The rise of remote work has been the most significant job-related trend of the decade. While it began out of necessity, many companies now allow their employees to work from home, either full-time or as a hybrid, with occasional office visits. This setup can lead to improved productivity and work-life balance. However, supervisors are also required to adjust how they manage remote employees.
Here are six ways to set up remote workers for success while ensuring productivity.
1. Set Clear Expectations
One of the biggest challenges of managing remote workers is ensuring everyone is aligned with business needs. Managers need to establish clear standards and policies regarding remote work. These guidelines should include work hours, project deadlines, communication, and overall company or department goals. Setting these expectations from the start can reduce uncertainty and help employees better manage their time. Clarity is essential for remote workers because miscommunication is more challenging to resolve when not face-to-face.
2. Collaborate to Stay Connected
Working remotely is convenient but can also lead to feelings of isolation. Some employees may feel out of the loop or distant from the company, weakening the bond with colleagues and making it challenging to meet goals. This possibility of isolation is why regular interaction should be a priority for remote workers. Schedule regular check-in times, brainstorming sessions, and other forms of communication to track progress and build strong connections among your staff.
3. Be Flexible
Remote workers have different home environments and professional profiles. They work in diverse home surroundings and time zones. Employees who face strict limits or excessive demands are more likely to experience burnout and detachment. There are many opportunities to improve productivity in remote work, and they all depend on adaptability. By accommodating your employees’ situations, you can show them that you trust them to perform their roles wherever they are.
4. Keep Communication Channels Open
Communication is a critical aspect of managing remote workers. If they were physically in the office, having impromptu discussions about work at their desks would be easier. However, communication must be frequent and intentional since they are spread out and not in the workplace. Schedule regular meetings with your remote team and on-site staff. Utilize technology for video conferences and email communication. Messaging platforms help maintain transparency and ensure that your team can always reach you and vice versa.
5. Use the Right Tools and Software
For successful remote work, it’s crucial for everyone involved to have the necessary technology at their disposal. Here are just a few proven tools to implement with your team:
- Utilize video meeting platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, or Cisco Webex
- Consider project and workflow management tools like Trello, Asana, Jira, or Basecamp
- Use Slack, a user-friendly messaging platform, to facilitate communication and project collaboration.
No matter which tech tools you choose, it is important to establish a robust framework that aligns with your budget.
6. Be Encouraging
Remote workers can sometimes feel disconnected from their work and company mission, so it is important to ensure that their morale remains high. Regular encouragement, recognition, and constructive feedback help reinforce their roles and build community. It’s also important to acknowledge the positive contributions of individuals and team members and celebrate the achievements of both you and your remote workers.
Remote Work: Clarity, Flexibility, and Communication
Managing remote workers requires a specific approach that establishes clear guidelines but gives workers options for making positive contributions. It’s surprising how working from home can still foster high team morale, even when team members work in different states, countries, or continents.
Remote work will continue to evolve and may eventually become the primary mode of work. Managing remote teams with flexibility and positive engagement will better prepare you to adapt to these changes and growth.
