Whether we’re talking about office environments, mom and pop shops, or even massive corporations, a common thread in today’s digital sphere is a rejection of the virtual work movement. For hundreds of years, individuals had to physically travel to work, walk onto premise, and sit in their seat to perform their jobs. Virtual contribution was not an option. However, today, with workflow software, video conferencing systems, and instant communication available through technology, more companies are toying with productivity that can come from a remote workforce.
Many business owners, especially those among older generations, are hesitant of this new way of life. Why? We’re going to look at some common fears below:
- Afraid of Employee Performance: In the past, we assumed if an employee was left on the job without a manager, they were going to slip up. Surely, the same must be true if the employee gets to sit at home in their pajamas, surrounded by distractions, right? How are we to guarantee that they’ll perform to the best of their ability? Well, with today’s technology, employers can see when employees sign into software and messaging tools… they’re held immediately accountable for projects and communication. It doesn’t matter where they’re located.
- Uneducated: Many business owners don’t realize how advanced messaging and traffic management software has become today. These new software tools can track everything from messaging to project delivery to clients, to billing and scheduling. Plus, through the technology, reports are generated detailing performance numbers so managers can easily make suggestions and changes. All of this information can be aggregated from a virtual workforce, no matter where they’re located.
- Stubbornness: Humans are, by nature, stubborn. It’s part of what makes us human. Many business owners are too stubborn to admit software can replace an entire department in coordinating and delivering information and products. However, this kind of stubbornness will be the downfall of many companies that don’t move to join the virtual workforce movement – right now, more than one-third of Americans are in the gig economy (working as independent contractors). Researchers expect the number to swell to 50% by 2020.
- Fear of the Unknown: Lastly, we all have a fear of the unknown. For many, that’s enabling an entirely remote workforce that works from home – or wherever they may travel. It’s something so new, how can we measure its success and sustainability? Based on the findings from virtual companies today, employees are actually more productive when they have control over their personal schedules.
No matter where your workforce resides, they can easily check in, work, and be held accountable for their timing and performance using software like CurrentTrack®. Track messaging, project distribution, client communication, and more, reviewing reports that are auto generated for you every step of the way. With communication centralized and monitored at all time, your employees can live halfway around the world – they’ll thank you for it.