26 February 2020
We have been working from home for 4 years …
On these days of concern about Coronavirus many companies were encouraged to choose remote working for the first time, often finding themselves unprepared. At Theoria we have been working from home for 4 years, clearly governed by a shared regulation. So for us it is a natural and non-traumatic thing. Some advice for companies approaching remote working now for the first time?
- Activate a secure VPN (any IT technician can explain how) with remote access to company servers from employees’ PCs, made secure by strong antivirus protections and a clear illustration of rules of conduct.
- An alternative to the VPN is the cloud (we use both), using platforms such as Google (G Suite) or Facebook (Workplace). To work as if you were in the office you need to have all the shared documents on the platform. However, the cloud can still be used to share work in progress with teams and customers, as well as to organize video calls in a very simple way and communicate in real time via chat in couples or in a group (avoiding the phone when you need to exchange fast information). If you start using these platforms, you won’t be able to do without them.
- Empower employees and trust them (which, moreover, should be part of a modern concept of work, in the office or from anywhere). Our approach, now consolidated and shared by all Theoria teams, is: the important thing is that you do the work you are supposed to, no matter if you start at 10, 8 or 9, no matter if you take an hour off to go shopping or to pay attention to the plumber. We trust you and we won’t control you. Trust will always be rewarded. In 4 years Theoria has never had any unpleasant episodes. Furthermore, being an agency mainly made up of women (some mothers), remote working is highly appreciated because it allows you to combine life and work.
- Take the opportunity to take off high heels and business clothes to work in complete relaxation for once. To make videocalls with clients, you just have to comb your hair and look great only from the waist up. Below, overalls and slippers will do fine!
These are very few rules for a new way of working, Coronavirus or not.