning needs of their employees. While some people prefer to learn visually, others recommend learning in a more authentic and hands-on manner. As a result, institutions can use information that appeals to different learning types and strengthen their approach through collaborative learning.

Investments in e-learning programs give instructors access to course-specific behavioral marketing analytics, allowing them to provide students with early and personalized interventions. As a result, it is critical to assist them in connecting with the extra social and academic assistance they may require to succeed.

2. Analyze Your Learners 

When developing an e-learning course, it is critical to establish clear objectives. You don’t want the sessions to linger, be long-winded, or fall short of their objectives. Analyzing your learners is one of the best methods to establish clear success metrics for your e-learning course. 

This may appear simple, yet it is easy to overlook during the planning process. It’s crucial to keep in mind who will be using the software as you examine the information to cover, distribution choices, and other course-specific considerations.

3. Keep It Short and to the Point

Everyone has had that instructor in the past who couldn’t keep a lecture short. You should not be that person for your workforce. Make certain that your e-learning course only contains necessary material. Remember, you’re not teaching fragile college kids who spend their days sitting in class and doing homework.

These are those that organize work schedules. Not only that, but they are committed enough to their employees to send them to corporate education programs to advance their knowledge.

Conclusion

Courses are created in digital learning programs created to enhance instructor-student and student-peer interactions through a range of important, effective, and collaborative educational tools and methods. The goal of each session is to develop an interactive environment in which students may actively participate in the learning experience. Due to the use of short-format materials, e-learning has experienced substantial growth in the number of prospective learners in the workplace.

Today, more and more organizations see the value of developing online learning programs since they place effective teaching control in the hands of students. They have power over not just what they want to learn, but how and when they want to study it. This results in significantly improved outcomes and helps educational institutions enhance their processes and primary objectives.

Advice to the Remote Team and Their Clients: How to Work Effectively in Different Time Zones?

Companies who want to take advantage of services offered in other countries must have remote staff. It emphasizes that excellent collaboration, communication, and consistency are necessary ingredients for the success of a remote team’s mission and vision are vital while working across several time zones. It is also essential to have productive remote staff to ensure the firm’s success.

But how do remote team members overcome the difficulties of working in different time zones? How do they effectively work and collaborate across the globe? Today’s article will provide you with best practices or advice to successfully cope with working in remote and for international clients.

Five Tips for Working Successfully in Different Time Zones

A dedicated development team who collaborates with clients across the globe may face many challenges. As a result, there are a plethora of practices to acquire; however, not all are for everyone. Here is the best advice for working successfully in a remote team.

1. You Should Understand Timezone Limits

As a remote staff, timezone is the first to consider that you need to understand. Therefore, it is critical to be aware of its limitations and scope. Clear communication about timezone boundaries with your team helps the remote works progress and deliver quality service to its clients.

Attending team and headquarters meetings may be challenging. Likewise, declining encounters arranged outside your regular working hours may be difficult. But, instead of thinking of dropping, you may suggest alternative options that may reasonably accommodate you and your teammates.

2. You Should Adopt Virtual Tools and Processes

It is common for remote work environments to have various tools and processes to communicate with the team, headquarters, and clients. These tools are significant for adapting, learning, and performing at a high level. Take advantage of these tools to help you build stronger working relationships and deliver excellent customer service.

Communication cannot happen simultaneously in a team that covers multiple time zones. You don’t have time to clarify your meaning. Therefore, clear written communication is critical. Taking into account the needs of others may not be a typical method of working for those who work in the same time zone or region. Instead, use virtual communication options such as voice mail or chat apps.

3. You Should be Mindful of Cultural Matters

To work with different nationalities means working with different cultures and behavior. In some aspects, it is crucial to understand that other team members are not of the same culture as you. Their cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds significantly impact communication, collaboration, and work schedules. Therefore, finding a compelling way to communicate with them is always better.

On the other hand, for a productive and welcoming work environment for their remote workforce, firms should exhibit awareness, allow room for varied cultural representations to thrive, and drive the creative process ahead.

4. You Should Know When to be Flexible

Becoming a good team player often means going the extra mile to contribute to the team’s success. For example, that means getting up earlier or staying longer than usual. As long as it doesn’t become a habit, making a minor sacrifice to meet your coworkers face-to-face is fine.

However, being both strict and flexible at the same time is not always possible, and it is essential to make your team leader and members aware of this. You should know when to be flexible to avoid burnout and continue working efficiently.

