Remote-employers-management

Managing Remote Employees? Spot This Problem and Improve Productivity

While this article focuses on creating successful business relationships among teams that work remotely, at its core it’s about how to drive meaningful communication among team members.

Building and maintaining good relationships is the backbone of any successful company. When employees feel comfortable while engaging in constructive discourse and have personal rapport conducive to exchanging ideas and working toward a common goal, workplace productivity and profit feel the impact. Want to encourage your teams to do their best work? Check out this article for more on how you can help your customers foster better communication in their teams.

Increased productivity. Reduced costs. Access to talent. Remote work has plenty of benefits, but migrating full-timers to more time at home comes with a big downside: relationship decay.

Relationships are the connective tissue in workplaces; without them, businesses become a pile of old laptops and ergo chairs. Working from afar isn’t the only relationship-limiting barrier in a company—cubicles, departments, and titles all contribute—but it is quickly becoming the most prevalent. It’s time we learn how to keep good digital-relationship hygiene.

As colleagues spend more time at home, in cafes and at co-working spaces, and less time near one another, the social fabric of work weakens. Video meetings, slack, and email may be efficient, but when they are the primary–or the only way co-workers interact–people lose out on those water cooler moments gossiping about the game or catching up on weekend adventures. These in-between moments are often when humans get to know colleagues beyond their tasks, titles, and competencies, setting the stage for productive collaboration later on.

If leaders don’t address relationship decay, the industrialized world may experience a backlash that will undermine a work revolution that benefits individuals, companies, and our economy.

Why should we care about building relationships at work? Collaboration between humans requires more than just the transfer of data. When Google decided to launch Project Aristotle to find out the special ingredient common across their highest performing teams, researchers discovered that it was trust between individuals. And this study from Carnegie Mellon University makes the case that effective teams require social intelligence—the ability to understand the feelings and thoughts of others. Without truly understanding who our co-workers are at a human level, trust and emotional awareness are impossible. Work becomes defined by the handing off of deliverables from one remote worker to another, like a distributed assembly line.

Attempt to ask a favor of a colleague with whom you have little shared history, and your request will likely be blown off. But pose that same request of a colleague who is aware of your personal challenges, looming deadlines, and supervisorial hurdles, and even at their busiest, odds are they’ll at least respond kindly if not offer to help.

Working remotely is a relatively new phenomenon and collectively we haven’t learned what it takes to maintain good digital-relationship hygiene. Contractors, contributors, and employees need to learn how to build and sustain relationships in this new reality in order to curb the hidden social costs of remote work.

Here are a few ways employees, managers, and leaders can start re-designing remote team dynamics to improve relationships:

Start with a personal check-in
An in-person meeting can start with the task at hand because many participants were able to connect in the office earlier in the day, or week. But virtual meetings are more likely to be attended by folks who haven’t had that opportunity. Create personal connections at the beginning of the meeting by asking how a colleague’s weekend was, or about their families.

Turn your camera on
To communicate well humans rely heavily on nonverbal communication. A study from the National Institute of Health shows that direct gestures like an “eyebrow flash” means that anything that follows is important; this study from the National Academy of Sciences proves that verbal comprehension is greatly improved when the speaker’s face is visible. When someone joins a meeting without video a significant amount of the information humans use to interpret and connect gets stripped from the conversation. The bottom line: Encourage your team to turn off face mute.

Host non-work related video chats
Video chats don’t have to be reserved for clients or projects. Non-work rituals like lunch-n-learns and office trivia hour can be meaningful moments during which co-workers can connect. Leaders don’t have to be the ones to start, encourage and support employees who take the initiative to create opportunities for connection.

Set your rules up front
Melissa Malcolm of remote work consultancy Work Well Wherever noticed that virtual teaming should follow the same rules as online dating. “Right away, you have to establish how you and your partner like to operate.” She suggests asking about and sharing preferred communication styles, ideal productivity windows, and most important, Malcolm says, “share a funny story about yourself.”

Make everyone remote
It is all too easy to forget in meetings where nearly all participants are in the room, that someone has dialed in. Consider implementing some version of the “if anyone is remote, everyone is remote” rule, where all participants video in from their desk to force the constraints to be the same for all contributors.

