Five top tips for successful remote working in the healthcare sector

Inadequate technology can negatively impact people’s productivity and the successful implementation of change. To overcome this, Trusts should seek to understand the tech requirements of all individuals within the organisation, including the use of self-assessments. Investing in robust technological infrastructure can also help Trusts to cope with the added demand brought on by remote working.

Upgrading a Trust’s technological capabilities can also enable patients to benefit from improvements such as reduced waiting times, however, the sector must also take patient needs into account when putting upgrades in place.

Remote working can offer great flexibility to employees, but can also introduce a temptation to overwork. To avoid burnout, Trusts should do their best to promote a healthy work-life balance and to understand that people have different personal circumstances that require varied approaches to remote working.

Health data is classified as sensitive, so security must be top of mind, especially when moving away from paper-based systems into a more digital environment. This should include asking employees to only use Trust-owned equipment to reduce the risk of data breaches.

Switching to a hybrid working approach has the possibility to reduce the amount of space needed by healthcare trusts and streamline overheads. Before introducing any changes to their working practices, Trusts must completely understand their needs and those of their employees.

Not everyone is the same, meaning that some people will not be able to work as effectively from home. Trusts must take this into account and consider stakeholder needs to develop a working approach that gets the best from everyone.

The healthcare sector was forced to rapidly implement digital solutions during the pandemic. To make the transformation process successful, Trusts should regularly engage with staff and adapt to their needs, as well as looking at change holistically. This will help to ensure that the digital transformation doesn’t leave anyone behind.