For businesses, one of the biggest changes to come out of the Covid pandemic was the rise of remote working. It was challenging at the time, but has been shown to be an option through which people can thrive.
Remote working does bring its own challenges. However, if employers know how to engage remote employees and help them feel connected and valued, it can work well.
Managing remote employees takes some additional structure and planning. With that in mind, here are six tips to help manage a virtual team:
Be clear about the goals
Remote workers need to know exactly what is expected of them, and what the company’s goals are. As someone managing remote employees, you need to be clear about their role and what tasks you expect them to complete. Resources should be easily accessible at home and in the office. A timetable for completing tasks needs to be clear and adhered to.
Stay in touch
Those who work from home can find it isolating, even if it feels more efficient. Make sure remote employees have a regular schedule of meetings. That will not only keep them engaged, but is an opportunity to make sure they are on track.
The meetings don’t have to be long, and should be positive – set goals, point out what is going well and identify solutions to any shortfalls or challenges.
Give feedback
In an office environment it’s easy to say Well Done. Those working remotely need affirmation and support. The best time is as a project, or key stage of a project, has just finished. Give feedback on what went well and what impressed you about their performance.
Trust your team
One main argument against remote or flexible work is that managers cannot see how employees work each day. If goals are clearly set, and workers understand what is expected of them, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Be honest and transparent and make it clear you expect the same in return. If things don’t go as planned, don’t assume it’s because of remote working. When you show that you trust them, they will feel valued, even if things are not going well or they feel disheartened.
Make it a positive environment
It’s far easier for resentment to set in when individuals are not together on a daily basis. Workplace wellbeing and culture matters for remote workers just as much as it does for those in the office.
Keep lines of communication open and make time to show your appreciation. Keeping people motivated can be difficult, so you must deal with negativity quickly and effectively. Happy employees produce better results than employees who feel sidelined or disengaged.
Build a team
Virtual team building isn’t easy, but it does work. Meeting online for fun activities, like a monthly quiz or a Friday chat, helps bring people together.
Have some kind of chat group where it’s not all about work, where employees feel comfortable posting a joke, memes, photographs or sharing personal milestones.
Consider wellness sessions, maybe a talk in healthy eating, fitness, financial wellbeing or mental health. Opening up discussions can help either managers or colleagues identify when an individual might be struggling.
As a manager, the important thing when you manage remote employees is to have a structure and be prepared.
Working remotely can be beneficial for the individual and the company, as long as it’s done well.
Explore our other blogs to learn more about recruitment and HR tips for your business.