Replicate the features of working together
Products like Sococo and Remo.co attempt to recreate situation awareness among remote teams. Both tools create an office map that shows who is “in” and if they are available. These platforms are fairly primitive at the moment but reintroduce an important piece of working together that gets lost across the internet: cognitive awareness of colleague’s actual location.

Prioritize real presence
Finally—and this is a biggie in terms of impact and investment—make it a priority to assemble remote workers in real life. No amount of video conferencing can replace gathering in the same place at the same time. Whether hosting an annual team retreat similar to Buffer or encouraging employees to travel quarterly to an office, the new and strengthened relationships that emerge will be well worth the investment.

Remote work has the potential to remake our economy by increasing productivity and profits while enabling employees a chance to rebalance work and life. But to ensure companies continue to adopt this new way of working, managers and teams need to address relationship decay before leaders feel its impact and misattribute the cause as remote work itself.

Source: Forbes 

 

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Office-365-Course - help -grow -business

Crash course in Office 365: How it can help you grow your business

Your customers are probably already taking advantage of Office applications like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

But do they know that Office 365 gives them the capability to access content from any device, or allows them to leverage the power of AI to create more impactful content?

Check out this guide for more on how Office 365 can help your customers protect their sensitive data and accomplish more in their workday.

View: Crash course in Office 365: How it can help you grow your business

 

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Let's talk about how we can help your business! 630-435-4000 (option 2)

We provide the technical advice and practical IT skills that our customers need to achieve their goals.

We deliver the full spectrum of services from data consultancy and system health checks to infrastructure design, configuration and optimization. We Manage IT services for clients across Chicago and Chicago suburbs
(Naperville , Lisle, Downers Grove, Oak Brook, Elk Grove Village and Schaumburg).

Online-meeting

The Ultimate Meeting Guide

How could your employees benefit if you improved your business’s everyday meetings?

With meeting best practices, you can improve your company’s bottom line and value your employees’ time.

Sounds good, right? Check out this eBook for more information on how to achieve simple, direct meetings focused on clear action items.

Want to improve your employees communication in all aspects across your business? Contact our team to learn how we can help level up your communication game.

View: The Ultimate Meeting Guide

 

From Office 365 Migrations, Voice IP & IT Managed Services and beyond, Network IT Easy work with you to assess your current and future needs to help you make informed decisions that will drive your business forward.IT Service - LOGO

Let's talk about how we can help your business! 630-435-4000 (option 2)

We provide the technical advice and practical IT skills that our customers need to achieve their goals.

We deliver the full spectrum of services from data consultancy and system health checks to infrastructure design, configuration and optimization. We Manage IT services for clients across Chicago and Chicago suburbs
(Naperville , Lisle, Downers Grove, Oak Brook, Elk Grove Village and Schaumburg).

Help-customers-work-from-everywhere

Help customers work together with Microsoft technology

The landscape of teamwork is changing. Did you know that 83% of employees depend on technology to work together?

We know many businesses struggle with disjointed file sharing and dispersed resources. If it sounds like we’re describing your company, don’t worry–we can help.

Now you can take the hassle out of workplace communication with Teamwork solutions from Microsoft. With an integrated Teamwork solution, your employees can bring their teams and resources together, connect with users outside the company, and even work remotely. What are you waiting for? Check out this infographic for more on how your company can benefit from a comprehensive teamwork solution.

View: Help customers work together with Microsoft technology

 

From Office 365 Migrations, Voice IP & IT Managed Services and beyond, Network IT Easy work with you to assess your current and future needs to help you make informed decisions that will drive your business forward.IT Service - LOGO

Let's talk about how we can help your business! 630-435-4000 (option 2)

We provide the technical advice and practical IT skills that our customers need to achieve their goals.

We deliver the full spectrum of services from data consultancy and system health checks to infrastructure design, configuration and optimization. We Manage IT services for clients across Chicago and Chicago suburbs
(Naperville , Lisle, Downers Grove, Oak Brook, Elk Grove Village and Schaumburg).

Cost Savings and Business Benefits Enabled by Windows 10 Security Features

$1.1 million was saved by those using Windows 10 as a result of reduced productivity impact of malware infections. This Forrester Consulting study, commissioned by Microsoft, examines the Total Economic Impact™ of Windows 10 security features. Windows 10 provides a completely integrated solution, which impacts overall security and minimizes use of system resources.

