As the world continues to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work has become a new norm for many companies. While it offers employees more flexibility, it also presents new challenges for HR professionals. One of the key challenges is finding the right balance between flexibility and control.
Balancing flexibility and control are essential because too much of either can be detrimental to the success of remote work. On one hand, too much flexibility can lead to a lack of structure and accountability, while on the other hand, too much control can stifle creativity and collaboration.
Managing remote workforces can be challenging, but HR managers can rely on HRM systems to achieve the perfect balance. These systems offer a comprehensive range of tools for communication, collaboration, and performance tracking, making them the ultimate solution. In this blog post, we will explore into the critical role that HRM systems play in managing remote workforces and highlight the numerous advantages they offer to both employees and employers.
Benefits and Challenges of Remote Work
Managing remote teams can be challenging due to the unique set of challenges presented by remote work. Although remote work has its benefits, such as increased flexibility and reduced commuting time, it also has drawbacks. In this section, you’ll explore various benefits and challenges of remote work and understand how it affects employee satisfaction and retention.
Benefits of Remote WorkStudies have shown that remote work often makes employees more productive than those who work in the office. That’s why increased productivity is one of the key benefits of remote work. Remote workers are also more likely to report higher job satisfaction and lower stress levels compared with office-based counterparts. It can also result in significant cost savings for both employers and employees.
Employers can save money on office space, utilities, and other expenses required to maintain a physical workspace. Whereas, employees can save money on commuting, parking, and related costs while working in an office.
Challenges In Remote WorkRemote work, despite its benefits, presents some unique challenges. One of the main difficulties is the lack of supervision, which can lead to a lack of accountability and motivation among remote workers. It means that remote workers may struggle to stay on task and might be less productive than they would be in a traditional workplace.
Another challenge of remote work is communication and collaboration. Without the in-person interaction that comes with a physical office, remote workers may find it challenging to connect with their colleagues effectively. It can result in misunderstandings, delays, and decreased productivity.
Finally, maintaining a work-life balance can be challenging for remote workers. With no clear boundaries between work and home life, it can be hard to take a break from work and relax. This can lead to burnout and other negative consequences.
Look at the Stats!According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in August 2021, around 46% of employed Australians worked from home at least once a week, with 31% working from home at least half the time.
Of those who worked from home, 72% reported satisfaction in their job, compared to 68% of those who worked exclusively in the office.
The report also found that remote work had a positive impact on employee retention, and employees who “work from home” were less likely to leave their current employer compared to those who work right from the office.
Balancing Flexibility and Control in Managing Remote Workforces
Managing remote workforces can be challenging, particularly in striking a balance between control and flexibility. Remote work has its benefits, but it also presents unique difficulties.
One of the most critical aspects of managing remote workers is providing them with clear expectations and guidelines. This includes defining their responsibilities, deadlines, and expected outcomes, which can help them stay focused on their objectives. In turn, this allows managers to ensure that work is completed on time and to the required standard.
Another vital aspect of managing remote workers is offering them the flexibility they need to manage their workload effectively. This includes providing them with the necessary resources and tools to work efficiently while allowing them to work according to their schedules.
At the same time, managers must also monitor remote workers’ performance and productivity to ensure that they meet organisational goals and objectives. To achieve a balance, many organisations use human resource management (HRM) systems. These systems offer a range of tools and features that help manage remote workforces effectively.
How HRM Systems Help in Managing Remote Workforces?
HRM systems can be a powerful tool for managing remote workforces. These systems offer a range of features that aid in managing remote workers, such as time tracking and performance monitoring. By providing managers with real-time data on their remote workers’ activities, these systems can help ensure that work gets completed on time and to the desired level of quality.
HRM systems also offer benefits beyond just monitoring remote workers’ activities. They can increase visibility and efficiency in managing remote workforces, and they can help HR managers make informed decisions about resource allocation and workforce planning.
In addition, HRM systems can help ensure compliance with regulations and policies related to remote work. According to a recent study, over 75% of organisations have adopted some form of HRM system for managing their remote workforces. This is a clear indication of the importance of these systems in managing remote workforces.
Our Verdict
Managing remote workforces effectively requires HR managers to find the right balance between flexibility and control. Human Resource Management (HRM) systems can play a crucial role in achieving this balance by providing a comprehensive range of tools for communication, collaboration, and performance tracking. By adopting HRM systems and implementing best practices for managing remote workforces, companies can succeed in the new era of work.
How eZaango HR Software Provides a Solution to the Challenges?
From a Manager’s Perspective, the software offers real-time performance tracking, automated workflows, and strategic initiative management. This helps managers ensure that tasks are completed accurately and promptly, without adding to administrative overhead.
From an Employee’s Perspective, eZaango HR software offers a user-friendly interface, clear expectations and guidelines, and self-management tools that help improve engagement and retention.
From an HR Professional’s Perspective, the software simplifies compliance management, onboarding, and other HR-related tasks, making it easier to manage remote teams. The cloud-based solution helps enhance overall efficiency, promote scalability and customisability, and aligns with unique organisational needs.
From an Organisational Perspective, the platform provides comprehensive solutions that promote a balance between flexibility and control in managing remote workforces. It can be customised and scaled to suit the company’s growing needs, making it a reliable choice for different industries.
From a Compliance Perspective, eZaango HR ensures compliance with labour laws and regulations, essential for remote work settings. It mitigates risks associated with non-compliance by monitoring and managing compliance.
From a Financial Perspective, the software saves costs by automating various HR processes and reducing the need for physical infrastructure. It ensures financial accuracy and compliance, which is crucial for an organisation’s financial health.
Finally, from an Industry Adaptability Perspective, eZaango HR software caters to different industries, including Retail, Food & Beverage, Hotels, Franchises, Manufacturing, Agriculture, and many more, making it a reliable solution for meeting the evolving demands of remote workforce management.
