No matter their size or industry, the coronavirus situation will affect each and every UK company with circumstances changing on a weekly basis. With no guarantee of when the situation will dissipate, the only certainty is that businesses need to adapt to survive. As a fully remote company, FYXER may be better prepared for some aspects of the upheaval than others, but all business is ultimately linked to the wider economy.
Our clients, from start-ups to corporates, have told us about the ways Covid-19 is impacting them with many executives experiencing similar problems, such as increasing personal responsibilities and the stress of managing remotely. As a company that frees up executives’ time to focus on what matters, we have therefore devised this blueprint to ease some of executives' pressing issues during this unprecedented situation.
All European countries are enforcing various degrees of social distancing, which has a direct impact on 'business as usual’. In particular, all those that can work from home are being encouraged to do so and therefore many companies will be operating remotely for the first time. Given the situation looks likely to last until the summer at least, businesses need to put a plan in place to function effectively over the next few months.
At FYXER, we have been operating semi-remotely for the last four years and fully remotely for the last nine months. From our experience, a company must adopt a bespoke remote working solution that is best suited to their business, but there are two common areas that are vital for all companies: clear communication lines and effective team management.
Without the ability to talk to a colleague on a whim, clear lines of communication are essential to remote working. They are the arteries of the system that keep everything running smoothly and must be open, recorded and consistent in order to work effectively.
Platform
Nowadays, there is a wide range of communication platforms that are specifically designed for remote team working, such as Slack, Zoom and Google Hangout. As a first port of call, remote working companies must choose a preferred platform(s) and ensure that all employees have access to it and understand how and when to use it. Then, companies should:
Process
Having set up the relevant communication channels, managers need to use them effectively. Managers should:
When you’re not seeing your team face-to-face each day, it's vitally important to set up an effective team management plan. This not only ensures that your employees are engaged, productive and hitting their targets independently, but also makes sure you have oversight of their mental and physical well-being.
Preparing employees for working from home (WFH)
Keeping your team engaged and productive
Managers should encourage their employees to:
Supporting your team's mental health and well-being
Managers should:
Managers should also consider:
“It feels as if I’m getting 15-20 hours of my personal time back, giving me back my sanity. Do I feel less stressed? Yes, one million percent.”
After an initial discovery call, we will put forward a proposal and ask for you to give us the go-ahead. Once the contract is signed we can deploy your bespoke team of Fyxers within 24-72 hours.
After our discovery call we create a team from our pool of talent that is matched to your particular needs. One advantage of working with FYXER is that you gain a team with multiple skill sets, experiences and capacities, working across different time zones.
In your kick-off call with your Account Director and lead Fyxer we will discuss current priorities and urgent tasks, also confirming the style of communication and working that best suits you. Once we are set up on your systems your Fyxers will start owning tasks on day 1.
You will have a dedicated Fyxer who leads the day to day delivery of work for you, supported by a team of Fyxers, matched to your specific needs. Our account management team will be your main point of contact and trusted advisors at every stage of working with FYXER.
Because you will have a team supporting you, it means when your AD or any Fyxers are away, there is always someone that is familiar with your needs and the specific support you receive from FYXER. This ensures you receive a consistent level of service.
We create a communication and management structure tailored to what works best for you. You will have regular and open communication channels to confirm tasks and priorities with your Fyxers, this usually involves a combination of Slack, email and calls alongside more structured weekly stand ups. Each month you have a monthly meeting with your Account Director to cover strategic priorities, feedback and any new projects or areas you need help with. Once onboarding is complete, your Fyxers use your systems so will be executing tasks and owning workstreams in the background whilst you get on with the important stuff.
Data security and confidentiality are of the utmost importance to us. We use secure, encrypted software which gives you the ability to share sensitive data, whether personal or business, safely and securely with FYXER. A fundamental pillar of your relationship with FYXER is having total trust that any confidential information you share with us will be treated as such.
We do meet clients in person regularly, however we pride ourselves on our ability to work remotely and the majority of our relationship will be remote.
We have working hubs in cities including New York, San Francisco, London, Manchester, Cape Town and Doha and local partners who can deliver in person tasks in other major cities across the world.
Our support extends across executive, business and personal tasks. Read more on our services page. However, if you need help beyond our regular services you can discuss this with your Account Director and we will create a bespoke solution.
