What do you do if your executive managers face potential risks in remote work?

Companies can use monitoring software to track remote employees, but it is essential to be transparent and obtain consent in their use. Cybersecurity is also a significant concern, with 73% of executives perceiving remote workers as a greater security risk. Therefore, robust security protocols and employee education about safe digital practices are necessary.

The pandemic has shown us that exclusive remote work is not the optimal solution. For executives, maintaining a balance between remote and in-office work is crucial. Physical presence fosters spontaneous interactions and "hallway conversations" vital for collaboration and decision-making. Implementing hybrid work models allows executives to demonstrate presence while benefiting from remote flexibility. Providing support, communication tools, and skill development opportunities further aids in navigating remote work challenges. By striking this balance, organizations ensure that executives remain connected, engaged, and effective while minimizing remote work risks.

As a leader, I address potential risks for executive managers in remote work by implementing robust cybersecurity measures like secure VPNs and encrypted communication. I ensure we use reliable communication tools for clear interaction and develop detailed remote work policies to set clear expectations. I also provide training on best practices for remote management and necessary support for technical issues. Considering physical security needs and promoting a healthy work-life balance with mental health resources are also key. Regular check-ins help us stay aligned and address concerns promptly, maintaining a secure and productive environment.

A thorough risk assessment is crucial to identify potential risks when working remotely. This can include the security of data, the effectiveness of communication or the workload of managers.

To manage the risks associated with remote work, it's crucial to start by pinpointing them. I would begin with a thorough risk assessment, focusing on key areas like data security, compliance, and potential productivity declines. It's also essential to consider the risks that arise from not having your executive team on-site—like increased miscommunication and difficulties in monitoring performance. Once I have a clear understanding of these risks, I'd develop specific strategies to mitigate them, ensuring a safe and productive remote work environment.

Implementing secure IT systems and protocols is important to ensure the security of data and information. This can include the use of VPNs, encryption technologies and access restrictions.

Como Diretor Executivo, você deverá analisar qual será a estrutura que será feita para o trabalho remoto de seus gestores executivos. Garantir a segurança cibernética é de total importância para manter todos os documentos e informações confidenciais com extrema segurança. Solicitar ao Time de TI, possa ajudar no que for necessário, para que se possa ter maior segurança, isso inclui redes privadas virtuais, ou seja, VPNs, autenticação, criptografia de ponta a ponta, atualizações regulares do software e treinamentos para a sua equipe. Só liberar as máquinas e seus colaboradores quando tiver a certeza absoluta que todos os protocolos de segurança estão prontos e seu time treinado para iniciar a sua jornada no trabalho remoto.

Clear and effective communication protocols are essential to ensure that managers can communicate effectively in a remote environment. This includes regular meetings, clear guidelines for the use of communication tools and transparent information channels.

Building and maintaining a strong company culture is important to strengthen the cohesion and motivation of managers. This can be achieved through virtual team-building activities, regular updates on company goals and values or informal virtual meetings.

Implementing mechanisms to measure and monitor manager productivity can help identify and address potential performance issues early on.

Como Diretor Executivo, você deve analisar e garantir a produtividade de seus colaboradores. Deve definir metas mensuráveis e também pedir medidas de responsabilidades sobre os trabalhos e entregas. Dar suporte para os profissionais trabalharem apenas nos horários fixados e não deixar os mesmos sobrecarregados. Equilíbrio é palavra de ordem para não causar frustação no trabalho e evitar o burnout. Como líder, você deve manter os seus colaboradores produtivos e motivados para trabalhar de forma remota sem perder a produtividade e focados nos resultados estabelecidos pela direção.

Mitigar riscos e ter um planejamento e controle se faz necessário com equipes remotas. Manter os KPIs de desempenho acima da meta e estabelecer prazos que sejam adequados para o fornecimento de resultados. Esteja atento na performance do grupo e individual, assim você conseguirá saber quem está tendo maior produtividade e quem está precisando de ajuda. Lembre-se! Como Diretor Executivo, seus Gestores executivos vão precisar de apoio e aconselhamento constante, para tirar dúvidas e se manter conectado com o melhor resultado possível. Esteja aberto para auxiliar, direcionar, mas não fazer as tarefas para eles. É você que vai ditar as regras e é você que será cobrado pelos resultados dos seus colaboradores.

Many years back, I faced a similar situation during project risk assessment; it was an anticipated or predicted risk for some reason at that time. The risk wasn't imminent, but I had to plan for the worst-case scenario. It was a three-stage plan to monitor, detect, and respond to the anticipated risk, which reached a certain level. For example, for the cyber risk: Establish redundant satellite network connection with encryption Driving critical data/systems away from immediate risk exposure with rapid network cut-off (if the situation worsens) Full disk encryption for on-premise systems with strong MFA.