

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many small businesses have pivoted and transformed into virtual companies, some temporarily, others permanently. How has that pivot impacted company performance? Zoho, a global technology company, just released a study of employees at large and small businesses in the United States and Canada showing that while companies “excelled in the areas of traditional management,” the employees rated their employers’ technology harshly, calling it “outdated” and “inefficient for company performance.”
The study was conducted this spring, during the first surge of the coronavirus. The employees surveyed gave their employers high marks when it came to goal setting, alignment, and inspiring performance.
Taking a deep dive into what employees at U.S. small businesses thought, the survey found in most cases, employees are happy with their jobs:
However, when it comes to communications and technology, employees are less satisfied. In general, many employees (though still mostly a minority) say their current company’s technology infrastructure and systems need an overhaul.
Ironically, you would think technology would make remote work easier. But, says Raju Vegesna, the chief evangelist at Zoho, “Going to the office, as a concept, started during the Industrial Revolution, when workers needed to travel to factories to use heavy equipment. With the cloud and online tools accessible from anywhere (including your home), we are back to a pre-Industrial Revolution era. This means that the right tools have to be made available for employees to be productive. Unfortunately, as the survey [reveals], this is not currently the case. This has to change for employees to be successful.”
The study was conducted by Beagle Research Group. Denis Pombriant, the managing principal at Beagle says, “The inevitable conclusion from this data is that if companies want to improve their performances, they should look first at the technology systems that support their primary business activities.”
If you’re one of the many small businesses that pivoted to virtual operation, this study is a timely reminder to check in with your employees to see what’s working for them and what’s not. Are they experiencing communications issues? Is their technology an asset or is it actually hindering their performance? Remember, your experience as the boss is not necessarily the same one your employees are going through.
Not sure how to make the transformation into a virtual company (whether temporary or permanent) a smooth one? A SCORE mentor can help you pivot. Contact one today.
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