Introduction
The term “smart working” refers to a working model that has developed as a logical improvement over remote working. From this angle, it is no longer sufficient to have the option of performing duties remotely from the workplace. Furthermore, being able to work remotely requires more than just having a computer and a strong Internet connection.
Therefore, smart working promotes an intelligent work approach made possible by the use of cutting-edge technology, which is also better for the health of the individual and the business. Therefore, it goes beyond the concept of non-essential employment and concentrates on maximising its benefits.
The smart working model emphasizes two key concepts for optimal work performance in addition to using this technology and having the option of not physically being in an office. Autonomy is one, and flexibility is another.
Why a great remote working set up is important?
Numerous workplaces make investments in ergonomic chairs, cosy furnishings, decent lighting, and other quality-of-life enhancements.
These elements are equally crucial when setting up your home office or coworking space because they help you avoid feeling tense or stressed out while working.
Why?
With frequent use, uncomfortable seating, inadequate lighting, and unergonomic equipment can lead to a great deal of stress and long-term health problems.
On the other hand, a good remote or hybrid working environment can improve general productivity, health, and mental well-being as well as support a healthy work-life balance.
Let’s proceed to building up the ideal remote working office environment with that in mind.
How to adapt your company culture to smart working?
Smart working brings about a number of significant improvements for your business. For this reason, changing your corporate culture is essential to maintaining team unity, motivation, and satisfaction in the face of a common goal.
Some of the adjustments you may have to do include implementing agile working practises, preparing the business for remote or hybrid work, setting goals, and never losing sight of teamwork. even though you are far apart.
The rising popularity of remote work
The key explanations for the rise in popularity of remote work are listed below.
- The key explanations for the rise in popularity of remote work are listed below.
- The key explanations for the rise in popularity of remote work are listed below.
- The key explanations for the rise in popularity of remote work are listed below.
- Less stress Better personal time management
- More fulfilling
Embracing remote work for your company has many benefits, but you must research the top methods for managing a remote staff.
Let’s look at some of the tools for managing remote teams that will make it easier to keep workers active and developing professionally.
HIVE
Hive is the adaptable remote project management and collaboration technology that drives nimble teams at organisations like Google, Starbucks, and Toyota. We are a one-stop shop with all the features you require to collaborate remotely, including projects, action cards, email integration, file sharing, and meeting notes. Hive allows you to complete everything in one window when you first start the app in the morning. Even from Hive, you can start a Zoom conference.
Slack
An instant messaging and team collaboration platform in the cloud is called Slack. It is intended to promote more effective and efficient team communication. By allowing users to view all conversations and messages in one location, Slack promotes transparency. With no need to comb through numerous channels or threads, team members can quickly catch up on what has been said and continue the conversation. By enabling users to tailor their notifications, Slack also provides flexibility by ensuring that they only receive the information that is pertinent to them. This makes sure that team members can concentrate on the current task at hand without being inundated with unimportant messages.
Google Drive
Teams may share, edit, and work together on Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, Excel spreadsheets, and more in one place using Google Drive. Google Drive is one of the most important remote work tools available because it can be accessed from anywhere, including a mobile device, which facilitates collaboration.
Vantage Circle
In the incentives and recognition market, there is fierce rivalry. The fact that Vantage Circle is enjoyable, simple, and engaging, however, makes it stand out and enhances both business culture and employee engagement. Peer recognition is another feature of the website where staff members can commend and recommend their colleagues for rewards. To ensure that no one is unaware of any updates, all of these items show up in your employee’s news feed.
Additionally, you can provide your staff rewards in the form of platform-redeemable points for gift cards from popular retailers. The entire platform is also accessible via a mobile app with real-time tracking, which is the icing on the cake.
Google Docs
One of the most useful and adaptable tools available is Google Docs. Google Docs is the preferred text editing tool due to its simplicity in sharing and editing. It offers many distinctive features, including offline mode, autosaving, and a huge selection of fonts. Google Doc is very simple to use thanks to these capabilities.
