Jeff Bartel
Chairman and Managing Director
The global pandemic has brought about a seismic shift in how we work, with remote work becoming the new normal for many businesses. The places, manner, and even times of our work have seemingly forever changed. As companies adapt to this new reality, it is critical to consider how remote work environments impact organizational design and human capital.
In this article, we will explore new strategies for remote team building and collaboration and the impact of remote work on organizational design and human capital management. We will also discuss the importance of organizational culture and leadership in promoting a positive work environment and the role of strategic advisors in organizational design.
Remote Work Organizational Design
Remote work can also pose organizational challenges like communication and collaboration issues. For example, a survey by Buffer found that 20% of remote workers struggle with communication and collaboration.
One of the critical challenges of remote work is maintaining team cohesion and culture in a virtual environment. Assigning the roles and responsibilities for remote workers is an essential step for ensuring that everyone understands their role in the team. Leveraging technology can also help maintain team cohesion and culture, such as video conferencing tools for virtual team meetings.
When designing an organizational structure for remote work, it is essential to consider the unique challenges that remote work presents. Organizational design principles that were once geared towards in-person work environments may need to be re-evaluated in the context of remote work. For example, a more flexible organizational structure that allows for more autonomy and self-direction may be more effective in a remote work environment.
Companies with effective remote work organizational design include clear communication channels, virtual team-building activities, and remote work policies and procedures. Remote work organizational design should also focus on employee well-being, with measures such as regular check-ins and providing resources for mental health support.
Benefits of Effective Organizational Design for Remote Work
Remote work has been found to increase employee productivity, with a study by Stanford University showing that remote workers are 13% more productive than their office-based counterparts.
Remote work can also lead to cost savings for organizations, with a report by Global Workplace Analytics estimating that employers can save up to $11,000 per year per employee by allowing them to work remotely.
Human Capital Management
Remote and flexible work environments also impact human capital management, including recruitment, retention, training, and development. Therefore, businesses must provide a flexible and supportive work environment that empowers employees to succeed remotely to attract and retain top talent.
Investment in human capital is critical to the success of remote work. In a Harvard Business Review article, “Why Every Organization Needs a Chief Remote Work Officer,” the authors suggest that businesses need to invest in a “chief remote work officer” to oversee the human capital needs of remote workers.
Organizational Design and Work Culture
Organizational culture is critical in promoting a positive work environment and fostering employee engagement. The importance of this is especially evident in remote work environments, where employees may feel isolated and disconnected.
A study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that companies with high levels of employee engagement had a 19% increase in operating income compared to companies with low levels of employee engagement.
Building a strong organizational culture in a remote work environment requires intentional effort. Creating virtual team-building activities, fostering social interaction, and promoting open communication are ways an organization can accomplish remote work culture.
Leadership and Organizational Design
Effective leadership is critical to the success of remote work environments. Remote leaders must build an effective organization, manage virtual teams, and ensure communication and collaboration in a virtual environment.
Therefore, leadership development is a crucial aspect of organizational design for remote work. Providing leadership training and development opportunities can help remote leaders develop the skills they need to succeed in a virtual environment.
Strategic Advisors for Organizational Design
Businesses may also benefit from working with strategic advisors to develop and implement effective organizational design strategies for remote work environments. In addition, strategic advisors can provide expert guidance on organizational design principles, human capital management, leadership development, and more.
In summary, Hamptons Group is well-equipped to advise businesses on effective organizational design for remote work environments, drawing on our expertise in organizational design and development, human capital management, and leadership development to help organizations navigate the challenges and opportunities of remote work.
