Optimising the Remote Work Experience
A guide to better navigating the digital workforce.?
Working in today’s world necessitates immediate connectivity between devices, persons, and now work environments across diverse geographical locations. Business operations have translated to suit digital processes, whereby the workplace as we know it has transformed to suit a virtual experience.?
With this in mind, organisations around the world have scoured the internet among other sources to explore ways to optimise their remote operations. Remote work has introduced novel competitor trends, such as the integration of AI software, as well as a change in employee values to support wellbeing initiatives. In this way, we consistently look for the right options to support the current work environment.?
Gilbert Galea (COO) and Sudha Babajee (Senior Performance Consultant) join me in discussing the current jobs market and offer advice in optimising the remote working experience, from both a technical business perspective and the supportive candidate side.?
Castille Labs: Supporting the Remote Workforce?
?
The uncertainties ridden by the Covid-19 pandemic has left organisations the onus to rethink their business operations to fully support a remote model of work. Meetings were held over video conferencing software, and documentation was digitalised for ease of access and transfer across persons. Albeit ideal for companies to establish their remote policies immediately, this may not always be feasible, as organisations grapple with their unique needs to address during an uncertain time.??
Castille Labs operates by outsourcing scalable software teams around the world. Before the pandemic, Labs was created for on-site contracting. “We evolved our model to become a platform opening up access to various time-zones of software talent to our customers on long-term assignments,” Gilbert explained. The jobs market is currently experiencing a high demand of software developers, and Labs offers skilled engineers ready to partner with various platforms. “We’re connected with individuals wanting to build their personal brand through their high-quality deliverables,” Gilbert continued, expressing that moving to support a remote environment felt natural given today’s tech needs.
Sudha compliments Labs by managing the Post Deployment team, ensuring client expectations are met throughout their Castillian journey. “I meet with clients and Castillians to address any gaps related to performance and make note of any feedback at the earliest,” Sudha began, when asked about how remote relationships begin within Labs. She agrees that effective communication is vital in the remote working world, “a successful remote work environment is built on trust,” Sudha reiterated. Whenever possible, clients and Castillians meet over video call and are encouraged to proactively update one another on any assigned tasks.?
Establishing a Positive Workplace Culture?
?
领英推荐
In setting clear expectations for clients, our Castillians are able to understand a remote workplace culture and what they need to achieve across their client journeys. Gilbert added to this point, in explaining that building a remote workforce means more than assessing their technical skills, “but more importantly, from a culture-fit and a soft skill’s perspective,” he stated, “Instilling culture and nurturing people in a remote model requires a different dynamic that focuses on frequent touchpoints with our people.” Organisational culture allows individuals the perspective to understand the norms and values of clients, and this does not lessen in importance when working for a remote team.
However, ensuring a remote culture is rightly understood can be easier said than done, and at times requires additional input from businesses. “We have a robust assessment centre that evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of all people joining Labs, linking well with an onboarding phase that caters for remote personnel,” Gilbert explained. He believes the inclusion of assessment builds relationships based on clear communication and instils values related to frequent collaboration. “We provide regular feedback to Castillians in terms of development noted by a client, and ensure improvements are made accordingly,” Sudha agreed.
In summary, Sudha suggests the following means to improve collaboration among remote teams:?
?
The Value of Communication?
?
Working in post deployment means primary access of support for both clients and Castillians. This can be highly valuable to remote teams who require consistent communication. “If clients want to raise any concerns, we’re available for a meeting to discuss and resolve any potential issues should these arise,” Sudha informed me. She notes the importance of transparency to garner smooth collaboration between clients and Castillians.?
On a more general note, it’s becoming increasingly unlikely that companies will fully return to the office when the pandemic remits. “Remote working is here to stay and is quickly becoming the de facto standard,” Gilbert expressed with confidence, “Companies need to harness the shift to a remote-first organisation and be proactive in nurturing a remote working culture that is comprehensive and future-proof.” This cannot be done without effective collaboration between managers and remote team members, to which Gilbert believes necessitates a synchronised approach where teams see eye to eye.?
“The use of collaboration tools, frequent management updates, and an all-inclusive team play an important role for every remote team member to feel included and part of the journey,” Gilbert emphasised. It will take effort, but the rewards will be felt as employees are more engaged and trust their management. As per last words of advice, Gilbert stressed one core value: “Trust. Trust your people, ensure that they are right for your organisation, that they fit with a remote working culture,” he suggests, “Ensure your onboarding process is inclusive and connect with your people, no matter their geographic location.”
This article was taken from The Castille Quarterly Newsletter |?February 2022