As organizations have adjusted to a new normal due to COVID-19 pandemic, many organizations have had to implement hybrid work arrangements. This trend can especially be found within accounting and CPA firms where professionals must balance face-to-face collaboration with remote working arrangements. While hybrid arrangements offer many advantages such as increased flexibility and improved work/life balance benefits; managing them may prove challenging.
CPA and accounting firms must develop effective strategies for overseeing hybrid workforces to keep staff productive, engaged and motivated. We contacted Finsmart Accounting – trusted for offshore accounting services – for insight on successful hybrid workforce management in CPA firms and accounting firms.
Read on!
Establish clear communication channels
CPAs and accounting firms looking to establish clear communication channels must first assess which tools and platforms best suit their communication needs – this may include video conferencing tools such as Zoom, collaboration apps like Microsoft Teams or project management software such as Trello. Furthermore, guidelines need to be in place regarding when and how each communication tool and platform will be employed.
Set clear expectations
Setting clear expectations will help ensure all employees are working towards the same goals, whether working from home or the office. This may involve setting specific, measurable, and time-bound goals for every employee or team member.. Clearly defining performance expectations and deadlines is also part of the COVID workplace upgrade!
Invest in Technology and infrastructure
Investment in technology and infrastructure is critical to ensure remote workers have access to all the same tools and resources as in-person workers, including laptops, cloud access, and any necessary equipment or applications that will ensure seamless workflow. Providing laptops, cloud access access for remote workers may help facilitate uninterrupted operations. Investing in broadband internet connectivity with essential applications also supports uninterrupted work processes.
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Provide support and training
Providing support and training to accounting employees helps ensure that they have skills and resources necessary to succeed in a hybrid work environment. This may involve offering training on remote work best practices and providing technical support for remote workers. Mental health and wellness resources are also critical for employees working completely from home.
Emphasize results-oriented work
Emphasizing a results-oriented work culture can help ensure that all employees are judged based on their output rather than their physical locations. This can help reduce bias and ensure that remote workers are treated fairly. To do this, CPA and accounting firms should focus on measuring outcomes and results rather than hours worked or time spent in the office. This may involve setting clear performance metrics for each employee or theme and regularly reviewing progress towards these goals.
Hybrid workforce management tips
By adopting these strategies, CPAs and accounting firms can effectively manage a hybrid workforce and reap the benefits of a flexible work model for CPAs and accounting firms while maintaining high levels of productivity and employee satisfaction.
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