2020 has been an incredible year, one full of disruption and unexpected challenges for businesses and professionals all over the world. The COVID-19 crisis, and subsequent economic downturn, have forced companies to adopt remote work, something that has had an unprecedented effect on the South African workforce, and the performance of employees across the country. In this article, we examine the impact of remote work on employee performance in South Africa, and how the right tools and processes can help organisations and employees alike to increase productivity in a safe and sustainable way.
Understanding the Impact of Remote Work
In recent months, millions of South African workers have been forced to switch over to remote work, trading in their traditional office spaces for makeshift home offices. With the right tools and processes in place, businesses have been able to continue as normal - though, in many cases, productivity levels have dipped slightly.
Of course, there are countless benefits of remote work. Not being tied down to the same space every day, for example, allows for increased flexibility and freedom of movement, while the lack of an in-person workspace reduces the costs associated with managing an office.
However, these advantages can come at a cost. For many South African workers, the sudden shift to remote work has taken away the personal connections, relationships and social aspects of traditional work environments. Furthermore, the necessary technology and infrastructure can also place a strain on budgets, while the lack of supervision can lead to reduced accountability and a diminished sense of motivation.
Fortunately, there are a number of tools and processes available to organisations looking to boost productivity and performance levels in South Africa. From cloud-based tools and platforms that enable collaboration, to remote employee management and monitoring solutions, companies are able to monitor and support their employees, no matter where they are located.
Using Technology and Processes to Enhance Performance
Using the right technology and processes can help organisations enhance their remote employee performance in multiple ways.
To begin with, cloud-based collaboration tools can enable teams to work together, in real time, from anywhere. This way, employees can work together in an efficient and effective manner, no matter where they are located. Similarly, online project and task management tools can give managers the ability to assign tasks, monitor progress, and ensure that deadlines are met.
In addition to these tools, organisations can also benefit from a range of other solutions, such as team communication platforms, to help keep communication flowing and build strong relationships between colleagues. There are also performance metrics and analytics tools available, helping managers and leadership teams to identify any potential problems or areas of improvement.
Finally, remote employee monitoring solutions can give organisations the ability to track employee performance without having to be in the same room. Depending on the solution, managers can gain access to data such as keyboard and mouse activity, application usage, and web browsing logs. This type of tracking is invaluable for monitoring employee performance, as well as ensuring that policies are being properly enforced.
A Better Way for South African Businesses: QikTruck
For South African businesses looking to benefit from the advantages of remote work, QikTruck provides a one-stop solution for truck and driver hire. Using our online platform, businesses can instantly book, manage and track the movements of their drivers without having to be on the job site.
The QikTruck interface is intuitive and easy-to-use, providing businesses with the tools they need to manage and track their drivers in real time. All drivers are thoroughly vetted and are equipped with the latest technology for maximum safety and security.
With QikTruck, businesses have the choice to book by the hour, day or as part of a contractual arrangement, providing organisations with the flexibility and control they need to take advantage of the benefits of remote work.
Conclusion
Remote work has had an undeniable impact on the performance of employees in South Africa. By utilising the latest technology and processes, organisations can ensure that productivity levels are maintained and employees are supported in an efficient and effective manner.
For businesses looking to leverage the advantages of remote work, QikTruck provides a reliable and cost-effective solution for truck and driver hire. With our intuitive platform, businesses can manage, track and evaluate their drivers in real-time, allowing them to benefit from increased efficiency and improved employee performance.