Life changed drastically when the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world. Be it the way we live our lives or the way we work, a change took place, and a new way of doing things was discovered. The corporate sector also adapted to these changes in a big way, remote working was adopted to protect the employees and ensure continuity of work.
We all experienced how Dubai aligned its work practices with this global shift towards remote work. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Dubai managed the situation differently by maintaining strict rules and ensuring the continuity of most services to maintain a sense of normalcy. This approach worked in Dubai’s favour as it experienced an unprecedented surge in population and tourism. Consequently, companies started hiring regularly to meet the increasing demands of the growing population.
The traditional notion that productivity depends on physical presence in an office has become outdated. And all thanks to technology, a healthy work-life balance was achieved, which is now leading to a happier and more productive workforce. This transformation, while beneficial, has both challenges and opportunities for companies. HR plays a big role in ensuring the well-being of remote employees, encouraging a sense of belonging, and maintaining effective communication channels. Let’s look at some of the challenges that companies face with remote work, with tips on how to overcome and adjust to the new ways of working:
Data Security is a major concern: Protecting sensitive company data becomes more difficult in a remote work environment. Companies must implement stringent cybersecurity measures to safeguard corporate information from potential breaches.
Cultural Shift due to less face-to-face interactions: Traditionally, the UAE work culture emphasized on physical meetings and discussions. A cultural shift from management happened where they built trust in their employees’ abilities to deliver without constant supervision.
Tracking employee performance on an hourly basis: Managers struggled to gauge daily productivity and assess whether tasks were completed within designated timeframes. This required more streamlining of work, building processes and assigning reasonable timelines to specific tasks to ensure smooth functioning.
Even with all these challenges, there are numerous opportunities as remote work allows companies to tap into a global talent pool. It allows everyone to attract diverse talent without any geographical constraints whatsoever, which helps build a multicultural and inclusive work environment. Here we have listed some of the strategies that can go a long way in creating a successful work environment:
Clear Communication is key: Management must establish clear communication channels with their employees so that they are well informed about expectations, deadlines, and company updates. Regular virtual meetings can enhance team cohesion.
Empathy and Support go a long way in employee retention: Companies should be empathetic to employees’ challenges and provide necessary support. Offering mental health resources, counselling services, and flexible leave policies can alleviate stress and anxiety.
eLearning and upskilling: The focus for companies should be to invest in virtual training programs, workshops, and certifications, this will enable employees to upskill from the comfort of their homes.
Data-driven decisions are a successful business practice: HR outsourcing companies can provide valuable insights into remote employees’ productivity and engagement. Utilizing data-driven decision-making processes allows companies to adapt strategies effectively.
Technology Integration in all departments is the backbone of any company: Investing in user-friendly collaboration tools and project management software encourages efficient teamwork. HR Outsourcing companies provide training to ensure employees are proficient in utilizing these platforms.
Compliance and Legal Considerations should be followed accurately: HR Outsourcing can help companies stay updated on remote work regulations and labour laws in the UAE. Ensuring compliance with local legislation avoids legal complications in the future.
It’s well known that flexible work arrangements boost morale and job satisfaction for employees. The option of compressed workweeks or flextime helps in employee performance, increases productivity, and leads to the overall well-being of the individual. Besides tools for work companies should also conduct virtual fitness classes, mental health webinars, and digital wellness resources to promote wellbeing. Prioritizing employees’ health and happiness promotes a positive work environment.
While challenges abound, the shift to remote work in the UAE opens doors to new possibilities. By addressing challenges proactively and leveraging the available opportunities, companies can play a pivotal role in shaping a future-ready, flexible, and resilient workforce in the Emirates.
By:
Maqbool Ali Khan