Tips for logistics companies manage work from home

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As much as remote work can be fraught with challenges, there are also relatively quick and inexpensive things that logistics companies can do to ease the transition. Below are some actions that you can take today. 

Establish structured daily check-ins

Many successful remote managers establish a daily call with their remote employees.  This could take the form of a series of one-on-one calls, if your employees work more independently from each other, or a team call, if their work is highly collaborative. The important feature is that the calls are regular and predictable, and that they are a forum in which employees know that they can consult with you, and that their concerns and questions will be heard.

Provide several different communication technology options

Email alone is insufficient. Remote workers benefit from having a “richer” technology, such as video conferencing, that gives participants many of the visual cues that they would have if they were face-to-face. Video conferencing has many advantages, especially for smaller groups: Visual cues allow for increased “mutual knowledge” about coworkers and also help reduce the sense of isolation among teams. Video is also particularly useful for complex or sensitive conversations, as it feels more personal than written or audio-only communication.

There are other circumstances when quick collaboration is more important than visual detail. For these situations, provide mobile-enabled individual messaging functionality (like Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc.) which can be used for simpler, less formal conversations, as well as time-sensitive communication.

And then establish “rules of engagement”

Remote work becomes more efficient and satisfying when managers set expectations for the frequency, means, and ideal timing of communication for their teams. For example, “We use videoconferencing for daily check-in meetings, but we use IM when something is urgent.” Also, if you can, let your employees know the best way and time to reach you during the workday (e.g., “I tend to be more available late in the day for ad hoc phone or video conversations, but if there’s an emergency earlier in the day, send me a text.”) Finally, keep an eye on communication among team members (to the extent appropriate), to ensure that they are sharing information as needed.

Provide opportunities for remote social interaction

One of the most essential steps a manager can take is to structure ways for employees to interact socially (that is, have informal conversations about non-work topics) while working remotely. This is true for all remote workers, but particularly so for workers who have been abruptly transitioned out of the office.

The easiest way to establish some basic social interaction is to leave some time at the beginning of team calls just for non-work items (e.g., “We’re going to spend the first few minutes just catching up with each other. How was your weekend?”). Other options include virtual pizza parties (in which pizza is delivered to all team members at the time of a videoconference), or virtual office parties (in which party “care packages” can be sent in advance to be opened and enjoyed simultaneously). While these types of events may sound artificial or forced, experienced managers of remote workers (and the workers themselves) report that virtual events help reduce feelings of isolation, promoting a sense of belonging.

Offer encouragement and emotional support

Especially in the context of an abrupt shift to remote work, it is important for managers to acknowledge stress, listen to employees’ anxieties and concerns, and empathize with their struggles. If a newly remote employee is clearly struggling but not communicating stress or anxiety, ask them how they’re doing. Even a general question such as “How is this remote work situation working out for you so far?” can elicit important information that you might not otherwise hear. Once you ask the question, be sure to listen carefully to the response, and briefly restate it back to the employee, to ensure that you understood correctly. Let the employee’s stress or concerns (rather than your own) be the focus of this conversation.

In addition to these hacks and tips, we need to remember during this time of crisis (and always) to take care of ourselves so that we can support and be of assistance to others. Take care, everyone. Be safe, and see you on the other side.


Strategic Partners

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It is wonderful and amazing to be a member of G7N with a very good exposure to the worldwide logistics players. G7N Conference is a great way to get exposure, and we got to meet a lot of other members, and develop business relationships. It is incredible and very exciting to be a part of your valuable network.
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Sobel Network Shipping Company has had the pleasure and privilege of being a part of the G7 Network for a few years. The G7 Network has had a reputation of being very well managed by an excellent team. Membership to the G7 Network is very exclusive with a small group of companies that are well connected and trustworthy, creating lifelong friendships even beyond the scope of work. Through these connections and networking, the G7 Network has provided some very lucrative opportunities for Sobel Network Shipping. We look forward to being a part of the G7 Network family for many years to come.
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G7N continues to be an amazing network for developing business partners and key relationships globally. Being such a dynamic operation, communication remains very prompt at all hours over a wide variety of channels, creating a friendly and vibrant atmosphere between all members. The knowledge base within the G7N Team themselves remains astounding and would certainly recommend them as first port of call.
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As founding member of G7N we wish to point out that we are extremely happy to be part of the group which has been growing constantly in the last few years in spite of the challenges coming from COVID 19 emergency which is causing unprecedented troubles to all of us, in our business and personal lives. G7N management succeeded in passing through this “crazy” time with lucidity in mind and with the right measures to keep members tied and constantly in touch.
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The concept and environment G7N team created for the conference and the Cargo Weekend is awesome, it allows you to build a friendship that is the base of strong business relationships. I hope I can keep being part of this family and meet all my new friends in the conference to come representing JM Logistics.
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Being a proactive and professionally managed network with its productive members and overnight replies to all inquiries together with providing a sense of confidence with its financial protection system, we as 3K Logistics, Turkey are very much delighted & glad to be a member of this valuable family.
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Having recently joined the G7N Logistics Network, I must say the team behind the scenes make every effort possible in ensuring partners are well connected with each other no matter the nature of the consignment. The network does a fantastic job is ensuring that all members despite their geographical locations feel part of one family!
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Thus far, Owakhe has been seeing potential in the group and we look forward for another exciting year ahead.
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The conference and members are awesome and the interactive atmosphere is particularly impressive! Never seen such a difference in networking and opportunities for everyone! You can feel the professionalism, experience and the energy of the network!
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Yes we really do enjoy our G7N conference. For the last 23 years that I’ve been attending network conferences this one is really special and cool. Members are so friendly you will really feel that we treat each other as family. We feel found a family with G7N.
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