5. You Should Appreciate the Experience

Working from home is a fantastic experience and working in a remote team is educational. The excitement is encouraging. Make the most of the opportunity and reach your full potential. Managing a global team and living in multiple time zones is challenging. Learn and embrace the experience; not everybody has the opportunity to work in an international group which provide many significant benefits.

Wrapping Up

It is crucial to have a well-organized group for different timezone settings. It will be difficult for anyone engaged to keep on track if they do not have the appropriate organization. In addition, ensuring that everyone knows their roles and duties is essential to avoid confusion.

As a member of a remote team, on the other hand, you must be aware of your tasks and responsibilities, as well as practical working methods. Remote employees may follow the tips in this article to work efficiently in different time zones. These principles will help the company succeed and make the remote workforce happy.

Create an Engaging and Interactive Presentation With Screen Sharing

Giving a presentation can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! By following a few simple tips, you can make sure your presentation is informative and engaging for your audience.

Screen sharing can be a great way to help keep your audience engaged. Using creative methods for presenting your information, you can ensure that your presentation will be remembered long after it’s over!

Why is Giving Presentations Important?

Giving presentations is vital for a variety of reasons.

  1. First, it helps build confidence. When you stand up in front of a group of people and deliver a well-organized presentation, it can boost your self-esteem and sense of accomplishment.
  2. Second, presentations are a great way to learn. Preparing for a presentation requires research and critical thinking, skills that can be transferred to other areas of your life.
  3. Third, presentations provide an opportunity to share your ideas with others. If you have an innovative idea or a new perspective on a topic, presenting it to others can help generate interest and discussion.
  4. Finally, presentations can help build relationships. When you give a presentation, you have the chance to connect with your audience and create a rapport with them. Whether you seek clients, customers, or employers, establishing personal connections is key to success.

For all these reasons, giving presentations is an important skill to develop.

What is Screen Sharing, and Why is it Important for Presentations?

Presentations are a vital part of many businesses and organizations. They provide an opportunity to share information and ideas with colleagues, clients, and customers. Many presentations these days use screen sharing, a process of sharing digital content from one computer screen with another.

Screen sharing can be used for various purposes, including demonstration, collaboration, and co-viewing. It is an essential tool for many presenters, as it allows them to share PowerPoint slides, websites, videos, and other types of digital content with their audience.

Screen sharing is typically done through a program or app installed on both the presenter’s and the audience’s computers. The presenter then shares their screen with the audience, who can see the same content that the presenter sees on their own screen. This allows everyone in the audience to follow along and see the presentation.

How to Choose the Right Software for Screen Sharing?

Not all screen sharing software is created equal. There are many different options available, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. It is vital to choose the right software for the job, as different types of software are better suited for different purposes.

For example, some screen sharing software is designed specifically for presentations, while other software is more general purpose and can be used for a variety of tasks. When choosing a professional all-in-one free screen sharing software, it is vital to consider the following factors:

  • The type of presentation you will be giving. If you are sharing a demonstration or collaborating with others, you will need different software than if you are co-viewing content.
  • The number of people who will be viewing the presentation. If you give a presentation to a large audience, you will need software that can handle many users.
  • The computers that will be used for the presentation. Make sure the software you choose is compatible with the presenter’s computer and the audience’s computers.
  • The level of interactivity you want in your presentation. If you want your audience to be able to ask questions and participate in the presentation, you will need interactive software.

How to Create an Engaging and Interactive Presentation with Screen Sharing?

Now that you know why giving presentations is essential; let’s make sure your presentation is engaging and interactive.

Screen sharing is a great way to keep your audience engaged. By sharing your screen, you can ensure that everyone in the room can see your slides or other materials. Sharing your screen also allows you to control the pacing of your presentation and ensure that everyone is following along.

Voice and Body Language

When using screen sharing, it’s essential to be aware of your body language and voice. Maintaining eye contact with your audience, speaking clearly, and using hand gestures can help keep your audience engaged.

Visuals

It’s also important to use visuals when giving a presentation. Studies have shown that people are more likely to remember information if presented in a visual format. Using charts, graphs, and images can help make your presentation more memorable for your audience.

Practice

Finally, don’t forget to practice! Rehearsing your presentation will help you feel more confident and ensure that you deliver your material in the most engaging way possible.

Tips for Delivering a Great Presentation

Now that you know how to create an engaging and interactive presentation with screen sharing, here are a few additional tips to help you deliver an excellent presentation:

  • Start with a bang. Grab your audience’s attention with an exciting story or statistic from the start.
  • Keep it simple. Use short sentences and avoid jargon.
  • Be prepared. Know your material inside and out to answer any questions that come up.
  • Practice, practice, practice. The more you rehearse, the more confident you’ll feel when delivering your presentation.

