Hot new job: Do you have a 'Head of Remote' yet?
Hot new job: Do you have a 'Head of Remote' yet?
Hi!
The 'back to the office' versus 'working from home' debate rages on as more companies announce they are reopening and want their staff back in the building.
Frankly, it's the wrong conversation to have. You need to start by looking at the outcomes you want to achieve, and then reason back to the best location to deliver those.
And so, a new role is deemed to be critical for success: 'Head of remote work'. The purpose of that role is to keep remote workers engaged and make them feel part of the conversation.
But, isn't that their manager's job? While it would be good to have someone who can take care of all the details supporting a remote workforce, it's up to team leaders to make sure they are included. Remote workers don't work in a vacuum: they are part of the team.
Leading remote workers can be a bit scary, because you might feel like you have less control. There are issues to consider: If you pay someone in a high cost location, can that employee move to a low cost location with the same salary? Is that a fair pay policy?
There are also practical points to resolve: eg technically, by offering a secure and reliable environment regardless of the location. What about travel? How will performance be graded and are there regular (mandatory?) check ins? The list seems daunting, but is not insurmountable. It's actually very doable.
If you hire a Head of Remote to facilitate this process and make sure team leaders are well equipped to manage in-office and remote staff I'm all for it. Even better to consider it a project with an end date.
But building good working relationships and ensuring people thrive at work is up to their managers, whether employees work remotely or not. The 2021 Work Trend Index has more on that.
Have a great weekend, Anita
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Weekend Reading
The Next Great Disruption Is Hybrid Work—Are We Ready? — www.microsoft.com
Short answer: we aren't ready and need to rethink work. This 2021 Work Trend Index outlines findings from a study of more than 30,000 people in 31 countries - it's forward looking with solid advice on what to focus on so people can thrive at work.
Should Remote Compensation Be Based On Where Employees Live? — eightfold.ai
It's a difficult question: What if an employee moves from a high cost to a low cost location? Will you dock their pay? You'll need an approach before it happens to avoid dissatisfaction among other employees.
Remote Work Is Leading To More Gender And Racial Harassment, Say Tech Workers
If you thought that less face time in the office means less harassment, think again. There are a million ways to harass people online, and your team are using them. Be warned.
Movers and Shakers
Staffbase Announces $145M Round for Employee Engagement Platform
Recruitment Platform Celential Raises $9.5M
Spekit Raises $12.2M to Shape the Future of Learning at Work
Crosschq Raises 13M for Data-Driven Hiring
DataPeople Raised $8M to Achieve Equity in Recruiting
BrightPlan Closes $9.5 Million for Employee Financial Wellness
Learn
Apr 19-22 People Analytics World. Use the code ANLE25 for a 25% discount on the already low fee.
Apr 22 - VOICES
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