Remote work has been an increasing trend in the past few years. As it becomes more popular, it also becomes increasingly difficult for managers to keep their teams productive and pleased. Managers have to be able to understand the different expectations for managing a remote team than for managing a face-to-face one.
Thankfully, there are many tools and resources to help managers successfully reach remote employees. If given the right tools, managing your workforce remotely may be less difficult, your team will be more productive, and you’ll be able to keep your company’s staff happy.
Read on to learn five quick tips on how to boost your remote working management tactics.
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Use Tracking And Employee Monitoring Tools
Keeping an eye on your remote team is essential if you have strict deadlines. You want to be able to provide the best possible support and keep everything running smoothly. You can utilize desktop tracking software to keep a close eye on the work being done. This software can help you see how much time you spend on projects, across tasks, so you can spot any issues and plan more efficiently.
For instance, a project might have taken longer than anticipated. If that happens, it’s important to be flexible and reorganize to free up more time for the team member. However, if you want to maximize effectiveness, you need to closely monitor the progress of your employees’ work.
Communication Is Key
At the end of each day, it’s important to take some time to review what projects your team members have been working on. This will help them create a plan for the next day and keep the rest of their work organized. It will also ensure that everyone is aware of any changes in company goals or tasks and that no one is left wondering about their next assignment.
It’s better to have more input than to have too little. However, sometimes giving more input can make them feel micromanaged. Keep in touch with your team to determine what’s most important, what needs to be done, and where you’re going, so you can help them, but try not to overdo it.
For example, using Zoom for every meeting is often unnecessary. Consider doing 15-minute Slack meetings or take advantage of traditional conference calls on occasion. Keep your meetings diverse to avoid boredom and disengagement.
Invest In Your Employees
When you’re no longer required to pay for office space or commuter privileges, it’s best to think of your staff and give them a good deal of the financial benefits. They’ll be appreciative and your business will grow in return.
One way you can help remote workers is through a monthly stipend that will assist with the cost of co-working spaces or remote-friendly workplaces in their neighborhood. This could also reduce internet and electrical costs for your company, which is always a plus. Consider investing in either a better headset or a more ergonomic desk chair. You’ll notice an increase in engagement and output from employees should these changes be made.
Flexibility Means Productivity
Your team doesn’t need to be on duty all the time. Giving them more flexibility with their schedules makes your team very easy to work with. However, some members of a team might prefer to work in the mornings, while others would prefer the evenings. Let them know when you need them online so that they can make sure to keep connected.
That’s good for personal preferences, but for teams to work collaboratively then there should be some overlap in working hours. For instance, depending on their time zone, you might encourage your team to be online from 10-2 pm on Mondays and Thursdays, but leave the rest of the day to them.
Honor Your Employees
If your team recently started working remotely, it’s important to make sure they know you value them. It’s worth leaving positive feedback for an employee that has gone the extra mile in their work. You can establish a work-from-home employee of the month program, and have your staff submit nominations. This can contribute to keeping them motivated throughout the year.
Also, your team deserves the opportunity to learn and grow. Options like online courses and one on one sessions allow them to develop skills that will help them succeed in their career, which will motivate them to work even harder.
Final Thoughts
Proactively managing productivity is beneficial for everyone, but it can be daunting at times. You will have to make some adjustments to your culture and management before you can get the most out of a remote workforce. To create a productive workplace, a delicate balance needs to be maintained. This will ensure that everyone’s needs can be fulfilled while creating an environment that is also enjoyable.