Our Tips for Going Remote
At Heritage Insurance, remote work is at the heart of our operations. Through this journey, we learned the importance of having the right strategy to keep our Remote Insurance Professionals (RIPs) effective and engaged. Remote work is entirely different from working in an office, requiring us to rethink the employee experience, including policies, engagement, efficiency, and the necessary technology. Here’s what we’ve learned and the questions every agency should consider regarding remote work.
Navigating the Unexpected
When we first went fully remote, we established trust and flexibility as our guiding principles. However, even the most dedicated team members need structure to succeed. Unexpected issues like power outages or internet downtime can disrupt work. Initially, we thought we could just wait it out, but we soon realized that wasn’t practical. Now, we’re creating a backup plan for every RIP, such as having a mobile hotspot or a nearby coffee shop. Preparation for these disruptions is essential.
Embracing Flexibility
Remote work offers incredible freedom but requires careful planning. We learned that providing each RIP with a travel monitor ensures they always have at least two screens, even when away from the home office, or while they’re sitting on their back patio. This small detail significantly boosts efficiency and maintains workflow continuity. By equipping our team with the right tools, regardless of their location, we sustain high levels of productivity and morale.
Key Considerations for RIP’s
Creating an effective remote workplace requires careful consideration of every detail. Here are some critical questions we’ve addressed:
Communication: How will communication be handled? What are the right communication tools for my agency? What is an acceptable response time for replying to a team member? Clear and timely communication is essential for remote work success.
Availability: Should RIP’s notify others when stepping away from their computer for a short break? Setting clear expectations for availability helps keep everyone informed.
Accountability: How will you track and ensure that RIP’s are fulfilling their responsibilities throughout the day? Implementing accountability measures is crucial for maintaining productivity.
Expectations: How will team members know exactly what is expected of them at every moment of the day? Clear guidelines and regular check-ins help ensure everyone is on the same page.
We don’t have all the answers, but addressing these questions is a good starting point. They help create a structured and transparent work environment, even when everyone is working remotely.
Why All This Matters
Boosting Productivity: Studies indicate that remote workers can be more productive. Stanford research shows that remote employees experienced a 13% performance increase compared to their office-based counterparts. However, this requires the right tools and guidelines to be effective.
Happy Employees: Buffer’s State of Remote Work report highlights that 98% of remote workers want to continue working remotely for the rest of their careers. This highlights the importance of effective remote work policies to keep your team motivated and satisfied.
Cost Savings: Remote work can result in substantial cost savings. According to a report from Global Workplace Analytics, employers save an average of $11,000 per year for each employee who works remotely half the time. These savings come from reduced office space, utilities, and other overhead costs. We’ll explore this further in future newsletters.
Moving Forward
As the remote work landscape continues to change, so do we. By proactively refining our strategies, we ensure our RIPs are prepared for success, no matter what challenges they face.
We hope these insights assist you in developing your own remote work practices.
Download and use this free guide with tips and questions you need to address before you go remote as an insurance agency.