Supporting a Remote Workforce

Remote and hybrid work has become increasingly popular over the past few years. This shift in work culture has created a significant increase in job opportunities for people with disabilities and the general workforce. Remote work offers many benefits such as improved productivity, better work-life balance, and cost savings for both the employee and their company.

At Disability Solutions, we operate as a fully remote team and have been doing so for the past twelve years.

Our co-founder and Executive Director, Julie Sowash, explains, "I knew going into the office wasn't good for me or my mental health, and I wanted to structure the company in a way that was beneficial for the whole team, giving them the flexibility they needed to do their best work."

Working remotely can pose some challenges, particularly with communication and team collaboration. However, we have found numerous ways to support remote employees where they are.

It may take some trial and error to figure out what works for your team, but the good news is we've got the tips and insight you need for success:

The Right Tools

As a remote or hybrid team, it's important to have the right communication and collaboration tools in place. Platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Slack can make team communication and file sharing easy.

Regular Communication

Turn on your cameras, connect with employees, and engage with them. Before meetings, set an agenda and send notes to attendees afterward. Provide regular feedback, and set clear and measurable expectations and performance metrics.

Measure Success

To ensure employees are supported, organize employee resource groups (ERGs) and engage DEI teams. Establish a mentorship program to provide additional support and guidance. Gathering regular feedback from employees can help identify areas for improvement and bring about important insights that boost engagement and productivity.

Culture and Team Building

Dedicate time to culture and team-building activities, such as regular team check-ins and celebrating both team members and company wins.

Flexibility

Offering flexible work hours in a remote structure fosters higher employee trust and engagement. It's important to recognize that now more than ever, employees are looking for ways to improve their work-life balance; a sense of autonomy and support at work drive

employee loyalty and productivity.

These are just a few simple ways employers can support remote workers. Disability Solutions is examining the implications of RTO mandates. We aim to provide effective strategies to support your remote and hybrid employees, as an alternative to mandated in-office work. By embracing these strategies, you can ensure a happier, healthier, and more productive remote workforce.