Given time management challenges while working remotely, I.T. managers need to adopt effective strategies to enhance their productivity. One strategy that can help is to establish a routine that mimics the typical office environment. This routine could involve starting and finishing Work at the same time each day, scheduling breaks, and setting daily goals and objectives. Establishing a routine can help managers to manage their time better and create a sense of structure, reducing the likelihood of distractions and procrastination (Simeonova et al., 2021).
Another effective time management strategy is to create a dedicated workspace free from distractions such as noise, T.V., and family members. This workspace should be organised, well-lit, and equipped with the tools and resources to effectively complete tasks. By creating a designated workspace, I.T. managers can focus on their Work without interruptions, minimising the risk of wasting time and losing focus.
Moreover, I.T. managers should prioritise tasks based on their importance and urgency. They should identify critical tasks that need to be completed promptly and allocate sufficient time and resources to complete them. This approach will help them to manage their workload efficiently and reduce the risk of missed deadlines and incomplete projects.
Based upon conclusion 4:
Improving Communication and Collaboration in Remote Work Environments can increase productivity
As the COVID-19 Pandemic has made communication and collaboration challenging for I.T. managers and their remote teams, it is crucial to identify effective ways to manage and improve remote work communication and collaboration (conclusion 4). One of the most important things managers can do is to establish clear communication protocols and expectations for their teams. This includes setting regular check-ins, providing clear instructions, and establishing guidelines for digital communication tools. (Anderson & Gerbing,1988). Managers should also consider using a range of communication tools that meet different needs. For example, video conferencing can be used for team meetings and check-ins, while instant messaging can be used for quick questions or updates. Additionally, managers should ensure that their teams have access to reliable internet and technical support to minimise disruptions. To improve collaboration, managers can implement cloud-based project management platforms that allow team members to work together on projects in real time. These tools can help to centralise project information, streamline communication, and increase transparency. Managers should also encourage their teams to share ideas and collaborate through online channels such as chat rooms or discussion forums (Pathak, 2021).
Therefore, future research should focus on exploring the most effective communication and collaboration tools for remote teams and identifying the best practices for their implementation. Studies could investigate how to leverage these tools effectively to address communication breakdowns and facilitate collaboration among remote team members. Future research can help organisations adapt to the changing work landscape and ensure that remote Work is sustainable and productive for both employees and employers.
Overall, further research is needed to develop comprehensive strategies and best practices for I.T. managers and their teams to navigate communication and collaboration challenges in remote work environments.
5:3 Linking to Objectives
In this section, the researcher has assessed whether this study has met its objectives (Anderson & Gerbing,1988). The first objective of this research was to investigate if the empowerment or autonomy provided by organisations influences the productivity of business managers in the I.T. industry who are working from home. It has been found that the ability of the managers to manage their shits and provide the team members with flexible shifts has positively impacted their productivity. However, no major empowerment of the managers has been evidenced.