Check out the full study to learn more about Windows 10 features to better understand the benefits, costs, and risks associated with this investment with Network It Easy, Inc..

View: Cost Savings and Business Benefits Enabled by Windows 10 Security Features

 

From Office 365 Migrations, Voice IP & IT Managed Services and beyond, Network IT Easy work with you to assess your current and future needs to help you make informed decisions that will drive your business forward.IT Service - LOGO

Let's talk about how we can help your business! 630-435-4000 (option 2)

We provide the technical advice and practical IT skills that our customers need to achieve their goals.

We deliver the full spectrum of services from data consultancy and system health checks to infrastructure design, configuration and optimization. We Manage IT services for clients across Chicago and Chicago suburbs
(Naperville , Lisle, Downers Grove, Oak Brook, Elk Grove Village and Schaumburg).

Reduce costs with Windows and Office

70% of small and midsize businesses (SMBs) reinvest saved money into their business thanks to the cloud.

Simplify the process of keeping devices up to date while saving time, reducing costs, and gaining control. Check out this infographic–which shows industry trends, pain points, and proof points–to learn why and how.

And to find the right Windows 10 and Microsoft 365 Business solution for your business to reduce costs, contact our team at Network It Easy, Inc..

View: Reduce costs with Windows and Office

 

From Office 365 Migrations, Voice IP & IT Managed Services and beyond, Network IT Easy work with you to assess your current and future needs to help you make informed decisions that will drive your business forward.IT Service - LOGO

Let's talk about how we can help your business! 630-435-4000 (option 2)

We provide the technical advice and practical IT skills that our customers need to achieve their goals.

We deliver the full spectrum of services from data consultancy and system health checks to infrastructure design, configuration and optimization. We Manage IT services for clients across Chicago and Chicago suburbs
(Naperville , Lisle, Downers Grove, Oak Brook, Elk Grove Village and Schaumburg).

IT Suppport for office 365

Crash Course in Microsoft 365 Business: How it Can Help You Grow Your Business

This e-book “crash course” will show you how adopting cloud-based Microsoft 365 Business gives you ever-improving versions of apps with new capabilities delivered every month. Learn how Microsoft 365 Business empowers you to access content from any device, coauthor with anyone in real time and use the power of AI to create more impactful content with less effort.

Contact our team at Network It Easy, Inc. to learn more about our Office 365 solutions.

View: Crash Course in Microsoft 365 Business: How it Can Help You Grow Your Business

 

From Office 365 Migrations, Voice IP & IT Managed Services and beyond, Network IT Easy work with you to assess your current and future needs to help you make informed decisions that will drive your business forward.IT Service - LOGO

Let's talk about how we can help your business! 630-435-4000 (option 2)

We provide the technical advice and practical IT skills that our customers need to achieve their goals.

We deliver the full spectrum of services from data consultancy and system health checks to infrastructure design, configuration and optimization. We Manage IT services for clients across Chicago and Chicago suburbs
(Naperville , Lisle, Downers Grove, Oak Brook, Elk Grove Village and Schaumburg).

Improve Productivity with Windows and Office

Employees spend 50% more time collaborating with other employees. Yet many are still not working to their full potential because of disorganized collaboration, file sharing and decision-making processes.

With Windows 10 and Microsoft 365 Business,
you can collaborate in real time and leverage the intelligence of the cloud with the latest from Windows 10 and Microsoft 365 Business. Check out this infographic for a quick view of industry trends, pain points, proof points and more on how going modern with Microsoft improves productivity.

To learn more, contact Network It Easy, Inc..

View: Improve Productivity with Windows and Office

 

From Office 365 Migrations, Voice IP & IT Managed Services and beyond, Network IT Easy work with you to assess your current and future needs to help you make informed decisions that will drive your business forward.IT Service - LOGO

Let's talk about how we can help your business! 630-435-4000 (option 2)

We provide the technical advice and practical IT skills that our customers need to achieve their goals.

We deliver the full spectrum of services from data consultancy and system health checks to infrastructure design, configuration and optimization. We Manage IT services for clients across Chicago and Chicago suburbs
(Naperville , Lisle, Downers Grove, Oak Brook, Elk Grove Village and Schaumburg).

