Two-and-a-half years of remote and hybrid work has accustomed us all to the evolving flexibility of working schedules and environments. Remote work, while not new, has become far more pervasive than it ever was, and many office workers are reluctant to revisit traditional office work schedules and environments—and commutes—if they don’ t have to. While remote work is not possible for everyone, large segments of the workforce have shown that the adaptation can be successful; technology is a big part of that success.
A lot of workers seek positions that allow them to work remotely from their homes during the regular workday, at least part of the week, but there are also many who want flexibility not only in where they work, but when, as well. Those who can get their work done relatively independently of their colleagues continue to adopt asynchronous work schedules by which everyone works during the hours of their choosing and not everyone has to be connected at the same time to complete business tasks. Asynchronous work options may be desirable to employers in certain industries, as well, as it opens their talent pool to a substantially larger group of people who may all reside in different time zones.
When simultaneous work is not necessary, asynchronous work may be a great option—but only with the right tools in place. Having everyone dispersed to different corners of the region can be challenging, but online accessibility makes continuous connection possible and can keep everyone on the same page, regardless of where or when they log on. Tech tools are essential for successful asynchronous work and are especially needed to help team members:
· Schedule virtual meetings
· Manage projects
· Access files and documents
· Upload files needed by others
· Document their progress
· Share calendars
· Update projects in real time
· Manage finances and pay bills
· Retrieve contracts
· Communicate with one another questions or concerns
Asynchronous work has its downsides, of course. Productivity can suffer if everyone is working their own unique schedules and not communicating or getting work done promptly and efficiently. One person slacking can eventually drive down the rest of the team. Online tech tools that allow people to connect any moment of the day are what enable businesses to maximize the productivity of asynchronous remote work because the offer universal accessibility and a well-documented virtual “paper” trail of each and every change, update, or addition to the shared data.
Online check printing is a cloud-based tool that is ideal for offices that have remote, asynchronous workers who cannot all be online at once. Cloud-based check printing and mailing means that you or your bookkeeper can issue payments and record transactions anytime, anywhere. Cloud-based check services allow people to connect from their devices remotely and store all created documents, check payments, invoices, and pay stubs so that a thorough virtual paper trail is available for account reconciling and optimal financial management. Selecting a check printing service that integrates with other accounting and payroll products streamlines the entire bookkeeping process and creates fewer opportunities for errors, as data is entered once and updated everywhere in real time. Asynchronous work also benefits from the mailing options available through a professional check-printing service because a check can be ordered for mailing at any time and will be sent out the next business day, with no stamps, mailing supplies, or trips to the post office required.
Asynchronous remote work is likely to remain a growing part of our evolving understanding of work. While not an option for all businesses or employees, those jobs that can be done asynchronously can save employers money in reduced operating costs and reduced space and supply requirements while also broadening the talent pool from which to hire. Cloud-based online services for businesses make the transition possible and orderly and keep employees connected and accountable.