In the age of COVID, many office-based businesses are still struggling to stay connected remotely. Whether they’re using Slack, Google Hangouts or Zoom, any business knows that in order to thrive during these uncertain times, they need to “touch base” regularly throughout the day.

With most individuals working from home and practicing social distancing, it can be difficult to catch other team members to answer questions and arrange meetings based on availability. Naturally, digital miscommunication is also another large issue when workers are separated. Then there’s the issue of missing deadlines.

But if you’re running a field-based business, it’s just another Monday.

What’s the problem?

Managing a field-based team has its unique set of challenges and customer expectations that are almost impossible to meet in traditional office settings. That’s why field-based businesses require innovative solutions.

When you run a service business, you’re constantly faced with dealing with employees who are running all over the place from job site to job site, how to measure billable hours, and general time management – all while ensuring your workforce is performing at peak levels. 

One way to handle it would be to bury yourself in mountains of paperwork – for each one of your workers. Then, you’ll need separate paperwork to keep track of your invoices, inventory management, and other business-related activities (naturally, we like this idea as much as you do.)

If only there was a simpler way to effectively manage your team in the field…

Tips for effective field-based team management

There’s no “I” in “team.” To grow and propel your business to new heights, you need to work collaboratively with your field-based workers. Here’s a few suggestions on how to effectively manage your field-based workers so you’re all on the same page:

Instil your company’s vision and objectives

Communicating the values of your business from the get-go and being clear on how your workers play a key role in achieving these objectives is of utmost importance. The more they feel like they’re part of the company culture – no matter where they are in the field – will inevitably lead to greater motivation and productivity.

Have an open line of communication

Feeling isolated and helpless is a common complaint among field-based employees. Let your team know that your communication lines are always open, and encourage them to contact you if they need help or advice. Encourage all team members to be available for each other as well, should they not be able to get through to any one individual.

Trust your team

Don’t try to micromanage your team while out on the field. Not only will they feel frustrated but they’ll also feel incompetent, leading to feelings of bitterness and resentment for you and the company. Instead of focusing on the process that gets them there, focus on the deliverables. Equip your team with the resources and information they need to get the job done, and trust that they’ll use their expertise to make educated decisions that work towards the completion of the project.

Use technology

It’s true that you can’t do it all. So, leverage technology by adopting digital systems that easily allow for any changes in communication and expectations as they occur. Take advantage of smartphones, tablets and other mobile systems that will keep your field team connected to head operations throughout the day.

Communicate and collaborate with your team on the go by using instant messaging, as well as workforce tracking to find out where your workers are. That way, you can ping them in real time to let them know of any changes while they’re on their way to their current job, and alert them with information on the next job. They don’t need to check in; you won’t need to chase them. It’s a win-win.

One software app to rule them all

What if there was a field management tool that could automatically take care of all these concerns for you, saving you up to 14 hours a week of admin and paperwork? There is, and it’s called GeoNext.

Access a cloud-based, centralised platform from the palm of your hand, instantly view task progress, and communicate with contractors, as well as estimate, quote and schedule with ease with our field services management software. You can even invoice for work completed with the click of a button. Your workers will also be connected to this software app, so you’re all on the same page – no matter where you are located.

Whether you run a cleaning business or pest control company, concrete, paint or mow lawns, our field management app works for everyone.

Sign up for a free 14 day trial, or book a demo with GeoNext today.