Many people around the world have adopted a remote work set-up. While this may be an ideal set-up for most employees, it can be a challenge for managers who are dealing with a new landscape.
With everyone learning the ropes of telecommuting together, having particular rules and regulations in place should be the new norm. After all, the dynamics of the workforce and the management itself may change.
It takes skill, ability, and experience in navigating and meeting these new standards. If you are looking to successfully turn to virtual work, below are some helpful tips for managing remote employees. Read on to learn more about these tips.
Observe Daily Check-Ins
Having regular structured check-ins despite working from home can greatly help in managing your remote employees. Whether these are done for time-ins during the start or the workday or for aligning goals for the day, this establishes that communication is available on both ends.
Besides letting your workers know that they can easily consult with you for anything, this also alerts them of the start of the workday. Plus, this establishes social bonds that were once in place in a regular office setting.
To do this, you can make team or even one-on-one calls the norm at the same time every single day. Alternatively, you can also touch base via email or other communication tools, provided you are all in one channel.
Make Use of Various Communication Tools
Emails may have been the norm for the longest time, but with employees handling different modes of technology, engagement with teams and with these communication tools can be challenging.
Utilize the varying communication tools available for you. Whether it’s Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or even Google Hangouts, make sure that all of your employees are aware of how and when to use these.
For example, ensure that they only use video conferencing for face-to-face meetings or for more sensitive discussions. However, for those that require immediate response and communication, rely on individual messaging apps.
Establish Rules of Engagement
Over-communication is essential for remote teams. This allows employees to be in-the-know when it comes to their overall progress in a project or task. However, there are certain times and expectations when it comes to engaging with one another.
Let your employees know just how much or when they should communicate with each other and their respective teams. Likewise, establish best practices on the type of tool or technology that should be used in communicating.
In everything, make sure that everyone touches base every so often, and make sure to provide your employees with the right training and resources as they navigate towards achieving your goals.
Emphasize Outcomes
Most importantly, emphasize the need for results and meeting expectations. While it may be hard to let go of your employees, micromanagement is a leadership style no one wants to contend with.
Put aside that fear and trust that remote employees are producing your desired outcomes. Micromanaging every move and activity will not only hinder their progress and creative mindset but will also make a huge dent in their confidence.
By outlining particular goals and outcomes, you are giving them the motivation to rise up and meet these challenges. What’s more, allowing your workers to come up with their own plan to execute empowers them to be the best that they can be.
The Bottom Line
Remote workers are just the same productive people you know from your office set-up. To help set them up for success and make your business thrive, make sure to keep these tips for managing remote employees in mind at all times.
