Work from home (WFH) or remote work is quickly picking up traction in countless industries. In large part, this is due to COVID-19 and distancing requirements. Recent studies show that about half of those employed pre-pandemic are now working from home, adding to the existing WFH workforce. With so many organizations transitioning, there is no better time to look at real-life examples to see what works and what doesn’t.
At GroupLink, we know how important it is to find and implement a robust WFH solution. Our solutions, GroupLink everything HelpDesk, GroupLink Workflow Process & Incident Tracking, and GroupLink for SafestSchools all feature quality workflow and WFH capability. As you read through these real-life examples of WFH, consider what you can emulate for your organization and consider GroupLink’s WFH solutions.
Panasonic: Keeping Connected While WFH
Panasonic Corporation of North America had a digital strategy before shifting to a largely work from home format with a WFH policy. Before issuing a stay at home requirement owing to COVID-19, the company took two days to test its WFH system and network. That showed no major issues and employees could access systems remotely, before putting it into practice.
The company saw many advantages from its WFH approach, including messaging software and video podcasts to keep employees informed. They could use the same technology to keep employees connected personally, continue social events, and communicate informally.
The challenges Panasonic outlined included difficulty for employees unplugging from work and a sense of isolation. The company is providing online wellness incentives, regular check-ins, and other support to combat these problems. They are also looking at revising their WFH policy to incorporate more flexibility. And they will adjust performance metrics and objectives to reflect the realities of WFH.
Amthal: Empowering Employees with Regular Communication
Amthal’s CEO says one of their goals in WFH was to give a message that they trust workers to get their jobs done from home. Before switching to remote work, the company introduced a new performance management method to enable open, regular feedback. This empowered workers and ensured they are heard. Employee engagement continues during WFH with regular surveys to ask how the team is managing and what additional support they need.
Amthal also considered whether their employees had the right tools and equipment and responded to survey results accordingly. They provided iPads for all of their engineers for more efficient communication and faster turnaround. According to their CEO, Amthal is positive about the future with their tech framework for WFH. Their employee responses demonstrate agility and resilience.
Mako Lab: Focusing on The Tech
IT company Mako Lab has 250 people working remotely in various parts of the world. To make sure WFH is an effective strategy for their business, they focused on a good network layout, determining appropriate access, and connection capability. Mako Lab also monitors their operations regularly to ensure effectiveness. They test for business continuity.
Like Panasonic, Mako Lab practiced how to access remote environments before fully moving to a home office model. They trained all employees to make sure they were familiar with WFH procedures. At the same time, they ensured high standards of IT security.
AGL: Able to Respond with Cloud Technology
Activate Group Limited (AGL) transitioned all 200-plus of its contact center agents to working from home when COVID-19 hit. They were ready to do so thanks to their tech position, which allowed them to implement a cloud platform in less than 24 hours. They had already deployed their cloud communications, so the transition to WFH was seamless with voice chat and video meetings already available via the cloud.
All of the call center agents can keep their access to the customer relationship management system through the cloud platform. Similarly, technologies on which they rely, like call recording and quality assessment, are cloud-based for accessibility. AGL’s transition to WFH was smooth because they were prepared with the right technology.
Putting it All Together
When considering the pros and cons of these organizations’ approaches, keep a few commonalities in mind. While every organization is different and may take a different approach, there are best practices and strategies for CIOs and CTOs. Excellent WFH systems are ready to roll out quickly. They are flexible. Organizations find success quickest when they have cloud solutions in place already. While organizations may struggle with work-life balance and communication, tech can be used to solve those problems too.
Next in our series is Work-from-Home’s (WFH) Future – for CIOs & CTOs: Accountability Issues and Solutions. This will look at how to address accountability issues intrinsically. Get in touch with us online, call us at 801-335-0700, or email us at info@grouplink.net for more information on our WFH systems.