The world of work has changed dramatically, and for many small to medium businesses (SMEs) right here in Australia, the shift towards work-from-home (WFH) practices has become a significant consideration. You might be wondering if this trend is something your business should explore. Let's break down some key aspects and see if WFH could be a good fit for you.
First things first, it's important to acknowledge that WFH isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. If your business operates in retail, manufacturing, or any sector that inherently requires a physical presence, then remote work for core operations simply isn't feasible. However, even within these businesses, certain roles like administration, customer service, or marketing could potentially transition to a remote setup. The flip-side to this is that for desk-bound staff, a lack of flexibility can feel restrictive and prison like.
(above) The cliche endless cubical farm. If your office looks like this you're not an SME.
My own personal experience with WFH was (like for many others) kick-started by the Covid 19 pandemic. What started as a means for survival became an advantage, in those two years I built a corporate cybersecurity function from scratch, discovered I could achieve more in a work day with quiet focus and invested in a home technology environment that would make the best appointed corporate office green with envy. This post will explore some of my own experience building remote teams with large enterprises and consider how those learning apply to an SME.
(above) My personal remote office during the pandemic.
For those roles that can be performed remotely, SMEs have a fantastic opportunity to learn from the experiences of larger enterprises. One crucial lesson is to focus on outcomes, not just "bums on seats." In a traditional office environment, it's easy to equate presence with productivity. But with WFH, the emphasis shifts to what your team actually achieves, regardless of where they are located. This means setting clear goals, establishing effective communication channels, and trusting your employees to manage their time effectively.
One of the most compelling reasons for considering WFH is the potential for significant savings on rent and overheads. Think about it: a smaller office space, reduced utility bills, and less need for office supplies can all contribute to a healthier bottom line. These savings can then be reinvested back into your business, perhaps in new technologies or talent acquisition.
Speaking of talent, embracing WFH opens up a much wider playing field. Suddenly, your business isn't limited to hiring individuals who live within a commutable distance. You can find the best talent nationally, regardless of their location. Imagine having access to a specialist in Perth, even if your business is based in Melbourne! While building my own team during the pandemic, I had staff in Melbourne, Sydney, the Gold Coast and regional Victoria. Making decisions based on quality talent was liberating.
Achieving a national reach through hiring can also lead to extended business day coverage. With team members spread across different time zones – say, some in Perth and others on the east coast – you can potentially extend your operational hours and provide better support to your customers.
Now, let's touch on the technology that makes WFH possible. For businesses that have some of their important systems hosted on-site, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a key piece of the puzzle. Think of a VPN as a secure tunnel that allows your remote employees to safely connect to your office network over the internet, accessing the data and applications they need.
For many SMEs, web-based services like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace have been game-changers. These platforms provide a suite of tools – email, document storage, collaboration software, and more – that can be accessed from virtually any device with an internet connection. This means your team can work seamlessly whether they're at their home office, a local cafe, or even on the go.
(above) With the right tools, almost anywhere can be a productive space.
Finally, it's natural to have concerns about technology difficulties when your team is working remotely. The good news is that there are great modern solutions available to help. From user-friendly remote support software to comprehensive IT management services specifically designed for SMEs, getting help with tech issues doesn't have to be a headache. Many Australian technology businesses, like ours, specialise in providing this kind of support to ensure your remote operations run smoothly.
This isn't just a technology challenge, it's understandable to have reservations about staff working remotely. Concerns around decreased productivity, employees potentially slacking off, or even falsifying work hours are common anxieties for business owners. My personal experience is that, these fears can be effectively addressed through a combination of clear expectations, robust communication strategies, and the right technology. By establishing well-defined goals and deliverables, implementing regular check-ins and performance monitoring, and leveraging processes that track activity and output (rather than just time spent), businesses can foster a culture of accountability and transparency in a remote environment. This shift in focus from mere presence to demonstrable results can alleviate many of the anxieties associated with a distributed workforce.
(above) Some ideas regarding "what people get up to" while working remotely are laughable.
So, is WFH the right move for your Australian SME? While it's not suitable for every business model, the potential benefits – from cost savings and access to a wider talent pool to increased flexibility and potentially longer business hours – are definitely worth considering. By focusing on outcomes, leveraging the right technologies, and learning from the experiences of larger enterprises, your SME can successfully navigate the world of remote work and potentially unlock new levels of efficiency and growth.
Remember, if you need advice on securely allowing your staff to work remotely, you can always reach out to AFSecure for help.