Transitioning Into a Remote First Company: As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, more and more companies are transitioning into remote-first work models. 

Such a significant change can feel daunting, especially if you are new to remote work. So, what are the dos and don’ts of transitioning to a remote-first company? 

Do use the right technologies 

Having the right technology is essential for workspaces transitioning into a remote-first approach. Even if you don’t expect people to come into an office to work, they still need to communicate and share information effectively. 

Some crucial remote-first tools are obvious, like messaging apps, video interfacing, or email. Other tools are more out-of-the-box, like a virtual office subscription from providers like iPostal1. Virtual office subscriptions are particularly useful for home-based or remote-first companies because they provide a physical address you can put on your website and list on your contact details page. 

This physical address gives your clients somewhere to direct mail, and it adds to the professionalism of your remote-first company’s image.   

Technology is where you bridge the communication gap, so don’t be afraid to incorporate multiple contact lines between employees, vendors, and clients. 

Don’t forget to document everything 

When transitioning into a remote-first company, you should make a habit of documenting everything. You may find you experience more miscommunications than in other workplaces if you don’t. 

With everyone managing their own hours and working in different time zones, documentation is vital. Otherwise, your employees may end up doing the same work more than once.

The right technology can help you in this area. Train everyone to keep careful logs or reports of their work and make these records accessible to your staff through a document-sharing software like Google Docs or Dropbox.

Do help employees cultivate comfortable workspaces 

When you’re working out of a home office, you must have everything you need with you, including things like:

• Reliable internet 
• VPN internet security
• Comfortable chairs 

Because there isn’t a physical office to maintain, the money you would typically spend on office upkeep can go elsewhere. 

There’s a lot of debate about how to reallocate that money. One of the best ways is to use it on stipends for employees to create a remote work environment that helps them perform as efficiently and dependably as they would in-office. 

Don’t limit recruitment to local areas 

The pandemic has left many people looking for jobs. If you’re transitioning into a remote-first company, that can work to your advantage. 

As a remote-first company, there’s no expectation that everyone arrives in person at an office every day, and that opens up your hiring possibilities to include people from other regions or even countries with the qualifications you need. 

While transitioning into a remote-first company, you’ll notice there’s a minimum of onboarding. And thanks to the Internet, paying and overseeing employees in any hemisphere is easier than ever before. 

Don’t forget to socialize 

Finally, remember remote-first doesn’t mean your employees exist in a void. Understandably, you might keep meetings to a minimum, especially if you manage people in different time zones.

But when you do have team discussions, ensure you build in the time for a few minutes of chit-chat at the start and end of each session. That way, your employees can still connect, even if they can’t meet for coffee. 

Conclusion 

Keeping these dos and don’ts in mind will help you transition into a remote-first company. You might be giving up on the water cooler, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on the culture that makes your company great.