Remote work has been thrown to the forefront of the business world by the COVID-19 pandemic. As small businesses around the world begin to realize the unique challenges of managing employees who work from home and remote teams that need to collaborate over distances, new technologies and business strategies have emerged to make it easier for companies to connect their people and systems remotely. Experienced SaaS and technology entrepreneur Henry Kurkowski delivers a detailed roadmap to using cloud software, SaaS technology, and communication apps to run your small or medium-sized business from anywhere in the world.
This title also has a keen focus on individuals who are working from home. Henry gives actionable steps to optimize daily strategies to avoid burnout, keep-up career goals and how to collaborate effectively with teams while working remotely. Going beyond technologies, the author discusses changes in management styles needed to maintain the success of remote teams, the importance of values-driven company culture that highlights trust and transparency as well as social channels that empower high levels of employee engagement.
Quarter Finalist
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Remote Work Technology is an excellently formatted and clear manuscript for businesses who are faced with the daunting task of bringing their workforces online, often in the midst of disaster, stress, and confusion. Kurkowski has paid attention to even the most minute details, and has laid out a clear manual that is not only simple to understand and navigate, but also pleasant to read.
Prose: Kurkowski writes effortlessly, interestingly, and meaningfully. His words do not contain fluff, but instead are written intentionally and with purpose. Remote Work Technology is conversational, pleasant, and effective.
Originality: As useful as a book as this is, it is one of many regarding moving online for work that have surfaced within the last year, understandably. What makes Kurkowski's book stand out is the extremely clear organization of his methodology. He is a master at arranging his thoughts in a concise, easy-to-follow manner, and this aspect of his novel makes it exceptionally valuable for those who are looking to prepare for the often difficult transition from in-person to online.
Character Development/Execution: The true selling point of Kurkowski's work is its exceptionally clear layout and easily understood and navigable execution. Ending each important section with a call-out of "best practices," pulling out examples of different businesses who experienced the shift to remote work, and having it all laid out in a very detailed index makes this book simple to follow, even during the most stressful of times.
Date Submitted: December 30, 2021
When the pandemic hit in 2020, the switch for many businesses to remote work changed the nature of office culture, interactions, and in some cases the work itself. In this comprehensive guide, Kurkowski lays out a clear, practical framework on the transition to remote work for small and medium sized businesses, laying out in each chapter tips, studies, and best practices for what’s most effective when making the decision to allow employees to work from home. Kurkowski gives his target audience—business owners and managers—a detailed rundown of what to expect when making the move from in-office work, from up-to-date analysis of administration and systems options to recommendations of specific apps and technologies, to examining what it takes to keep employees engaged (“Educate your team on the wisdom of taking better breaks”), with step-by-step insights and persuasive data on what has worked for other companies.Drawing on profiles of businesses, plus Kurkowski’s own experience and research, this business-owner's playbook emphasizes how to maintain productivity while employees work from home without face-to-face in-office interaction and guidance. While he offers a clear-eyed look at controversies like the distinction between monitoring employees and surveillance, Kurkowski focuses on the possibilities and opportunities the shift can represent, suggesting that many businesses fall into routine, and that this change means, in some instances, letting go of the need to micromanage as well as an opportunity to update and innovate practices and technology.
While Remote Work Technology is a great tool to aid businesses open to changes in structure and systems, it’s also rich with advice for employees making the work-from-home, especially on pressing topics like staying productive (“regular and scheduled work hours … [allow]for better segregation of the responsibilities of work and home”), eliminating distractions, and organizing their time while at home. With encouragement and clarity, this book helps business owners and employees navigate this new norm.
Takeaway: A comprehensive guide for business owners and employees faced with the transition to remote work.
Great for fans of: Peter Cappelli’s The Future of the Office, Darryl W. Lyons’s Small Business, Big Pressure.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
