The business environment is changing rapidly, but you don’t need to hear that, do you?
The page of the change is visible to everyone at this point as more and more businesses are struggling to keep up.
Numerous factors need to be taken into account, with the first obvious change being the push to apply hybrid work models.
The trend is not going anywhere as remote work is only getting stronger.
Here are the options at the disposal of businesses who still haven’t applied them:
- Partially remote work, with flexible office space – no permanent offices; rented flex space used for periodic collaboration (but not connectivity)
- Almost entirely on premises – limited remote work, large office space the majority of managers and workers
- Partially remote work, multiple hubs – multiple offices with the workforce dispersed among them
- Partially remote work, large office space – the majority of managers and workers spend most, but not all, of their time at the office
- Almost entirely off premises – mostly remote work with no office space
- Multiple microhubs – management and employees are dispersed across small microhubs located in different cities (or countries, depending on the scope of your business operations)
Any of these can be used as a starting point; plans may be adjusted later to mirror emerging trends.
Small businesses, in particular, need to think about expenses. Maybe start with a small remote team and grow from there?
Try Better Scheduling Options
Once you’re set up a desirable work model, it’s time to pick a scheduling app for your small business. There are different rules for managing remote teams where visibility is a top priority.
In addition to scheduling, you may also want to consider other management- and communication apps.
Use Dispatch Software
Here’s an advanced tip for your business: use dispatch software to always be one step ahead of the competition!
Have you heard of dispatcher logistics?
Let’s expand a bit.
Logistics is the process of planning, implementation, and control of an efficient flow of goods/services and anything related to them from point of origin to their final destination. Dispatcher logistics is the process of effective coordination/management of all these activities.
Usually, employees known as dispatchers are in charge of the process. With the rise of new tech, however, there are advanced solutions available.
Getting started with dispatch software may appear somewhat overbearing but, in the long run, it will streamline and simplify all these complex steps of the logistics process.
As such, it falls under the field service management software and is in charge of automating relevant processes leading to the desired outcome explained above. Dispatch software may come with additional perks (e.g., automation of billing and invoicing).
Simplify Shipping
On that note, simplifying shipping is another good idea (or, more likely, a necessity).
While there’s a myriad of tools available out there, it’s best to stick to best practices, which presently include:
- IoT for asset management
- Cloud-based software for remote work
- Artificial intelligence for business automation
- Inventory management software for supply chains
- Digital procurement platforms for end-to-end visibility
Pay particular attention to digital procurement platforms as lack of visibility is easily the biggest issue of the entire process. These are capable of increasing end-to-end visibility and creating visual breakdowns of the current rate sheets.
Focus on Employee Retention
Employee retention is always a hot topic and there’s probably no need to explain why.
Businesses are developing various approaches to address potential issues in this regard, starting with the hybrid work models mentioned above.
If you want to keep your employees happy and engaged, you should offer suitable perks. Why not start by providing career development ideas?
Opportunities for growth never go out of fashion. However, realistic assessments must precede them. To make sure that every employee will be provided with the opportunity to reach their professional goals, offer continual learning.
Explore New Training Ideas
Continual learning is, in case you didn’t know, one of the most sought-out perks by young newbies.
Once again, try to be ahead of competitors. Here’s an idea: provide custom learning.
Using gamification in training is one way to engage and excite your employees, and here’s why.
Gamification is not novel in itself. In military training, for example, it’s been used for quite a while. Recently, the trend has expanded to include new areas and approaches.
Its basic premise remains the same nevertheless. Gamification is, basically, the application of game elements in other contexts (learning, in our case). The focus is on providing game-like activities, which learners will employ to solve problems.
While there are many different approaches to the practice, three main aspects have become a standard. These are: meaningfulness, conditioning, and communication. In order for learning to be successful, all of these elements must be present.
Next on, gamification must ensure engagement through extrinsic motivation — it translates to offering external rewards.
The finest of gamified learning programs include three game-like elements, namely points, badges and leaderboards.
Points serve to track progress, badges — to display achievements, and leaderboards — to display rankings.
Additional elements are customizable and may include incentives, rewards (preferably for milestones) interaction elements, progress bars, and feedback.
Encourage Green Initiatives
Green initiatives have been hyped in recent years. Due to that, many agendas are underway so keeping track of the developments is a must.
Even better, inspire an initiative on your own and include all employees in the brainstorming process!
Sustainability, clean tech, and education should be in focus.
To stay ahead of the competition, create your own courses on the topic and market them outside of your organization. Go green and boost your reputation in one go!
Key Takeaways
Mentioned here are some necessary steps as per market demands and some tips to help your business stand out.
Don’t be afraid of experimenting. There’s nothing wrong with trying a little bit of this and that and coming up with your own, unique solutions.
However, no matter what you do, make sure to keep your employees in the loop. Nothing beats active participation!