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Remote Working: How to Make a Smooth Transition

Remote Working: How to Make a Smooth Transition

Published on - 03/18/2020

Remote Working: How to Make a Smooth Transition

Written by: Jamie Lowary

Travel plans are imploding, major events and attractions are closing up shop, and day-to-day essentials are disappearing. This is an anxious time full of uncertainties for businesses worldwide, but one thing is for sure: transportation is in full force. 

How do you go about keeping your team safe while simultaneously running operations per usual? Businesses everywhere are coping by requiring employees to work from home to comply with the social distancing movement. 

With only 40% of businesses regularly working remotely, many are at a loss where to start. Here are some tools and tips for your business to make a smooth transition to a remote working model.


Tools You Need Right Now
These collaboration tools are what seasoned remote teams are using every day to stay on the same page and boost productivity. Plus, they’re inexpensive and incredibly easy to set up.

  • Slack for internal messaging
  • Webex for video calling (they’re offering free service during the COVID-19 crisis)
  • Trello for project management
  • Google Drive for file storage and sharing


Keep Hiring
It may seem like a scary time to invest in new hires -- but with U.S. jobs at risk and the demand for logistics services skyrocketing, you shouldn’t stop your search for top talent. We recommend conducting interviews via video calling instead of in-person and seeking culture and personality fits that can adapt to a temporary remote working scheme.


Communicate with Customers
Communication with customers is everything during a time like this. You’ll want to inform them that you’re keeping a close eye on the situation and share details on how you plan to maintain service levels. Communicate early and often if there are going to be changes that affect them, they’ll appreciate being in the know.


Keep Up the Morale
Our society as a whole is on edge and when you’re used to working in the office, remote working can be a major adjustment. Morale might not be at an all-time high, but you can keep the team at ease by hosting regular video conference calls and being flexible. For example, schools and daycares are closing and your employees may need an extra day off or to work at different times. Together, you’ll get through this!


The health and well being of your employees is the number one priority and social distancing is the best policy during this time. With the right tools and a whole lot of communication, your team and business can thrive while providing service for your customers that they’ll thank you for.