How Better Task Management Enables Remote Work Productivity
Explores how task management strategies and software improve productivity for remote workers through scheduled check-ins, communication, and AI-driven tools.
The world had to discover alternative methods to work without people coming into contact with each other due to the global pandemic. It's expected that over a quarter of employees will continue to work remotely, according to an Upwork estimate.
A recent study also found that 56% of the U.S. workforce have remote work compatible jobs. And with employers discovering how much they spend on real estate for office space, many are considering a permanent remote workforce. Not only that, but businesses can reduce their carbon footprint as well.
"Work-at-home will save U.S. employers over $30 billion a day in what would have otherwise been lost productivity during office closures due to COVID-19."
Remote work productivity findings
A study by Stanford University of 16,000 call center employees over nine months found that remote work from home increased productivity by 13%. This was attributed to a quieter work environment at home, and more minutes worked per shift due to fewer breaks or sick days.
Additionally, a survey by ConnectSolutions found that 77% of employees that work sometimes at home per month are more productive, with 24% getting more work done in the same time period, and 30% finishing tasks in a shorter period.
Scheduled check-ins
Whether you have workers coming into the office a couple of times a week or ones that work completely from home, it's crucial to have scheduled check-ins. These one-on-one conversations are a great way to clear up any uncertainties pertaining to a task or a project.
- Fixing agendas
- Making check-ins periodical
- Planning accordingly
- Developmental focus
Encourage frequent communication
One task management best practice is to encourage teams to communicate frequently. Even though it's through a screen and not in-person, project communication is important and helps move them along.
- Morning chats — a simple "good morning" can encourage employees to chat over coffee and connect regularly.
- Video meeting — video calls allow employees to see each other and form a better connection.
- Water cooler channel — allow employees to talk about other things besides work.
- Internal messaging tool — proving an internal messaging system gives remote workers a way to communicate efficiently.
Use task management software
Using software to improve your task management is helpful for managers to measure both in-house and remote workers' productivity levels. Technology in 2021 allows businesses to look at input/output data so that managers know exactly how productive remote workers are.
For example, MetaSpark, a tool that brings all tasks from every system into one platform, allows managers to measure employee contributions. AI analyzes metadata across software tools to deliver insights on employees' contributions toward goals and OKRs.
Improved Work Productivity Requires Task Management
The technology we have at our fingertips allowed businesses all around the globe to adapt to COVID-19 in ways we never imagined. Task management practices like encouraging solid communication is enabled by video calls and internal messaging tools. And task-managing productivity software has helped employers to measure their remote workers' work by analyzing their output data.