AnyDesk
AnyDesk is a fantastic option if you’re seeking for lightweight but quick remote access software. Any device can be accessed from anywhere, and the connection will be completely secure to thwart hackers.
It has quickly emerged as TeamViewer’s top substitute. Everything a professional worker may want is available in AnyDesk’s user interface, from user administration to customisation.
ProofHub
Considered to be a full-featured project management tool is ProofHub. From a single platform, you can collaboratively manage teams and projects. The software has been suggested by managers of large corporations, who use it to oversee remote employees.
The platform offers all the capabilities needed to organise and collaborate with workers, plan and allocate projects, monitor progress, and hold teams accountable for completing tasks.
Okta
Secure all of your digital assets starting today. Okta is regarded as a one-stop shop for enterprise security and offers organisations a fully functional access management platform. Okta uses single sign-on and universal directory techniques to safeguard your employees and contractors.
LastPass
Without adding too much complexity, you can increase security and secure your credentials. Your digital lifestyle is made easier by LastPass, from online shopping to the storing of confidential documents. Create secure passwords using LastPass, and it will remember them all across all of your devices.
AWS, or Amazon Web Services
Since 2006, AWS, the industry leader in cloud computing platforms and hosting services, has dominated its sector. Your company can use Amazon S3 to store all of its documents and Amazon EC2 to migrate on-premises servers to a private cloud. You will require a certified IT specialist to install, secure, and administer your private cloud, which is a negative.
Dropbox
| Tool/Platform | Description | Features |
| Slack | Collaboration and messaging platform | Instant messaging, file sharing, channels, integrations |
| Microsoft Teams | Unified communication and collaboration platform | Video conferencing, chat, file sharing, team collaboration |
| Zoom | Video conferencing and collaboration tool | HD video meetings, screen sharing, breakout rooms |
| Google Workspace | Suite of productivity and collaboration tools | Gmail, Google Docs, Google Drive, Google Meet |
| Trello | Project management tool | Kanban boards, task management, team collaboration |
| Asana | Project and task management platform | Task assignment, project tracking, team collaboration |
| Monday.com | Work operating system for remote teams | Project management, task tracking, collaboration |
| Notion | All-in-one workspace for notes, docs, and collaboration | Note-taking, document collaboration, knowledge base |
| Dropbox | File hosting and cloud storage | File sharing, syncing, collaboration, version control |
| GitHub | Code hosting and version control platform | Collaborative coding, code review, issue tracking |
| Jira | Issue tracking and project management platform | Bug tracking, agile project management, team collaboration |
| Google Meet | Video conferencing tool | HD video meetings, screen sharing, live captions |
| Skype | Communication tool for chat, voice, and video calls | Instant messaging, audio and video calls, screen sharing |
| GoToMeeting | Web conferencing and online meeting platform | Screen sharing, video meetings, recording, dial-in options |
| Basecamp | Project management and team communication tool | Task management, file sharing, messaging, schedules |
| Airtable | Collaborative database and project management tool | Spreadsheets, task tracking, team collaboration |
| Evernote | Note-taking and organization tool | Note creation, tagging, search, file attachments |
| Microsoft OneNote | Digital notebook for capturing and organizing ideas | Note-taking, drawing, file attachments, collaboration |
| Cisco Jabber | Unified communications tool for messaging and calling | Instant messaging, voice and video calls, screen sharing |
| Miro | Online collaborative whiteboarding platform | Real-time collaboration, sticky notes, visual diagrams |
| Monday.com | Work management and team collaboration tool | Project tracking, task management, team collaboration |
| GitLab | DevOps platform for code collaboration and version control | Code hosting, issue tracking, continuous integration |
| Figma | Collaborative design tool for UI/UX designers | Design prototyping, real-time collaboration, commenting |
Cost optimization for the company and its employees
Smart working assists with cost optimisation for the business and your staff at the same time, in addition to improving business success.
