With the evolution of technology, where data and resources are easily accessible from remote corners of the world, face-to-face employment is becoming less the norm. At the same time, remote working has become more popular and won’t be slowing down anytime soon and according to recent statistics, employees are satisfied as well:
- Remote work has risen by an astronomical 140% since 2005
- Employees working remotely at least once-a-month are 24% happier and more efficient
- Over 70% of workers are likely to remain with an employer that offers flexible work hours
With the onslaught of the coronavirus, future remote work trends will continue to flourish. Companies and employees will seize the opportunities and benefits that remote work and coworking entails, even after the pandemic steadily subsides.
This article focuses on the best approach to managing remote employees with tips and strategies on how-to implement each guideline for maximum results.
5 Ways to Best Manage Remote Employees
Utilize the Correct Remote Work Tools
As a manager, if you think that sending an employee home to work only entails a good Internet connection and a quiet workspace, you’re highly mistaken. Remote workers require the right tools in order to collaborate effectively. But luck is on your side. Remote work tools today, like time tracking tools and communication apps, are highly intuitive!
The following productivity tools will complement your management skills and keep your remote workforce functional:
– A productivity tool that helps employees maximize efficiency by concentrating on one goal each day and keep factionalizing at bay.
– A time tracking tool for remote employees who work alone or in teams.
– A collaborative tool that allows each team member to view another team member’s status to save time and steer clear of disturbances.
– A team communication app to make contact between remote workers simpler and faster. Presentations are great for remote team collaborations. Using tools like impactful PowerPoint templates can help you create visually engaging remote presentations enhancing overall team communication.
– A tool for file creation, sharing, and teamwork for essential documents like spreadsheets, text files, presentations, and more.
– An app designed for video conferencing, meetings, and joint sessions whether the collaboration is with one employee, or a team working in different locations.
Depending on the set-up of your company, all or most, of the apps listed, or additional tools not listed above, may be beneficial. Case in point, for the best time tracking software 2020 PCMag offers a comprehensive list. Additional sites also provide a variety of tools within the spectrum of management possibilities.
Social Relations
To manage remote workers properly, competent social relation strategies should be in place such as:
-how workers can acknowledge one another
-Q&A conferences for remote workers and executive leadership
-outlets for feedback
-present yourself, via a telecommunication tool, often and systematically
-virtual team development activities to increase team productivity and interaction
Open streams of communication while also allowing your team to function independently. If you don’t create adequate social channels, your remote workers will start feeling, well, remote, and that’s not good for morale.
Give Encouragement and Show Support
At present, the coronavirus epidemic is causing many businesses to abruptly switch from an in-house staff to remote work status. Take note of employees uneasiness, stress, and worries and show concern for their anxieties. A simple “how are things holding up” will give a worker assurance that the company cares about how they are coping.
Studies reveal that employees turn to their managers in times of distress and unexpected changes. Additionally, if you have a diverse staff, take into consideration the customs of their country like holidays and how they react to feedback.
The Trust Factor
To get the most out of your remote workers, trust is important. Remember to build on that trust by offering employees one-on-one time.
Be accessible by whatever telecommunication app you’re utilizing and put aside time especially for them. This gives your remote workers the opportunity to air matters they may be shy about broaching during group interactions, or who might feel that email is too impersonal for certain discussions.
Be Clear About Expectations From the Offset
Business standards and expectations should not disappear simply because your office has shifted to a remote work arrangement. Be clear about what you expect in relation to availability, working hours, deadlines, email response times, and more.
Final Thoughts
Remote workers can provide amazing productivity, ingenuity, and performance, just the same as any in-house employee. Your job is to inspire, provide the proper tools, flexibility, and offer superb management skills that will keep a remote team productive and motivated.
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