A remote possibility?

Following the mass rollout of the UK’s Covid-19 vaccination programme and the subsequent gradual lifting of restrictions in the UK throughout Summer and Autumn 2021, many felt that a semblance of “normality” had returned to life.

As such, the rapid escalation of positive Covid-19 cases, the swift move to the government’s Plan B and the mandate to work from home from 13 December 2021 was a stark reminder of the ongoing fragility of the status quo.

In those industries where staff are able work from home, the order to do so again may have meant nothing more than “business as usual”; but almost two years on from the first direction to work remotely, what have we learned?

For each worker who best thrives in the office environment there is one who would be happy never to return to the traditional workplace.  For every boss decrying remote working in the press, there is another reporting plans to allow its staff to be based permanently at home.  

Factors such as workload, type of work, commute, health, and personal circumstances mean that one size simply cannot fit all, and remote vs office working is not a binary issue.  However, whether you love it, loathe it, or feel very much undecided, here are some tips on how to make remote working a success.

1 Equipment and environment

It’s not just about providing a computer and internet access; 2020/2021 saw the popularity of collaborative communication software literally Zoom…suddenly a simple phone call was not enough. Video calls, screensharing and live conferencing have become part of daily life and seem set to remain. Ensuring staff have the right software to work effectively and keep in touch with co-workers for those “water cooler” moments is vital, as is making sure it is used appropriately. If staff use video calls, make sure they understand expectations regarding appearance, know the protocol for addressing their audience and appreciate when (and when not) to be “on mute”.

Regular checking in with staff regarding what the business can do to improve their homeworking environment is also important. Lights, desks, chairs, multiple screens, options for flexible working, scheduled social time with colleagues and clear guidance on expectations when working from home can all massively improve productivity and worker satisfaction.

2 Communication and support

It seems simple but communication really is key. Ask yourself how often and how well the business speaks to its staff and whether the remote workforce knows how to address any work-related needs. Who do they call when the laptop doesn’t work? Who deals with workstream queries? Who do they reach out to when things aren’t going well? Do your staff know that their contribution is seen and appreciated? Is everyone able to feel part of and work as a team? 

Regular – and perhaps anonymous – reviews of performance and satisfaction are good measures of how well the business is managing its home workers which, in turn, and particularly in times of mandatory remote working, is essential for success.  

3 Management and training

The more traditional management techniques may simply not work remotely. Consider providing training for managers to improve their remote management skills and look at whether the business can use flexible working to maximise productivity and satisfaction for those working from home. 

It is also important to consider how more experienced staff can train and support those more junior in the remote environment. Some colleagues may have never met in person so a focus on properly introducing new starters and continually encouraging collaboration at all levels can engender a supportive and productive remote working environment.

  • To read this feature in full and access further Lancashire business news, advice and analysis subscribe to Lancashire Business View magazine or join the LBV Hub from just £2.50 per month. Click here to subscribe now.

Enjoyed this? Read more from Lucy Flynn, Beyond Law Group

Latest news

1

Breck doubles full-time staff in two years since office relocation Alex Lee Emma Renshaw Riaz Bapu Jonathan Lloyd at Breck

Breck doubles full-time staff in two years since office relocation

22 May 2025

2

Inspired reveal detailed discussions over third party cash offer inspired-500x500.png

Inspired reveal detailed discussions over third party cash offer

22 May 2025

3

Brabners bolster Lancashire's corporate team Nikki Whittle, Brett Cooper and Mark Rathbone

Brabners bolster Lancashire's corporate team

22 May 2025

4

Partner promotions at WNJ Stuart Mercer, left, and Matthew Johnson

Partner promotions at WNJ

21 May 2025

5

Accrington-made Vita Advanced Mattress wins prestigious 'Best of the Best' Award at Interzum 2025 Dr. Emily Schweissinger - Evonik, Dr. Roland Hubel - Evonik, Dr Mike Murray - The Vita Group, Natalie Watson - The Vita Group, Chris Hupfeld - Coverstro, Dr. Annegret Terheiden - Evonik and Dennis Wagner - Covestro

Accrington-made Vita Advanced Mattress wins prestigious 'Best of the Best' Award at Interzum 2025

21 May 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Sub36 Networking
Networking
11 Jun 2025

Sub36 Networking

British Jewellery School, Scorton, PR3 1BA

15:00 - 17:00

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200pxtrident 2
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

Liverpool Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-881365363-4862066883-1-original.20241023-085714.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
23 May 2025 - 23 May 2025

Liverpool Business Expo 2025

Aintree Racecourse , Liverpool , L9 5AS

09:00 - 15:00

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 29
Artboard 15.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
29 May 2025 - 29 May 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 29

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:00

Business Bike Club – June
Chamber Logo1.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
03 Jun 2025 - 03 Jun 2025

Business Bike Club – June

Various, Lancaster, LA

08:00 - 09:30

How AI is already changing your life
2.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
03 Jun 2025 - 03 Jun 2025

How AI is already changing your life

Society1 Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

National accountancy firm, MHA, to host Finance Leaders from across the North West.
jaime-lopes-0RDBOAdnbWM-unsplash.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
04 Jun 2025

National accountancy firm, MHA, to host Finance Leaders from across the North West.

Farington Lodge Hotel Stanifield Lane, Farington, PR25 4QR

08:00 - 10:00

National Centre for Remote and Rural Medicine Conference 2025
Remote and Rural 3.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
05 Jun 2025 - 05 Jun 2025

National Centre for Remote and Rural Medicine Conference 2025

North Lakes Hotel and Spa, Penrith, CA11 8QT

09:30 - 17:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV122 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin