Articles
Managing outcomes rather than actions
The shift to remote work requires a rethink of management style. Traditionally, managers might have focused on the specific process employees follow to complete tasks. However, this can lead to micromanagement and distrust, particularly in remote settings where direct oversight is difficult. Instead, by clearly communicating desired outcomes to their teams, leaders can empower team members to use their expertise to determine the best ways to achieve those outcomes. This approach fosters trust, e…
Get across it: the rise of bossware and employee monitoring
Employee monitoring software is becoming increasingly popular. But research shows that keeping such a close eye on employees can reduce rather than boost engagement, productivity, and worker retention.
What is bossware?
Bossware is a catch-all term for employee monitoring software.
This software is designed to measure an employee’s productivity during a workday by tracking some or all of the following:
- Mouse movements;
- Keystrokes;
- Internet browsing history;
- Visibility of employee throug…
The agile standup is still relevant in a remote work environment.
We spoke with agile expert Rita Tattersall about stand-ups and agile in the context of remote, hybrid and distributed workplaces.
Why It Matters
Agile stand-up meetings remain highly effective for team communication in a remote environment. While there is media debate about strictly adhering to agile principles versus adapting them, this discussion is sometimes superficial and can hinder effective teamwork. Context is crucial, and both pure agile and customised approaches have their place. IT …
The return to office: a leadership mirage
As companies summon their employees back to the office, reality looms: physical proximity won't magically repair fractured leadership dynamics. Leaders who struggled to connect and inspire their teams remotely are likely to find themselves grappling with the same challenges within office walls.
Why it matters
While there are legitimate reasons for wanting employees back in the office, such as fostering collaboration, maintaining company culture or ensuring effective communication, it’s importa…
Power up innovation in your remote team
You might think that virtual brainstorming sessions are less effective than in-person ones, but that's not necessarily true. In fact, when done correctly, virtual brainstorming can be more productive, inclusive, and efficient than traditional face-to-face sessions.
Why it matters
Remote work doesn’t have to be a barrier to innovation, it can enhance it. Teams that intentionally redesign their idea generation process for the remote environment can:
- Harness diverse perspectives: With virtual …
The Bossware Boom: Should you be monitoring employees?
Surveillance software is on the rise among employers looking to track the productivity of their remote workers— but research shows that monitoring is not an effective substitute for good management.
Why it matters
With remote work here to stay, it’s essential to consider how to keep an eye on employees who are out of sight.
Employee monitoring software has been widely accepted as a solution. As early as 2020, almost 60% of small-to-medium businesses in Australia used employee monitoring softw…
Collaboration doesn't happen naturally in remote teams.
Unlocking the true power of remote work means mastering the art of virtual teamwork – and it's a skill that can make or break your success.
Why It Matters
The collective intelligence of a team is far greater than the sum of its individual parts. This intelligence can elevate every phase of a project, from initial brainstorming to final review.
But here's the catch: the communication challenges introduced by remote work can undermine your team's collaborative efforts. That's why it's crucial t…
Unlocking the virtual office: navigating and securing remote work opportunities
If you’re looking for a remote work opportunity or your current employer is winding back remote work options, here’s our tips for maximising your potential to secure a new remote job.
Why it matters
- Many employers are unconvinced by remote work and are issuing return-to-office (RTO) orders to their employees.
- Not everyone can afford (financially or communally) to forgo the flexibility that they achieved during the pandemic.
- Some jobs and skill sets are better suited to remote work than oth…
Remote 1:1s are more important than you think
One-on-one meetings with your direct reports or leader are hard to get right in person and even harder online. Experience shows that omitting one-on-one meetings is riskier than you may have thought.
“The 1:1 is the only forum where you can have an honest, private, conversation with each other about what’s really going on—professionally and personally.” (Austin, 2016)
“Failing to use time with direct reports in a meaningful way or, worse, skipping these meetings altogether, can lead to hig…
Mastering visibility is one of the keys to being seen as a “reputable employee”.
Regardless if you’re working for an old-school leader who thinks remote working is a misguided fantasy (Gerstener, 2024) or a new-school leader who’s into hybrid work, autonomy, and management by objectives (MBO), remote workers face an up-hill journey being visible and relevant. The age-old adage of “out of sight, out of mind” remains pertinent, even with the assistance of modern technology and communications.
“Despite appreciating MBO and autonomy, remote workers [find they must] self-reinfor…