For today’s mobile professionals, work is something that is done and not a place where they go to.  Research supports workers are no longer tethered to a single corporate location. Each year, mobile workers are growing in numbers. According to market research firm IDC, the number of mobile workers is expected to exceed one billion by the end of the year.

With more workers away from the office, both supervisors and employees are trying to adapt to a new workplace model.  Advanced planning is required to determine the best approach to working in a regionally or globally distributed environment.  

The following five steps will enable a business to maximize the potential of its mobile workers. 

1. Establish Goals
   Create a roadmap that allows managers to easily set and measure goals and objectives for employees.
2. Keep on top of projects
   Understand the nature of the work employees are engaged in:  what levels of interaction are required?  Who do they need to collaborate with?  Are they working independently? 
3. Maintain Regular Communication
   Schedule meetings using a mode of communication that is optimal for the task. For example, audio conferencing for general business updates; videoconferencing for introducing new products or processes and in-person meetings for training.
4. On-demand Space
   Provide remote or home-based employees with access to professional collaboration space that can be utilized on an as-needed basis.  Whether meeting with colleagues or clients or working on a special project, workers need a professional location where they can come together face-to-face for an hour, a day, a week or even several months.
5. Encourage Feedback
   Empathize with employees and address concerns regarding working remotely to help secure their buy-in.  Employee input could help improve the process.

A distributed workforce does not have to be a chaotic workforce.  With the right system in place keeping all employees connected, building a strong team and sustaining a corporate identity can easily be achieved. 

About Regus

Regus, the world’s leading global provider of innovative workplace solutions with 1,100 locations in 500 cities and 85 countries, offers products and services ranging from fully equipped offices to professional meeting rooms, business lounges and the world’s largest network of video communication studios.  Regus’ Businessworld Membership program provides business travelers with affordable access its global network of 1,100 centers.

For more information, visit www.regus.com.