Remote work training is becoming increasingly important as more and more companies are shifting towards remote work models. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend, and it is now clear that remote work is here to stay. However, just because a company has transitioned to remote work does not mean that it is operating at its fullest potential. Proper training is essential for companies to fully realize the benefits of remote work and avoid common pitfalls.

As a highly experienced consultant in the field of remote work training, I have seen firsthand the transformative power that proper remote work training can have on companies of all industries and sizes. In this article, I will be sharing specific examples of my clients who have greatly benefited from remote work training, and discussing the reasons why all companies should invest in this type of training.

Increased Productivity

One of the main benefits of remote work is increased productivity. My clients have reported that their employees are able to focus better and get more done when working from home. 

However, this increase in productivity is not automatic. Companies must provide their employees with the tools and training they need to work effectively from home. For example, a large financial services company that I consulted for implemented a remote work training program that focused on time management and setting boundaries. As a result, the company saw a 15% increase in productivity.

Improved Employee Satisfaction

Another benefit of remote work is improved employee satisfaction. My clients have reported that their employees are happier and more engaged when they have the flexibility to work from home. 

However, remote work can also lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection. Proper training can help employees to stay connected and engaged with their colleagues and the company. For example, a mid-size IT services company that I consulted for implemented a remote work training program that focused on communication and collaboration. As a result, the company saw a 20% increase in employee satisfaction.

Managing Cognitive Bias

Remote work also brings unique challenges related to cognitive biases. For example, the isolation and lack of face-to-face interactions can lead to the “online disinhibition effect,” where people are more likely to engage in behavior that they would not normally engage in face-to-face. This can manifest as rudeness or insensitivity in online interactions. Additionally, remote workers may be more susceptible to the “spotlight effect,” where they feel like their actions are under constant scrutiny. 

Proper training can help employees to recognize and manage these cognitive biases. A mid-size tech company that I consulted for implemented a remote work training program that focused on managing cognitive biases. As a result, the company saw a decrease in the number of reported incidents of rudeness or insensitivity in online interactions.

Cost-Effective Solutions

Another advantage of remote work training is the cost-effectiveness of the solution. When employees are given the right tools and training, they can perform their jobs more efficiently and effectively, which in turn saves the company money. 

For example, a small marketing agency that I consulted for implemented a remote work training program that focused on communication and collaboration. As a result, the company was able to decrease the number of meetings and reduce the amount of time spent on coordination. This led to a significant reduction in costs.

Flexibility and Scalability

Remote work training also offers flexibility and scalability. As companies adapt to the new normal, they can quickly and easily scale up or down their remote work operations. This is especially important for businesses that are experiencing rapid growth or downsizing. 

For example, a large e-commerce company that I consulted for implemented a remote work training program that focused on time management and setting boundaries. As a result, the company was able to quickly and easily scale up its remote work operations when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

Competitive Advantage

Finally, remote work training can give companies a competitive advantage. Companies that are able to effectively manage remote work will have a leg up on their competitors in terms of productivity and employee satisfaction. Additionally, companies that are able to attract and retain top talent will have an edge in the job market. 

For example, a mid-size legal firm that I consulted for implemented a remote work training program that focused on communication and collaboration. As a result, the company was able to attract and retain top talent, which gave them a competitive advantage in the market.

Conclusion

In conclusion, remote work training is a cost-effective, flexible, and scalable solution that can provide companies with a competitive advantage. Companies that invest in remote work training will see increased productivity, improved employee satisfaction, and better management of cognitive biases. As a consultant, I have seen firsthand the transformative power of remote work training, and I strongly encourage all companies to invest in this type of training. With the right tools and training, companies can ensure that they are operating at their fullest potential and are well-positioned for success in today’s rapidly changing business environment.


Image Credit: Remote Work Training/Civility Partners


Originally Published in Forbes on January 20, 2023

Bio: Dr. Gleb Tsipursky helps leaders use hybrid work to improve retention and productivity while cutting costs. He serves as the CEO of the boutique future-of-work consultancy Disaster Avoidance Experts, which helps organizations adopt a hybrid-first culture, instead of incrementally improving on the traditional office-centric culture. A best-selling author of 7 books, he is especially well-known for his global best-sellers Never Go With Your Gut: How Pioneering Leaders Make the Best Decisions and Avoid Business Disasters (Career Press, 2019) and The Blindspots Between Us: How to Overcome Unconscious Cognitive Bias and Build Better Relationships (New Harbinger, 2020). His newest book is Leading Hybrid and Remote Teams: A Manual on Benchmarking to Best Practices for Competitive Advantage (Intentional Insights, 2021). His writing was translated into Chinese, Korean, German, Russian, Polish, Spanish, French, and other languages. His cutting-edge thought leadership was featured in over 650 articles and 550 interviews in prominent venues. They include Harvard Business Review, Fortune, Inc. Magazine, Business Insider, Fast Company, Forbes, and elsewhere. His expertise comes from over 20 years of consulting, coaching, and speaking and training for mid-size and large organizations ranging from Aflac to Xerox. It also comes from his research background as a behavioral scientist. After spending 8 years getting a PhD and lecturing at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he served for 7 years as a professor at the Ohio State University’s Decision Sciences Collaborative and History Department. A proud Ukrainian American, Dr. Gleb lives in Columbus, Ohio (Go Bucks!). In his free time, he makes sure to spend abundant quality time with his wife to avoid his personal life turning into a disaster. Contact him at Gleb[at]DisasterAvoidanceExperts[dot]com, follow him on LinkedIn @dr-gleb-tsipursky, Twitter @gleb_tsipursky, Instagram @dr_gleb_tsipursky, Facebook @DrGlebTsipursky, Medium @dr_gleb_tsipursky, YouTube, and RSS, and get a free copy of the Assessment on Dangerous Judgment Errors in the Workplace by signing up for the free Wise Decision Maker Course at https://disasteravoidanceexperts.com/newsletter/