Keeping your remote workers happy and productive is a challenge.
If you are starting or managing a business at the moment, you might be having a tough time. Despite common perceptions, the same is true for businesses large and small.
With disruptions likely to be ongoing, you might not be able to work from the office as usual, without putting your team at risk, and so you might be managing a remote workforce for the first time, while the world is in lockdown.
If this is the case, first, be grateful that you have this option. Had the world been struck down by a global pandemic a few years ago, working remotely, and even communicating would have been much more difficult. More companies would have struggled to make money, and we’d have been forced to choose between making money and staying healthy.
Now, we are able to do both. Yes, business may have dropped, but you will have options, and actually, many companies find that their team is both more creative and more productive when they work from home. It wouldn’t be surprising if some businesses choose to continue with remote working even when they can go back to the office as usual.
However, this is heavily dependent on how happy your team is. Managing a remote workforce is different, and keeping them happy is crucial to productivity. So, how do you keep a remote workforce happy?
Below are some notes for keeping your remote workers happy and productive:
Could you offer remote access to your business network?
Would using video calls and shared online workspaces allow for easier collaboration? Ask your team members what you can do for them and try to accommodate those needs where possible.
KEEP IN TOUCH
When managing a remote workforce communication is key. A video call or group call at the start of the day could be beneficial, but you may find that Email and other text messages might be more helpful during the working day. Microsoft Teams is a great option here.
You should also be available to them if they need you. This is a key element in keeping your remote workers happy and productive
BE HONEST WITH THEM
Anxiety is high right now, and your employees may be worried about their futures and the security of their jobs. You might not have all of the answers, but you should be honest with them wherever possible.
Answer any questions that they may have, and offer more information when you have it.
SET DAILY GOALS
In the office setting, you may set specific tasks and then leave your team to manage their time. They may have big goals, but not daily targets. At home, for numerous reasons a percentage of the workforce will find it more difficult to manage their time. It might therefore be worth breaking things down into smaller, daily goals and objectives to help, and make sure everyone knows precisely what is expected of them at all times.
Any business following its core principles and undertaking the will likely garner significantly better results. Indeed, it could be argued that the COVID-19 lockdown and fear of potential future lockdowns will lead to the increased adoption of better task-based methodologies, project management philosophies and business optimisation.
As a manager, you might want to brush up on the Agile Manifesto.
CONSIDER FLEXIBLE WORKING OPTIONS
Remote working isn’t the same for everyone. Some of your team might be single and isolating alone. They’ll be able to work their usual hours. Others might be trying to homeschool, or facing other challenges. Bear this in mind, and try to change working hours to suit individuals wherever possible.
Remember, keeping your remote workers happy and productive is an ongoing effort.
