We often talk about how employees want more challenging opportunities and flexibility in the workplace, but we usually don’t take a close look at how their mobility also benefits employers.
Source: AlexLMX / Shutterstock
Recent research reveals that employee mobility leads to 30% better processes, 23% more productivity, and 100% more satisfied employees, which are all great for an organization’s bottom line.
Here’s how you can effectively increase and implement employee mobility at your organization.
Constantly Audit and Update Technology
Employee mobility isn’t possible without the most advanced technology, so make sure your mobile teams have access to cloud-based systems that are tailored for the work your organization does. Also, ensure your employees are well trained in how and when to use them.
Moreover, continually audit your technology platforms to make sure they’re doing what they’re supposed to do and consistently yielding a high return on investment. If they’re not, make sure they get updated.
Offer Agile Work Spaces for Work-Related Activities
Even if a majority of your teams are remote or mobile, offer them spaces to congregate for meetings and work-related events, and provide desk spaces in the office when they need to use office space.
At a minimum, allow your mobile teams to expense office spaces they rent. Keep in mind that 85% of workers say they expect to see an increase in mobility in their future workplaces via arrangements such as activity-based workplaces or agile workplaces.
Get Ready to Offer International Opportunities
Seventy-one percent of Millennials expect and want an overseas assignment during their career, according to PwC’s talent mobility 2020 report. So, prepare to send most of your employees overseas in the next year or so, and make sure you have the right policies, processes, and systems in place before you do.
Document Processes
When managing and building a global and mobile workforce, make sure you document all processes related employees’ work and responsibilities. Also document various legal requirements across the globe as they become applicable to your mobile teams, especially concerns related to human resources, hiring, and managing workers.
Make sure that members of every team are crystal clear about who they report to, what their roles are, what their department does, etc.
Rely on Freelancers and Contractors
Moving forward, it will probably be more cost-effective to hire freelancers and contractors than it will be to hire full-time remote staff, especially if you’re building a more mobile workforce.
For more insight, read “4 Things to Know When Hiring Freelancers and Contractors.”
Consider the tips and best practices above as you increase employee mobility at your organization.