Imagine waking up to find that your commute has been replaced by a stroll down the hallway. This scenario was a reality for millions virtually overnight as the COVID-19 pandemic forced companies to embrace remote work. However, as the initial chaos subsides, a new question emerges: what’s next? I think we are living in the “what next” phase of the pandemic.
In March 2020, businesses scrambled to adapt to remote work, grappling with technical challenges, communication barriers, and the sudden shift in workplace dynamics. The lockdown placed many companies in what I thought was two camps. The first was “we have to get back to the office or we will never be effective again.” The second was the “we have never seen such work-life balance and happy workers so we are remote-first from now on.” At least, that is what I thought.
I have come to realize that there still exists the third class of company that thinks “we are remote and that isn’t bad, but I really feel like we could be better or I need to bring everyone back in.” These are the companies I am looking to help. Specializing in remote work optimization, I’ve had firsthand experience guiding companies through the maze of remote work challenges. With a background in process improvement and a passion for leveraging technology, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of streamlining workflows – particularly in virtual environments.
So many entered the lockdown with urgency they never took time to consider what processes needed to change and how they could be better virtually. They may want to embrace the change, but they aren’t sure. To thrive in the remote work era, companies must prioritize process optimization. Start by identifying manual tasks that can be automated, such as invoice management.
In our personal lives, we have largely moved to electronic billing for so many things our mailboxes are full of advertisements and political ads only. However, many businesses still get a paper invoice for things that can likely be done online. Stuck in a paper-first mentality leads to a legitimate need for someone to come to an office to get the mail, sort through the important (and unimportant) items, and make sure it gets where it needs to go. This process improvement opportunity begins with getting as much as possible electronic. Reaching out to vendors and suppliers is sometimes “so easy an intern can do it.” (The words of a past client.) From there, the routing of approvals and reviews is driven by a well-documented and sometimes automated process through a software-of-choice (purpose-built like bill.com or all-encompassing yet specific like Integrify). Transitioning from paper-based to electronic billing systems not only reduces administrative overhead but also lays the groundwork for seamless remote collaboration.
While some may view remote work with skepticism, citing concerns about productivity and team cohesion, the past couple of years have debunked many of these myths. With the right tools and processes in place, remote teams can achieve levels of efficiency and innovation previously thought unattainable. The ‘what next’ phase of the pandemic presents a unique opportunity for companies to reimagine their approach to work. By embracing and investing in process optimization, organizations can not only weather the challenges of today but also thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of tomorrow.
-Marty Herbert