If you are working from home – or about to be – it may feel a strange experience.

And if you are a boss, how can you get the best out of people who are working remotely?

What are the drawbacks and the possible benefits to the business?

Charlotte Jeffrey-Campbell, director of training organisation the Able Agent, says that the key to successful home-working is to plan each day. Managers and business owners should look at each member of staff’s skillset and plan accordingly. It may mean a variation of their current job role.

Bosses should, she says, focus on two areas – helping customers, and generating business.

For example, she suggests that landlords could be open to entering into a full management service, in the light of potential issues with tenants paying rent.

She also believes that agents have a role to play in negotiations between landlords and tenants who might be at risk of job losses.

She believes that now is also the time to consider vendor care: “Do they need to move? If so, what advice can you give? Should they consider auction, for example? How can you facilitate viewings?

“If they are self-isolating, how can you help?”

She adds: “These are tough times, but for those agents who advise and support, and ensure their staff are the most expert they can be, then the future will be more in control.”

Jeffrey-Campbell’s video on home-working for agents is below (you may be rather impressed by her home office):