How do you apply workflow management principles to remote and hybrid work models?

Hoy en día no son cientos, sino millones los negocios que han incorporado el trabajo remoto como parte esencial de sus operaciones. Tan solo en América Latina más de 23 millones de personas han laborado en un esquema remoto y se sabe que más de la mitad de las personas esperan continuar trabajando de este modo. El modelo de trabajo híbrido, así como otros formatos laborales contemporáneos, se caracteriza por el uso de tecnologías de la información y de la comunicación (popularmente conocidas como TICs) para gestionar y realizar actividades específicas.

Well, it's not this simple, but not that hard either, it requires an investment of time, money, and resources. Starts with the selection of the right tool for your team's communication, file sharing, data sharing, project management, process automation, etc. Then it is about the KPIs and OKRs with a clear SOP for every team member, with open, regular, and clear communication. Then tracking the progress, being involved with the team, making them feel that you trust them, and motivating them to outperform. These are the only processes involved in managing a remote team. It sounds simple, but not as simple; as you also have to be ready for contingencies of the 11th hour. :)

Workflow management is often ineffective and too complicated because too many tools / platforms are used. Some are using as many as 30 different tools to communicate, collaborate, manage projects, and control workflow. Most are not integrated or synchronized wasting an incredible amount of time resulting in frustration and burnout. Instead, a system such as Optevo https://www.optevo.com creates a unified space / dashboard, where all activity takes place. Communication, collaboration, data / document archives all accessible in real-time or on-demand regardless of users location or time zone. It’s perfect for remote / hybrid work or when employees are on-site. Nothing is missed or lost. Everything can be found in seconds.

Especially in hybrid teams, it is important to maintain an effective workflow. To be able to react quickly to new developments at the same time, it is important to use agile tools. We have been using the Trello tool for this for years. But every tool is of course only as good as its individual setup. Trello as a Kanban tool basically only has empty boards, lists, cards, checklists, labels, etc. What we have now developed over the years is a holistic system with which we and our customers can effectively delegate, manage and readjust tasks, automations included. This allows employees to work hyper-effectively, no matter where they are working from. No micromanagement, no frustration. Easy workflows, easy working together.

In the world of remote and hybrid teams, it's like trying to coordinate a flash mob from different time zones - communication is key! 😂 But seriously, establishing those regular check-ins and feedback loops is like the choreography that keeps everyone in sync. As a leader, it's my job to make sure the team feels heard and valued, no matter the distance. So let's get those virtual meetings and status updates rolling, and remember, a little humor goes a long way in building that trust and respect. 🕺💼 #LeadershipGoals #RemoteWorkFlow #TeamCommunication

Las relaciones de trabajo híbrido son formatos laborales establecidos y que en muchos contextos están incluso respaldados por la ley. Contrario al home office, que se considera como una prestación en la que los empleados pueden disfrutar días de trabajo en casa, el formato de trabajo híbrido generalmente va acompañado de una relación contractual que implica obligaciones, responsabilidades y beneficios para cada una de las partes involucradas.

The beauty of a system like Optevo https://www.optevo.com is it makes real-time and asynchronous communication easy. Team communication and information can be organized in Work Pods. Your dashboard keeps you up to date with a personalized overview of your entire workday. Collaborative Work Pods can be created to which and all team members working on a particular project, initiative, or goal can participate in the communication. Conversations and collaborations are ongoing and transparent, allowing everyone participating to contribute lessening the need for most formal meetings. Teams work faster and waste less time. Work Pods, conversations (meetings) can happen when convenient for each team member i.e. asynchronously or in real-time.

Regularly assess team needs and adjust workflows accordingly. Example: Shifted to async standups when team members had childcare responsibilities. Embrace flexibility and empower teams to optimize workflows. Example: Gave engineers freedom to experiment with tools, leading to 20% productivity boost. Proactively address disruptions and bottlenecks. Example: Automated repetitive tasks when team bandwidth was stretched thin. Encourage open communication and feedback loops. Example: Held weekly virtual coffee chats to stay connected and gather input. Continuously iterate and improve workflows based on learnings. Example: Implemented a "no-meeting Wednesdays" policy to boost focus time.

Workflow management is easier when it's transparent, real-time, and on demand. A challenge in managing workflow is tracking what's been done, needs to be done, who did what and having easy access to all data and vital information. Optevo https:www.optevo.com provides an intuitive dashboard / personalized Work Hub, featuring an overview of all Work Pods, Conversations, Updates, Tasks, To Do’s, Direct Messages, Files, Activities, and more. Stay on top of your tasks easily. Stay abreast of team member activity and workflow. Two-way communication between team members and leaders is easy. This helps team members feel in control of their workday, making participation in discussions and decision-making part of the company culture.

The key to adapting to changing needs in remote and hybrid work models is to empower your teams. Teams closest to the work understand best how their workflows need to shift for optimal results. By giving them the autonomy to tailor their processes – whether fully remote, hybrid, or in-person – you unleash their ability to react swiftly, outpacing the competition. I've witnessed this firsthand with the remote teams I work with. Each has its unique work style, yet all are high-performing. The secret lies in maintaining consistent high-level and cross-team reporting and work organization. Doing this ensures seamless tracking across teams and clear alignment towards the larger goals of the project or organization.

Recognizing remote and hybrid team efforts is crucial. I've found acknowledging accomplishments, celebrating milestones, and offering personalized incentives like feedback and growth opportunities immensely impactful in fostering motivation and connection within the team. It's all about creating a supportive and appreciative virtual work environment.

Feeling connected, motivated, or appreciated can be challenging when working remotely or hybrid. It’s easier when teams are connected via Optevo Work Pods which bring people together around shared goals and values. Collaboration and innovation is fostered with more flexibility and autonomy. Leaders can easily encourage, celebrate, motivate, and recognize team members both within the group or privately. If someone needs encouragement or assistance, this can also be done privately without disrupting the workflow or singling them out publicly. It’s an effective way to ensure DEI aspirations become a reality. It opens doors for diverse individuals from all backgrounds and abilities to be able to participate equally and without discrimination.

El rol del liderazgo para fomentar esta práctica en los equipos de trabajo remotos debe incluir aspectos tecnológicos y relacionales como: Incorporar herramientas de planificación conjunta. Promover proyectos colaborativos. Brindar oportunidad de retroalimentación. Es indispensable construir un entorno en el que cada individuo tenga la posibilidad de interactuar, aportar sus propias habilidades y presentar sus alternativas de solución ante todos los miembros del equipo, con la finalidad de aprender, corregir y tomar decisiones en conjunto.

Los equipos de trabajo remotos se han vuelto cada vez más comunes en la era digital, y con ellos, aprender a liderarlos eficientemente se suma a las habilidades necesarias para los ejecutivos exitosos. La digitalización ha cambiado la forma en que las empresas funcionan y ha permitido a los empleados trabajar desde cualquier lugar y en el momento que prefieran. En las organizaciones, la digitalización también permite a los líderes supervisar y evaluar el progreso de los equipos de manera más fácil y eficaz, para tomar las decisiones consecuentes con sus necesidades y experiencia.