Some of the costs that smart working can help you avoid or lower are as follows:
- Working from home eliminates the need to pay office space rent. If you think about it more carefully, you can save money on both the upkeep of a physical location and public services.
- Public services are diminished in the event of hybrid work since there is less staff present five days a week.
- Your staff does not incur transportation costs. They ultimately help the environment while saving time and money.
- Your employees save money by working from home because they avoid eating out or making lunch the night before. They may eat in the convenience of their own home. Nothing beats wholesome, home-cooked meals!
- There are no business travel charges since there are no business trips.
Cost optimization for the company and its employees
Smart working assists with cost optimisation for the business and your staff at the same time, in addition to improving business success.
Some of the costs that smart working can help you avoid or lower are as follows:
- Working from home eliminates the need to pay office space rent. If you think about it more carefully, you can save money on both the upkeep of a physical location and public services.
- Public services are diminished in the event of hybrid work since there is less staff present five days a week.
- Your staff does not incur transportation costs. They ultimately help the environment while saving time and money.
- Your employees save money by working from home because they avoid eating out or making lunch the night before. They may eat in the convenience of their own home. Nothing beats wholesome, home-cooked meals!
- There are no business travel charges since there are no business trips.
What the future holds
While the nature of remote work may change in the future, this adaptable business model will endure. As technology developments like AI are able to play a significant part in managing remote personnel, remote choices may continue to expand.
Although managing a remote workforce might be challenging, it is possible to make the shift smoothly with the correct technology and dedicated workers. In the long run, it’s critical to embrace workplace innovation because many employees now demand remote work options.
Conclusion
The virtual office is built on software. Since actual meeting rooms are few in remote companies, online platforms act as the primary forums for communication and collaboration. The health, contentment, productivity, and ultimate success of a team are all influenced by the software selection used for remote work.
Organisations are required to offer remote workers with the tools they need to do their jobs, which in virtual environments primarily implies software. By equipping work from home staff with reliable, collaborative platforms, managers give teammates the capability and confidence to perform at high levels.
FAQs
What is smart working?
Smart working is an advanced working model that leverages technology to enable flexibility and autonomy, allowing employees to work remotely while maintaining productivity and well-being.
How is smart working different from remote working?
While remote working typically involves working away from the office, smart working integrates advanced technology and focuses on outcomes rather than physical presence, promoting efficiency and employee satisfaction.
Why is a great remote working setup important?
A well-designed remote working environment with ergonomic furniture, proper lighting, and efficient technology reduces stress, enhances productivity, and supports a healthier work-life balance.
How can companies adapt their culture to smart working?
Adapting to smart working involves implementing agile practices, setting clear goals, fostering teamwork despite physical distances, and preparing the organization for remote or hybrid work setups.
What are the benefits of remote work for businesses?
Remote work reduces costs such as office space and utilities, improves employee satisfaction, boosts productivity, and supports environmental sustainability by minimizing commuting.
What are some essential tools for managing remote teams?
Tools like Slack for communication, Google Workspace for collaboration, and project management platforms such as Trello or Asana are crucial for facilitating teamwork and productivity in remote settings.
How can smart working help with cost optimization?
Smart working reduces expenses such as office rent, utilities, transportation costs, and business travel, benefiting both companies and employees financially.
What does the future hold for remote work?
Remote work is expected to continue evolving with advancements in technology, potentially incorporating AI for enhanced management and expanding remote work options as employee preferences shift.
What are the principles of smart working?
- Flexibility: Allowing employees to choose where, when, and how they work best.
- Autonomy: Empowering employees to make decisions and manage their own schedules.
- Outcome-oriented: Focus on achieving goals and results rather than hours worked.
- Technology-enabled: Leveraging advanced tools and technology to facilitate communication, collaboration, and productivity.
- Work-life balance: Supporting employees in maintaining a healthy balance between work responsibilities and personal life.
Leave A Comment