3 Strategies to Improve Business Processes in the Work-From-Home Era

Most businesses have had to make drastic changes this year. Across the board, almost every company has had to alter how their operations and procedures work in ways big and small.

Remote working, in particular, has been a major challenge. Those organizations that had already adopted work from home to some degree are generally finding the transition a bit easier, but few have been able to make it work completely seamlessly.

Fortunately, there are practical, worthwhile solutions that will help any company adapt to this new way of doing business. 

Automation is one of the key strategies to streamline processes and make everything run like a well-oiled machine. By following these three strategies, you will be well on your way to making this “new normal” work that much better.

1. Tracking Productivity & Success

One reason that remote work had been slow to catch on in some organizations was a fear from management that productivity would plummet. Some of this was unfounded. The notion that the mice will always play when the cat’s away isn’t necessarily the norm. Still, the modern world of solutions makes it easier than ever to track the right metrics to make sure people aren’t slacking off at home.

By partnering with the right software providers, you can quickly measure KPIs through intuitive, easy-to-understand dashboards. This way, executives can rest easy that work is still getting done — even if everyone is doing it from home.

2. Scheduling Done Right

Especially when your staff is all over the map, it’s hard to keep track of who is working when. In some cases, most everyone will be doing normal 9-to-5 work, but this isn’t the case in all jobs or industries.

With the right software, however, scheduling can become much more automated and you can achieve true mobile workforce optimization. And with smart solutions, the system can even respond to peak and slow times to ensure that there is always the right level of coverage.

3. Finding Smart Partnerships

In a world where most workers are remote, it may make sense to reconsider the value that certain roles bring to the company. As a rule, it is best to focus on what you do best and leave the rest to expert partners. Payroll, accounting and human resources, for example, are areas that more and more companies are realizing can be handled by a third party better than an in-house team.

This helps you stay lean and mean, and in some areas, like certain parts of customer service, external firms have developed great automation tools. These not only help make sure you respond more quickly to customer concerns, but in many cases also cut costs. Amid an ongoing downturn and the long recovery ahead, improving your processes while saving money is a major win/win.

Improving Work From Home With Automation

This year has been one of adaptation and change. Some office workplaces have gone fully remote with their employees. Many in the restaurant industry have had to invest in delivery services due to social distancing restrictions on in-person dining. And just about every company has had to adopt new biosecurity controls to protect workers and keep their locations clean.

Amid crisis, it is key to look for opportunities and savings. Now more than ever is the time to look to automation and streamline business processes. With the right moves, you can find new and better ways to track productivity, improve scheduling and partner with the right third parties to get things done smarter and cheaper.

It is hard to get excited about much in 2020. But with the proper mind set, you can use this time to revamp your systems and find the type of solutions that will not only help you survive but thrive for years to come.

Greg Trim
 

John is a small business blogger with a focus on technology and innovation. With over 7 years of experience covering the latest trends in the small business world, John has a reputation for being a knowledgeable, forward-thinking and tech-savvy blogger. He has a keen understanding of the intersection between technology and small business, and is able to explain the latest tools and strategies in a clear, relatable and actionable way for his readers. John has interviewed industry experts and covered major technology events such as the Consumer Electronics Show and the SXSW Interactive conference. He is also an active small business owner and entrepreneur, which gives him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing small business owners in the digital age. His blog is known for providing valuable insights and tips on how to leverage technology to grow and scale a small business.