Predicting the future

Chris Jackson: "The current environment will accelerate acceptance of a work from home arrangement, as many of the technologies that are required to support it have matured to the point that it's more than possible. Many businesses should continue to thrive with a remote workforce.

"As the nature of work transforms, it is also critical that business leaders and managers re-think the fundamental tools needed to keep employees connected while they telecommute. This means looking beyond the obvious video conferencing platforms and acknowledging that as folks are remote not everything can be accomplished using the same tool. Companies that have multiple tools in place to garner honest, real time feedback about challenges and pain points will keep operations running smoothly especially in lieu of in-person meetings."

Teamwork is a top priority

Chris Jackson: "Business leaders worry about maintaining a collaborative work environment with remote teams, and seem less concerned about individual productivity. Leaders I've spoken to are encouraged by the creativity employees are demonstrating in their new work environment, and are curious about the long term viability of remote workforces."(Credit: Rocketclips, Inc./Shutterstock.com)

Communication is key

Chris Jackson: "Leaders need to continuously communicate with their teams, and constantly monitor team health. It's not enough to have team video-conference calls at a time like this. We need to think beyond the in-person meeting for gathering, brainstorming, and making decisions."(Credit: Prostock-studio/Shutterstock.com)

Employee safe space

Chris Jackson: "Whether a business is operating in a remote environment or in the office, it's critical to have systems in place to help leaders more quickly get at the truth in a way that doesn't sugar-coat how employees really feel. In a WFH environment, it's even more critical to stay connected and live and operate your business in reality. The businesses that are thriving have generally made this aspect an ingredient of their success by continually taking the pulse of the team, looking at common challenges, or whatever is relevant to keeping a business running smoothly, and employees connected and motivated." (Credit: PrinceOfLove/Shutterstock.com)

Zoom is not the only game in town

Chris Jackson: "I think many leaders are evaluating the long-term potential of maintaining this work-from-home infrastructure which means re-thinking the technology and processes needed to allow teams to collaborate. It will be critical to consider a host of new tools to keep employees connected, collaborative, productive and motivated during the current environment and beyond." (Credit: Girts Ragelis/Shutterstock.com)

Predicting the future

Chris Jackson: "The current environment will accelerate acceptance of a work from home arrangement, as many of the technologies that are required to support it have matured to the point that it's more than possible. Many businesses should continue to thrive with a remote workforce.

"As the nature of work transforms, it is also critical that business leaders and managers re-think the fundamental tools needed to keep employees connected while they telecommute. This means looking beyond the obvious video conferencing platforms and acknowledging that as folks are remote not everything can be accomplished using the same tool. Companies that have multiple tools in place to garner honest, real time feedback about challenges and pain points will keep operations running smoothly especially in lieu of in-person meetings."