The pandemic of 2020 may be winding down, but the world has shifted in many ways. More than ever, workplace flexibility and remote work are now front and center for many employers.
As the social contract is renewed, decisions, work plans, and structures have had to be reassessed. Most workplaces are looking at ways to ensure they are embracing a new normal that includes remote work while maintaining safety and legal standards.
Wondering how to tackle the new normal? Check out these tips to help you set up and manage employees remotely.
Table of Contents
1. Establish Effective Communication Strategies
Establishing effective communication strategies with remote employees is critical for successful remote team management. Team members should be encouraged to have frequent and open conversations. Regular virtual meetings will help ensure everyone is on the same page about company goals and strategies.
Additionally, managers should set up clear policies and expectations for remote meetings and communication to ensure everyone is on the same page. This will help ensure that team members can effectively communicate and collaborate in real time.
2. Enhance Collaboration Through Technology
Remote managers need to leverage technology to enhance collaboration among their employees. Ensure that all remote employees can access reliable internet service and the right equipment, software, and tools.
Video-conferencing programs can be used for regular meetings to keep employees connected and up-to-date with each other. Collaboration tools such as project management software and team calendar applications can be used to track and measure progress and assign tasks.
Finally, be available to help employees with technical issues and collaborate with them to identify solutions. Providing employees with the right resources to increase their understanding of the technology can significantly enhance collaboration.
3. Utilize Goal-Tracking Tools
Utilizing goal-tracking tools can help measure employee performance and ensure that projects are completed on time and to the required standards. Furthermore, these tools should be tailored to the individual and their skillset while tracking progress in a way that can be easily monitored. Setting milestones and timelines can also be beneficial, as this will help to keep employees on track.
Lastly, ensure you provide timely feedback, as this will help employees stay motivated and achieve their goals.
4. Create Flexible Schedules
Being open to what the employee needs and is capable of can lead to an incredibly effective remote working environment.
When creating these flexible schedules, consider factors such as the employee’s current working hours, how much time they need, and how long it will take to complete the project.
5. Encourage Employee Engagement
When managing employees remotely, it’s important to ensure that they remain engaged and productive. Provide some sort of motivation or reward for a job well done. You could also set up virtual team-building activities so employees can continue socializing with their coworkers.
Along with providing feedback, offering employees the chance to give their project input can help build trust and engagement. Lastly, holding virtual social events such as virtual happy hours or game nights can help to boost morale and keep everyone connected.
Manage Employees Remotely The Proper Way
Remote work isn’t always easy, but these tips to help manage employees remotely can help you make the most of it. The key is to be patient and understanding and provide clear expectations and the necessary tools to help employees succeed. Try it out for yourself – you’ll be glad you did!
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