Working From Home: remote workforce management

Remote workforce management has become a top priority for businesses around the world. As remote work cements itself as the new norm, employers must proactively ensure their teams remain productive, healthy, and engaged—especially in the face of ongoing physical, mental, and environmental challenges.

The Challenges of Long-Term Remote Work

While working from home offers flexibility, it also brings a set of issues that can negatively impact employee well-being and productivity—especially over the long term. The reality is that many Canadians are working from makeshift home offices: dining rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms.

Although these temporary setups may be manageable in the short term, prolonged use leads to:

• Decreased productivity

• Increased distractions

• Physical strain from poor ergonomics

• Fatigue and discomfort

• Lower morale and focus

Without a proper work-from-home environment, employee performance will inevitably suffer.

Why Ergonomics and Environment Matter

After just a few weeks in a non-ergonomic setup—such as sitting in a kitchen chair for eight hours a day—employees may begin experiencing physical pain, extended breaks, and dwindling focus. These conditions are not only bad for morale, but also costly for businesses in terms of lost productivity.

Best Practices for Managing a Remote Workforce

To support employees working from home and mitigate these challenges, employers can take a proactive role in improving work-from-home setups and company culture. Here are four effective strategies:

1. Encourage Regular Stretching

Support the use of apps or Chrome extensions that remind employees to stretch periodically. Encouraging movement throughout the day helps reduce the impact of poor ergonomics and keeps employees mentally refreshed.

2. Support Flexible Work Hours

Many remote employees juggle home responsibilities, such as childcare. Offering flexible work hours allows them to complete focused work during their most productive periods—even if that means logging in after the kids go to bed.

3. Provide Ergonomic Home Office Support

If your budget allows, consider offering a stipend or equipment allowance for ergonomic furniture and tools. Items like supportive chairs, standing desks, or even wrist pads can make a major difference in comfort and productivity.

4. Prioritize Clear Communication

Keep your remote team informed and connected. Daily check-ins—either one-on-one or in groups—can help reduce anxiety and clarify expectations. Consistent communication fosters a sense of belonging and stability.

The ROI of Investing in Remote Work Setups

Smart companies are already making the connection between employee comfort and business performance. For example, Ottawa-based Shopify gave each employee $1,000 to furnish their home office—a small price compared to the potential productivity losses of ill-equipped workers.

A Simplified Productivity Scenario:

• An employee earning $75,000/year = $1,442.31/week

• At 90% productivity (in-office), the company loses ~$178.85/week

• At 70% productivity (at home without support), loss = ~$432.69/week

• At 80% productivity (with ergonomic investment), loss = ~$288.46/week

In this example, giving an employee $1,000 to improve their home setup cuts productivity loss in half—paying for itself quickly.

Why Remote Workforce Management Matters More Than Ever

As remote work continues to evolve, remote workforce management must move beyond just scheduling and tracking hours. It’s about enabling employees to do their best work—wherever they are—by investing in their environments, flexibility, and well-being.

A thoughtful, proactive approach to remote management not only boosts productivity but also shows employees they’re valued, leading to higher retention and long-term success.