Increase Productivity and Security with Windows and Office

With the end of support for Windows 7 and Office 2010 fast approaching, your company’s sensitive data is at risk — a risk compounded by the skyrocketing number of employee devices.

Confirming this trend are findings from the World Trade Report and a Kaspersky Lab Study showing 50% of small businesses have suffered a data breach costing an average of $120,000.

Without the right tools, how would your company respond to a major breach?

Going modern with Microsoft can help. Specifically, it enables you to increase productivity and security, while reducing costs. This infographic provides more industry trends and customer stories. Check it out to better understand the risks and why Windows 10 and Microsoft 365 Business are the right solutions to address them.

View: Increase Productivity and Security with Windows and Office

 

From Office 365 Migrations, Voice IP & IT Managed Services and beyond, Network IT Easy work with you to assess your current and future needs to help you make informed decisions that will drive your business forward.IT Service - LOGO

Let's talk about how we can help your business! 630-435-4000 (option 2)

We provide the technical advice and practical IT skills that our customers need to achieve their goals.

We deliver the full spectrum of services from data consultancy and system health checks to infrastructure design, configuration and optimization. We Manage IT services for clients across Chicago and Chicago suburbs
(Naperville , Lisle, Downers Grove, Oak Brook, Elk Grove Village and Schaumburg).

IT Managed Services Expert

IT Expert – a.k.a Managed Service Provider

Are you spending too much time and effort managing your technology and it’s keeping you away from doing your actual business?

As a CEO or a business owner you know that the safety and importance of your business data is crucial, and an IT expert understands the value that the data holds. With technology advancing at a rapid rate it’s nearly impossible for you to be an expert on new hardware, software and products.

An IT expert, a.k.a. Managed Service Provider, has a fiduciary duty to serve you, not to sell you a product like manufacturer but to provide independent advice on the best ways to service your business. Network IT Easy is a Managed Service Provider based in Lisle, Illinois. We work with small to medium-sized businesses, addressing all their IT needs (i.e., e-mail solutions, data storage, software updates) as well as providing bundled solutions focusing on remote work, collaboration, data protection and cyber security.

Working with experienced MSP has many benefits, including easy 24/7 access to the expertise, best practices and world-class tools and technologies. Furthermore, MSPs help reduce the risk of downtime and cyber threats by delivering a highly available, more secure IT environment.

A reactive IT approach is costly, MSPs provide proactive, preventative and responsive IT along with a predictable monthly IT service budget. With NIE as your Lisle based MSP you are about to achieve greater efficiencies, effectiveness and productivity throughout your organization. We stay current on the latest IT trends, developments, skills and certifications so you don’t need to. Your devoted Managed Service Provider takes care of your IT so you can take care of your business.

 

From Office 365 Migrations, Voice IP & IT Managed Services and beyond, Network IT Easy work with you to assess your current and future needs to help you make informed decisions that will drive your business forward.IT Service - LOGO

Let’s talk about how we can help your business! 630-435-4000 (option 2)

We provide the technical advice and practical IT skills that our customers need to achieve their goals.

We deliver the full spectrum of services from data consultancy and system health checks to infrastructure design, configuration and optimization. We Manage IT services for clients across Lisle area (and within 60 miles radius).

Office 365 keeps your business compliant – around the clock

While implemented with the best of intentions, remaining compliant with data security requirements can be a massive burden on businesses, especially those in highly regulated industries.

That’s why Microsoft ensures that the security provided through Office 365 is always on the cutting edge of compliance, so your business can focus on delivering the best experience to your customers.

 

From Office 365 Migrations, Voice IP & IT Managed Services and beyond, Network IT Easy work with you to assess your current and future needs to help you make informed decisions that will drive your business forward.IT Service - LOGO

Let's talk about how we can help your business! 630-435-4000 (option 2)

We provide the technical advice and practical IT skills that our customers need to achieve their goals.

We deliver the full spectrum of services from data consultancy and system health checks to infrastructure design, configuration and optimization. We Manage IT services for clients across Chicago and Chicago suburbs
(Naperville , Lisle, Downers Grove, Oak Brook, Elk Grove Village and Schaumburg).