What Is a Distributed Workforce and How to Manage It
Embracing a distributed workforce can be a game-changer for your business. Learn how to manage it with our expert tips.
Published March 30, 2023.
Over the last few years, the ability to work remotely has become increasingly popular, giving way to working arrangements such as the distributed workforce model.
A distributed workforce is a business model that has employees working from multiple locations, be it company headquarters, satellite offices, or from home.
While the advantages of such a model are plentiful, including improved employee satisfaction, you'll need to understand and implement this model properly to effectively manage your distributed workforce.
■ Get inspired by top hybrid work model examples
Managing a Distributed Workforce
Managing a distributed workforce can help you increase employee productivity within your organization. However, for your distributed workforce management to be effective, you need to adhere to the following best practices.
Provide the Right Tools
For your distributed workforce model to succeed, you'll need to provide the necessary equipment. An effective setup should include several reliable collaboration platforms, communication tools, and software for remote access and video conferencing. Other tools your distributed workforce employees can benefit from include:
- Project management tools
- Document sharing and collaboration tools
- Space management software
- Time-tracking software
- Customer relationship management (CRM) systems
Streamline Communication and Collaboration
Creating a successful distributed workforce requires excellent communication and the ability to collaborate effectively. Regular check-ins and making your expectations and goals help ensure each employee knows what is expected of them, when it needs to be done, and how.
So, you should invest in an effective communication tool, as well as provide enough meetings or video calls to facilitate communication and collaboration.
Additionally, regularly providing team-building activities outside of work can help boost teamwork among your distributed workforce, allowing your employees better collaboration and fostering friendly relationships with colleagues.
Ensure Equal Opportunities for All Employees
In a distributed workforce setup, it's important to ensure all your employees are given equal opportunities regardless of their location. You should make sure you can bridge any discrepancies between office workers and remote workers by having a set of guidelines and processes to ensure fairness across the board and avoid proximity bias.
Example:
If there's an important presentation being held in the office, it should be scheduled at a time that's convenient for remote employees to follow along live so nobody misses out.
■ Ensure business success by improving employee happiness
Effectively Manage Your Distributed Workforce
The distributed workforce model is gaining popularity for its many advantages, and with the right management strategies in place, it can increase employee satisfaction and efficiency within your business.
By providing the right tools, streamlining communication and collaboration, and ensuring equal opportunities for all employees, you can reap the full benefits of the distributed workforce model and boost your bottom line.
