Get All Access for $5/mo

How to Create Much-Needed Structure for Your Remote Workforce Because virtual companies already operate without a central physical location, it is even more critical to have structures and disciplines in place to have a smooth, integrated and effective workforce.

By David and Carrie McKeegan Edited by Dan Bova

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

The start of the new year is the time where we, as business owners, re-energize our business plans and try to improve in every area of the business. One important area to evaluate is employee productivity. And one simple way to improve here is by creating structure for your workforce.

I am constantly surprised at the number of colleagues and friends who assume that a business operating from all parts of the globe means a free wheeling structure designed to "foster creativity."

In fact, it's the complete opposite. Because virtual companies already operate without a central physical location, it is even more critical to have structures and disciplines in place to have a smooth, integrated and effective workforce.

Below are our best tips for creating a framework for a productive team.

Related: 4 Reasons Telecommuting Is Good for Employees and Better for the Company

Establish fixed working hours and stick to them.

When we first started our business, we hired a few people who convinced us they worked best at night, without a fixed schedule or plan. Having just left big corporations where a strict 9-to-5 schedule was the norm, we agreed to accommodate this, wanting our workforce to be empowered in both their work and time. And while allowing every employee to work whenever they wanted may have served their needs, it didn't serve the needs of co-workers, customers or the company. This is what we learned about schedules while still embracing the virtual remote culture.

Routine is your friend in a virtual business. There are enough distractions in the day-to-day home-office environment and adding another decision point just makes for a distracted team. Not to say you can't take your employee's preferred schedules into consideration. For instance, if they know their focus is best achieved from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., this could be acceptable based on their daily tasks. And while flexibility is a key attraction for remote employees, the first goal should always be achieving the company's goals. The most important thing is that once agreed upon, those "flexible" hours become their formal work hours. Structure and accountability will be key to your success -- and theirs too.

Document, document, document!

A high performing business is one that operates predictably, consistently and where all work is done with the same quality standard, regardless of who is executing. This isn't easy, but we make sure that all of our day-to-day processes are documented by using standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Related: 5 Essential Keys to Leading a Remote Workforce

When people sit next to each other in an office, it's easy to ask someone for a reminder on how to perform a specific task. In a virtual context, often people who are unsure will attempt to "wing it," especially if there is a deadline involved. For us, by having detailed SOPs, we ensure that every member of our team spends his or her time completing tasks the same way -- with accuracy and efficiency -- rather than wasting time trying to figure it out and creating bumps in the outcomes.

Before we sign-off on SOPs, we have someone in the company follow the directions step by step, confirming that any team member could easily perform these exact processes when needed.

Provide decision-making criteria but leave a lot of wiggle room

For all business functions, maintain a set of decision-making criteria that specifically states when you want a team member to make a decision on their own or when they need to consult a more senior worker. The important thing here is providing the framework you expect to keep the structure intact.

Related: Why Are Companies Still Avoiding Telecommuting?

David and Carrie McKeegan

Co-Founders of Greenback Expat Tax Services

David and Carrie McKeegan are co-founders of Greenback Expat Tax Services, a global, virtual business which prepares U.S. federal tax returns for American expats living all over the world. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

Is Bank of America Still Down? Thousands of Users Report Mass Outage — Here's What We Know

Users across the country are reporting issues accessing their accounts — with some showing $0 balances.

Business News

Is AI Accidentally Spilling Your Company's Secrets? A VC Firm's Private Conversations Were Included in Public Meeting Transcripts.

A meeting transcript with "hours" of private conversations was sent to someone who wasn't meant to read it.

Marketing

How to Leverage AI and Automation for Greater SEO Success

Discover how AI and SEO automation can streamline tasks without sacrificing quality.

Business News

Google Says It Won't Follow Amazon's Lead With a Return-to-Office Mandate — Yet

In a town hall, Google leaders told staff the current hybrid plan will stay in place.

Business News

Tesla Sales Show Demand Could Be Speeding Up For Electric Cars

Tesla's most recent earnings report shows the EV maker is selling more cars now than it was last year.