The conversation around remote versus office-based working has ramped up since the pandemic.
Both have their benefits and, of course, their drawbacks, and ultimately, what works for every individual and organisation will be different.
Some people love working from home, while others who live in cramped city flatshares are keen to get back to their desks in the office.
Which is better? Neither.
It’s clear that both models are here to stay. Today, we’re talking about how employers can now make hybrid working fair for all concerned.
When managing a team that are split between the office and at home, there is a lot to think about – let’s look at the critical things to consider.
Who Needs Supervising?
A common misconception is that home working leads to a loss in productivity. A recent study published in the Independent looked at the effects of the pandemic. It found that over half (58%) of employers report being more productive from home, and managers agree that remote work has had a positive impact on the working day.
Especially in Salesforce, where roles have historically been remote, working from home often means fewer interruptions and higher productivity than in a workplace full of distractions.
It is critical to think about the different levels of employees you have in your team, as each one will require varying levels of supervision.
Established employees will likely need managing less, but as many Salesforce teams have been expanding recently, there will probably be newer members of your team that need extra supervision and guidance.
Supervising from afar isn’t always easy, even for experienced leaders, so consider enlisting the help of more experienced employees to help partner up with new starters. Every new remote member of staff should have someone they can quickly contact when they need help or advice.
What Happens When There Are Conflicting Views?
Some employees choose to come back into the office, and others are happier working from home – simple, right?
Well, it might not be quite as straightforward as that.
Don’t underestimate the tension that can arise from this physical shift that has occurred within your team. It is essential that you have conversations so everyone understands the need for cohesion as people continue to work separately.
As a leader, remember to put your preferences to one side.
If you favour working from the office, don’t let this cloud your judgement of those working from home.
Always be reasonable and open-minded when evaluating employee’s work; as I mentioned earlier, there is little evidence that working from home reduces productivity – you may even find that those working from home are more productive.
Some employees prefer to work from home as they have realised they are more productive when working outside of the 9-5 model; let me explain further.
Implications of the ‘End’ of 9-5
A significant reason for many Salesforce employees to prefer working from home is the flexibility of putting in their working hours outside of the traditional 9-5.
Lockdown has led to people reassessing their lives and getting back to basics with what’s important – spending time with family and looking after our physical and mental health.
An increasing number of forward-thinking employers are considering that as long as employees complete their work within the time frame, it doesn’t matter what time of the day the employee chooses to be at ‘work’.
Some might want to work for a few hours in the morning before getting in a mid-morning walk or finish later to make up for time spent taking or collecting children from school.
While this suits the individual, there will need to be a system to ensure it doesn’t disrupt schedules. Before the pandemic, there will have been deadlines and schedules shared by the whole team – do these now need reviewing?
Customer experience is a massive focus for Salesforce consultancies in the post-pandemic world. So it’s critical you deliver for your clients in a timely manner, with no disruptions caused by hybrid working.
Supporting External Employees
Despite the belief that working from home is ‘easier’ for employees, the opposite may be true. If team members choose to work from home because it logistically makes sense for them, they still might need extra support.
Remote employees may find that their domestic technical set-up can make it harder for them to be competent in their role. To combat this, make sure that you can technologically support employees to work from home before they can do so full-time. You may have to assess internet speeds and providers and update or upgrade file-sharing systems.
Additionally, ensure all employees follow procedures that support working from home, such as upholding clear communication in emails and messages.
Virtual communication can mean things get lost in translation – I wrote a separate article on this topic, explaining how to maintain communication when you or your colleagues are remote working. You can read the blog here.
Think about visibility too. Working from home will mean that some employees are ‘seen’ much less often; think about how this might affect their career progression or rewards and recognition.
Hybrid Working in Your Organisation
When it comes down to it, every Salesforce team, large or small, will have their own hybrid working methods – it’s about finding strategies that support everyone concerned.
We are seeing massive interest in hybrid positions as more employees and employers alike start to recognise the benefits of this flexible way of working.
Are you looking for new Salesforce talent? If so, what are you offering in terms of flexible and hybrid working? We can help you develop your roles and job descriptions – get in touch with me today on 01322 272 532 to find out more.
Thanks
Lee
About Resource On Demand
Resource On Demand is Europe’s first specialist Salesforce Recruitment Company, now focusing on growth Cloud markets.
We assist innovative and disruptive organisations to grow their technology teams. Supporting companies to fill Cloud roles that span across Digital Marketing, Marketing Automation, Human Capital Management and the growing Salesforce.com suite of skills.
The team at Resource On Demand have access to an extensive database of key talent, registering over 8000 Cloud professionals each year.
To find out how we can support you call us on 01322 272 532, or contact us by clicking here.