Connections for Success

 

12.14.20

Remote Work May Be Here to Stay — Are You Ready?
Harry Fox

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many companies to shift gears and focus on ways to conduct business remotely. Many experts believe that the trend toward remote work will continue even after the pandemic is over. Unlike other businesses, manufacturers must continue to rely on workers on the shop floor, such as machinists, assemblers and repair persons.

Related Read: Is Remote Selling the New Normal? Tips to Make the Most of Your Sales Program

Here are some possible ways manufacturers can adapt their operations to the new normal.

Allow Executives and Office Staff to Work Remotely
Providing remote work opportunities helps you recruit and retain talent. By minimizing the number of people at the workplace, it facilitates social distancing when necessary.

Look into Automation
You can reduce the number of people needed on your shop floor with the adoption of automation. Even before the pandemic, many manufacturers were beginning to embrace Internet-connected devices that can be monitored and operated remotely.

Reconfigure Office Space
With more employees working remotely, manufacturers can lower their costs by reducing office space. This also provides an opportunity to reconfigure spaces to help boost productivity, efficiency and employee satisfaction.

Invest in Remote Workers
It is not enough to simply send workers home to work. To make it work, it is critical to provide employees with the resources they need to be productive at home. Assist employees with the expenses necessary to create an efficient work environment, such as office furniture, computer equipment and high-speed Internet service.

Pay Attention to Cybersecurity
Make sure that remote employees’ home Wi-Fi networks are password-protected or encrypted. Alternatively, consider making them use a virtual private network (VPN) to connect to the company’s systems. Provide employees with company computers with the latest security patches and appropriate malware protection or, if they use their own devices, ensure that they follow security protocols.

Related Read: Why Manufacturers Cannot Afford to Ignore Cybersecurity

It is uncertain what the new normal will look like or when today’s volatile conditions will subside. But it is likely that remote work will continue to play a prominent role. Now is the time to adapt without missing a beat.

For more information, contact Harry Fox at [email protected] or 312.670.7444. Visit ORBA.com to learn more about our Manufacturing & Distribution Group.

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