A global pandemic makes it easy to put things in perspective. A couple of years ago, it was only normal to work from the office and other business models were rarely used. Traditionally, when everyone worked at their company’s offices, it was easy for managers to effectively supervise their staff. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck and people were no longer able to leave their homes, this model was challenged.
Remote working is now considered mainstream across nearly all industries. Today, businesses all over the world are retaining this model, making it easier for people to work from home, or be employed by companies in countries other than their own.
That said, managing employees in such a model was never going to be easy for anyone. This is why many business owners are turning to computer monitoring software to help them keep an eye on their staff’s output.
If you’re considering investing in such a software tool yourself, the following are a few crucial things you should know.
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Different monitoring tools offer different features
There are many different monitoring tools on the market today, each coming with its unique features and selling points. Before investing money in one, first, try to understand what you need to ensure you get tracking software that adequately meets your actual needs.
While some tools allow you to capture video recordings, others track location and monitor internet user activity. Figuring out how you want to monitor your employees will be the first step to choosing an ideal activity monitoring software.
Consult your team
Although it’s generally legal to track your team, the idea of being monitored by your boss may naturally make some people feel uncomfortable. This is why it’s important to communicate with your staff before you even purchase a monitoring tool.
Talk to them from the jump and learn how they feel about the prospect of being tracked, and the aspects they are most uncomfortable with.
You can then look for monitoring software that addresses these concerns. This will make your team know that their input is valued, and will ensure you’re monitoring them in a way that they’re comfortable with.
Set a budget
When you’re running a relatively new business, there’s too much on your plate. Sourcing for clients, facilitating deliveries, taking risks – all these lie on your shoulders as the business proprietor. Over time, this is bound to take a toll on you.
A good employees time tracking software tool does all the work for you. Monitoring user activity, creating logs of your employees’ normal activity, recording email communication – everything. The more comprehensive such a tool gets, the more it’s likely to cost.
As such, it’s crucial to set a budget when shopping for such software. When it calls for it, don’t be afraid to go all out. These monitoring tools offer a great return on investment and tend to pay for themselves handsomely.
What needs are unique to your brand?
No two businesses are the same. When looking for employee monitoring software, it’s important to consider your brand’s unique features in order to find a tool you can make the most out of.
For example, if you bill your staff by the hour, you may prioritize software that’s dedicated to accurately determining the number of hours everyone works.
Understanding the unique needs your business has is an easy way of figuring out the features a monitoring tool must have in order to be useful to you.
Consider usability and simplicity
When adopting a new user monitoring software tool, it’s crucial to go for one that’s easy to use. Remember, your employees are going to have to operate that software to log their hours or connect to the network. This is why you must make sure it’s not too difficult for them to do this.
While complex systems will help accomplish much, they also come with the responsibility of training your staff. Going for a simple-to-learn platform will make the entire process less frustrating for them.
Time to start monitoring your employee activity
With a productivity tool, you can track your employees’ progress and see how much time they’re spending on each task. You can also see how much time they waste, which will help you figure out how to keep them focused and motivated all through the day.
Once you’ve considered the factors we’ve mentioned above, and more, you should be in a better position to purchase an activity monitoring software. So, what are you waiting for? Start monitoring today!
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