When the COVID-19 virus steadily spread across the globe and infected thousands worldwide in just a matter of weeks and forced millions to stay home, many companies have explored various ways of cushioning the impact of the pandemic. Production was halted or scaled-down, new work arrangements were devised. Among them all, telecommuting became more common.
Many businesses all over the world were not ready with the speedy onslaught of the pandemic. At the onset, the sudden shift to telecommuting caught many companies unprepared. There were businesses that thought they had the necessary tools to allow their employees to seamlessly transition from office-based work to working from home but were caught off-guard with the various challenges along the way.
For one, not all companies can provide the necessary hardware and technology for all their employees to be able to work remotely.
There is also the problem of insufficient training of the employees on how they should go about with telecommuting. Among these problems are how to navigate through unfamiliar work-from-home situations, how to access documents, and other resources. In addition, one more problem is how to work together in this kind of situation. Lack of or inadequate collaboration tools for team members working remotely is also an issue. And there are also companies with undefined or unclear organizational protocols on workflow and support.
However, many companies that reeled at the onset have started to find their footing. Moreover, they have started to adapt to the situation. The lessons learned along the way have allowed many companies to devise their respective telecommuting policy. And also to come up with the necessary protocols, and to set the needed tools in place.
For those organizations that have not yet completed putting into place all the requisites for a fully-functioning plan for its telecommuting employees, they can put it to test. Furthermore, they can make adjustments or optimizations along the way.
An open communication line is an important key to ensure access to collaborative tools. Also, for everyone to feel connected and feel part of the team despite the physical distance.