The Benefits of Using Visuals in Your Presentation

As we mentioned earlier, using visuals in your presentation can help make your material more memorable for your audience. In addition, visuals can also help to:

  • Make complex information easier to understand: Using charts or graphs makes complex information more accessible to your audience.
  • Clarify your points: Visuals can supplement your spoken words and help clarify your issues for your audience.
  • Add interest: If you’re presenting on a dry topic, adding some visuals can help to add some interest and excitement to your presentation.
  • Break up long blocks of text: No one wants to read a long, dense paragraph of text. Adding visuals can help break up long blocks of text and make your presentation more visually appealing.

When used effectively, visuals can be a powerful tool for delivering an engaging and interactive presentation. So, if you’re looking to take your presentation to the next level, consider using screen sharing in conjunction with some well-chosen visuals.

Conclusion

You can create an engaging and interactive presentation that will be remembered long after it’s over by following a few simple tips. Screen sharing is a great way to keep your audience engaged. Using creative methods for presenting your information, you can ensure that your presentation will be informative and exciting.

So, next time you’re preparing for a presentation, consider using screen sharing to take your material to the next level!

How is a Standing Desk Different from Other Tables?

Do you really know in what way a standing desk differs from traditional tables? Many office workers and remote work representatives have already discovered new opportunities and experienced considerable improvement in their workplace conditions.

The working computer desk for most of us is the main “habitat”. There is almost no such profession where such a piece of furniture would not be required. However, most buyers are rather indifferent about choosing this important unit of the workplace, but in vain. This article will show how convenient and practical a standing desk can be if compared with an ordinary table.

What do you usually turn your attention to when looking for a good desk for work? For many customers, it is essential to find a nice-looking table for home use, and they do not really care about its functionality and the health conditions it creates while using it. Of course, table tops for desks are paramount when it comes to the quality of the material of an automated desk. Looking throughout the variety of available tops you can discover your individual style and combine this part of the furniture with height-adjustable columns.

Things you will get with a standing desk

One of the major features a motorized desk has is its capability to adjust the necessary height.

This option belongs to the category of indispensable opportunities for the employee. It is convenient to work at the table while sitting and standing, in addition, the height is adjusted for a certain person’s height – there are several height modes.

What is so special about the standing desk functionality in comparison with a common table?

Versatility

Due to a special control unit, the table is raised to the required height. This option is suitable for people of different heights.

Practicality

Due to the presence of the “memory” function, the table rises and falls at a certain time previously set by the user. For example, if the table is programmed to work sitting 40 and standing 20, then every 40 minutes the table top will rise, and there is no need to remind the mechanism about this.

Security

 The mechanism is designed so that under the condition of overloading on the table top, the lifting system does not work. This is necessary if there is a large amount of office equipment on the table. The maximum permissible load weight on top is usually indicated by the manufacturer and it differs depending on the selected model.

Aesthetic Qualities

If you are tired of intricate computer desks with a huge number of shelves, endless drawers and hanging consoles, this model is for you. The table will perfectly fit into the interior of any room complementing it with practicality and new functionality.

Stability and Durability

The main attractive thing about an adjustable table is its impact resistance of literally all structural details. The tabletop will not be scratched by the HPL coating, and the table legs are virtually invulnerable due to the special coating.

If these features are not enough for you to replace your old-fashioned computer table with a new better automated desk, probably you should read more testimonials about this technically improved desk or try it before buying in one of the related shops.

Author:

Hayley Mann is a technology enthusiast specializing in automation methods of ergonomics devices. Her engineering background helps her to create interesting articles on technical topics, making them understandable for all readers.

How to Make Your Home Office Stylish and Productive

We already talked about online education, but what about your working space where you will learn? Or if you have started working already at home and you need to properly organize space for your home office. Let’s look closely at this case!

The nuances of organizing a working office at home

  • The workplace should be organized in compliance with the rules for placing the necessary items. Arrange equipment and accessories conveniently so that everything is at hand.
  • The place to work should not take up much space. As a rule, the work area includes a table and a chair. To store documents and stationery, you will need shelves, drawers, bedside tables.
  • No need to clutter the workplace with unnecessary things. Place near you the items necessary for the performance of official duties. There should be no household items.
  • Consider the overall interior design when creating a home office space. Furniture should not stand out in style. Choose furniture and finishes based on the overall color scheme of the room and the style of the apartment.

Home office components

Standard pieces of furniture are placed in the working area, we will describe each of them in more detail.

Armchair or chair

Choose a seating position that meets everyone’s requirements and respect the rule of right angles. For a home office, purchase a chair or armchair. Your feet should be placed at a 90-degree angle to the floor. The right angle should be between the thighs and the torso. Buy a chair with seat height adjustment and an ergonomic back. This will reduce the stress on the spine.

Table

The size of the table will depend on the length of the work area. If you settle in a large room, then you can choose a larger and more comfortable table. If you work in a small room, then folding tables and windowsill tables or compact small tables will come to the rescue. To find a good and practical table you can go to New York Furniture Outlets

The type of table also depends on the type of activity. If you draw diagrams and tables or make plans, then a wide light table is needed. If you work on a laptop, then choose compact options. If a large amount of equipment is involved, buy a full-fledged computer desk for your home office. A corner table with built-in shelves and drawers and a place for a printer would be a good solution. Illumination of the working area will be a great addition.

When choosing a table design, consider the overall interior solution and focus only on your taste and preferences.

Lighting

Think about this point carefully, as good lighting will reduce eye strain. Provide separate lighting if you are working in large rooms with other family members. If it is possible to equip an office in a separate room, it is better to install spotlights or a table lamp. This will effectively complement the general lighting.

Mood

Arrange the work area so that decorative solutions do not distract from the performance of job duties. Choose wall tones that are gentle and neutral, and buy furniture in a classic style, if this does not contradict the entire interior. Fill your home office with your favorite photographs, paintings, and vases. Make your work area as comfortable as possible and you can easily get started with your work.

Household chores often distract from work, and households require attention. But if you organize your workplace wisely, then the activity will be productive and enjoyable. The surrounding atmosphere will only contribute to this.

7 Tips to Make Your Workplace Comfortable

Use two monitors

If you use many tabs and different task windows in your work, then this option will suit you. It is very convenient for photographers, programmers, accountants, designers, and other professionals. A second monitor will significantly reduce time and calm your nerves. Set the same settings on monitors and make different desktops so as not to get confused.

Don’t forget the mouse and keyboard

You need to work every day, so the choice of accessories has a very strong effect on health. Choose a comfortable computer mouse so that it fits well under your hand. It will not be superfluous to have a spare mouse in case of an unexpected breakdown.

Buy a keyboard with a standard and full layout. It is advisable to choose neutral colors. Place the keyboard level on the table, do not use additional legs. The tilted key options are harmful to your hands.

Equip a standing table

Sitting at a table for a long time is exhausting and harmful to your health. Standing tables come to the rescue. The name speaks for itself – at the table, you work while standing.

Since it is not very reasonable to install several work surfaces in a room, use a transforming table, in which the height of the tabletop is adjustable. The price will be higher, but if it is possible, such a table should be installed. By changing the type of placement at the tabletop, you will relieve the spine, train your legs and diversify your working days.

Add plants

Living plants will purify the air around them and create comfort. Flowers are scientifically proven to reduce stress levels and help create a working mood. It is not for nothing that many flowers are always placed in offices. Choose plants that are unpretentious to care for, which will clear the air of dust. These can be chlorophytum crested, dracaena, ficus, and Boston fern.

If you are in the area, flower delivery Melbourne has a wide variety of flowers to choose from.

Install trunking

The technique is not complete without a lot of wires, especially a desktop computer and a printer. Lights, chargers, and other gadgets also require an electrical connection. Secure the wires in advance in wall ducts or skirting boards to avoid distraction or annoyance.

Set up high-speed internet

The guarantee of stable work in a home office is the Internet. Many services are available online. The results of the work must be sent daily, and products must be added to the online store every day. That is why, for smooth operation, check the connection and speed on special services: “Internetometer”, Speedtest.net or Fast.com. Check it when the computer is not loaded with work. If the speed is low, then change the provider or change the tariff.

The Wi-Fi router is also worth checking out. The equipment must meet modern requirements and be installed according to the rules. Mount the router as high as possible to the ceiling in the center of the apartment. Ensure that there are no devices that interfere with signal distribution (microwave oven, landline telephone).

Make room for brainstorming

Sometimes you need to make an informed decision or generate several ideas. Use a different space for this. A whiteboard or flipchart works well. Be sure to define a place to record and store important thoughts and thus diversify the interior of your home office.