What do you do if your construction company wants to implement remote work policies?

1 Assess Roles

The first step in implementing remote work policies is to assess which roles within your construction company are suitable for remote work. Not all positions will be conducive to this arrangement—site managers and hands-on workers will still need to be present on-site. However, administrative staff, project managers, designers, and other roles that primarily involve computer-based tasks might be able to work remotely. Evaluate the responsibilities of each role to determine feasibility and identify any potential adjustments needed to facilitate remote work.

2 Set Expectations

Once you've identified which roles can transition to remote work, it's essential to set clear expectations. This includes defining work hours, availability, communication protocols, and performance metrics. Ensure that your remote workers understand what is expected of them and how their performance will be measured. It's also important to establish guidelines on how and when team members should communicate, whether through regular video calls, messaging apps, or email.

3 Invest in Tech

Investing in the right technology is crucial for a successful transition to remote work. Your employees will need reliable access to construction management software, design tools, and communication platforms. Consider the hardware requirements as well, such as laptops, smartphones, and possibly virtual private network (VPN) services for secure access to company files. Providing your team with the necessary technology will help maintain productivity and collaboration while working remotely.

5 Monitor Progress

Monitoring the progress of remote work policies is key to ensuring their effectiveness. Regularly check in with your employees to gather feedback on what's working and what's not. Use project management software to track the progress of tasks and make sure deadlines are being met. Be prepared to make adjustments to your policies as needed based on the feedback you receive and the evolving needs of your projects.

6 Support Wellbeing

Lastly, supporting the wellbeing of your remote workers is vital. Remote work can blur the lines between professional and personal life, leading to burnout. Encourage employees to set boundaries, take regular breaks, and disconnect after work hours. Provide resources for mental health, such as access to online counseling or wellness apps. A focus on wellbeing will help ensure that your employees remain healthy and motivated while working remotely.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?