Optimise your digital strategy to keep your business running remotely

For many businesses, one critical part of these changes will be an organisation-wide shift to remote working. This means that organisations must take a step back and examine their existing processes to ensure that levels of productivity remain high as they shift to new ways of working. Technology is an important factor in the success or failure of remote working, so evaluating your digital strategy should form a key part of this thought process.

 

This change will come with challenges for businesses of all sizes. SMEs may find that they haven’t invested in the right software, and larger organisations can struggle to bring employees together on a global scale while maintaining the same processes and outputs. However, there are several processes that organisations can put in place to support their workforce and ensure operational resilience.

 

Support users through their journey

As employees settle into new ways of working, senior leaders and managers should look for ways to make this shift easier for them.

 

The technology that employees use on a daily basis will significantly shape their working life. If it’s possible to operate remotely using the same software that employees would use in an office, this will help to maintain a sense of routine, as well as providing cost savings.

 

This may not be possible for businesses that don’t already have a remote working policy in place. However, implementing tools that provide feedback and providing resources to help users develop necessary skills or resolve any software-related issues can help employees to quickly become more familiar with your chosen platform.

 

Communicate regularly

As well as supporting users through technical challenges, organisations should seek to use technology to keep teams motivated and informed, while ensuring that company culture continues to thrive.

 

This could mean using technology to share key documents, announcements, and facilitate conversations. Small processes, like putting in place daily video calls and virtual coffees or catch-ups, can make a big difference when it comes to overall productivity. This is undoubtedly one of the most uncertain times that businesses have faced, so it’s also important to extend this communication to customers to provide reassurance and build relationships wherever possible. 

 

Utilise analytics

The right technology can help organisations to understand issues that users might be facing and put proactive measures in place to support them. Organisations should seek to take an agile approach to problem-solving, and make use of analytics to identify trends and common problems, as well as measuring the impact that these issues have on business outcomes.

 

Ultimately, while technology can facilitate business continuity, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. To help keep your business running smoothly, draw on the best asset you have – your people. Maintain a culture that ensures your employees stay motivated and are able to get the most out of the technology.

 

As well as keeping your business running smoothly in the coming months, optimising your organisation’s digital strategy can have a lasting and positive impact on your business outcomes, particularly if you choose to put remote working processes in place in the long-term.