The COVID-19 pandemic has forced businesses around the world to adapt rapidly to remote work practices. While many organizations find themselves struggling with the change, remote work presents an opportunity for HR professionals to demonstrate their value to the organization in new and innovative ways. Although corporate HR has historically been conducted in person, there are a variety of ways that HR can succeed while working from home. Here’s how:
Improve communication
One of the greatest challenges of remote work is maintaining effective communication between team members. This can become even more challenging when working in HR, where communication is essential for decision-making, compliance, and employee engagement.
To address this, HR professionals should make an effort to communicate effectively with their colleagues through virtual communication tools like Zoom, MS Teams, or Skype. This means scheduling weekly or daily check-ins with individuals or teams, and actively encouraging employees to provide feedback and ideas through these channels.
Embrace tech tools
While remote work can be challenging, technology has made it possible for HR to streamline many of its functions without being physically present in the office. Remote workers can use software tools such as Google Hangouts and Skype for interviews or to hold remote disciplinary hearings. Cloud-based HR systems can help HR professionals manage employee records, track hours and attendance, and oversee compliance from anywhere in the world.
Automation software, eLearning, and online career development tools can also now play a central role in HR’s digital toolkit when it comes to conducting employee training and development.
Prioritize work/life balance
One of the most significant benefits of remote work is the ability to achieve work/life balance. HR professionals should take advantage of this flexibility by structuring their time efficiently, taking regular breaks, and prioritizing self-care.
Studies have shown that employees who prioritize their personal and professional lives are more productive in both areas, and HR professionals should make an effort to model this behavior to the rest of the organization.
Create a culture of trust
Remote work requires an entirely new level of trust and collaboration between team members. HR professionals should work to create a culture of trust by embracing transparency, encouraging open communication, and celebrating remote workers’ achievements.
By making remote workers feel valued and supported, HR can create a more engaged and motivated workforce that will be better prepared to face future challenges.
Emphasize flexibility
Remote work presents an opportunity for HR professionals to emphasize the importance of flexibility and agility in the modern workplace. With the world constantly changing, HR needs to remain vigilant, adaptable, and responsive to new developments.
HR professionals should embrace technology and innovative solutions that help them keep up with a constantly evolving industry. This includes investing in new software tools or conducting trainings to cover areas such as leadership and project management.
Foster a sense of community
Remote work can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation, which can be particularly challenging for HR professionals who play a central role in employee engagement and retention. To address this, HR professionals should focus on fostering a sense of community among remote workers.
This can be achieved by creating virtual team-building activities or social events that allow remote workers to connect with one another. Additionally, remote workers should be encouraged to share their experiences and knowledge with one another, fostering a sense of collaboration and shared purpose.
Stay Focused on Goals
Working from home can sometimes mean that individuals are distracted by domestic responsibilities or by the desire to watch TV or engage in social media. HR professionals must work on staying focused on their goals, and they should consider setting a schedule to help structure their day and maintain discipline.
This may mean setting specific goal-oriented tasks, setting realistic deadlines, and evaluating progress frequently. By staying focused and disciplined, HR professionals can demonstrate their commitment to their work and continue to be productive and effective while working from home.
Be Adaptable and Resilient
The current situation is ever-evolving, and HR professionals may need to be adaptable and resilient in the face of change. This may mean adjusting HR policies and procedures to suit the needs of remote workers, developing new solutions to common challenges, or responding quickly to emerging trends in the industry.
HR professionals should be prepared to react nimbly to changes and to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in HR technology and software, which can quickly respond to evolving business needs.
Conclusion
Working from home can be a rewarding opportunity for HR professionals to demonstrate their skills, and effectively contribute to the success of the organization. By staying focused on goals, embracing technology, and fostering a sense of community and trust, HR professionals can succeed in their jobs while working remotely.
Remote work presents many different challenges, but by staying grounded in their purpose and goals, while remaining flexible and open-minded to new possibilities, HR professionals can thrive as effective and successful remote employees.