Remote workers play an integral role in business today. If managing remote employees is part of your day job, here’s how to keep them informed and inspired.
Technology has made the idea of employing a remote workforce a real possibility for businesses. In fact, 53% of people around the world work remotely at least half of the week.
In order to be successful, remote workforce management techniques must be in place. If they’re not, things could fall between the cracks.
Let’s go over five tips that will make managing remote employees easier.
- Strong Engagement with Your Employees
Because remote workers aren’t physically in front of you, it’s easy for communication to suffer. As a manager, you can’t let this happen.
It’s absolutely critical you communicate with your remote staff on a daily basis. This ensures everyone is clear about what tasks are a top priority and that no questions go unanswered.
Make sure everyone has access to the tools necessary to maintain a strong line of communication with you and the clients. Use a free conference call program to host meetings and incorporate a reliable chat service for quick outreach.
- Meet Face-to-Face
If you employ full-time remote workers, you still need to make it a point to visit with them face to face. This helps strengthen the bond between you and your staff and allows them to discuss any issues they may have.
If your remote workers are local, have them come in for a meeting once a month. If they’re far away, there are plenty of video conference tools you can use.
When meeting face to face, ask your remote staff if there’s anything you can do to make the overall workflow easier. There’s a good chance they’ll have ideas you haven’t thought of.
- A Clearly Defined Process
With any remote team, a detailed process must be in place from the beginning. This will define the way jobs get assigned, completed, and submitted.
Your remote workers must also remain accountable for adhering to this process. If someone feels they can get a project done more efficiently, they need to communicate this to you instead of working outside the project guidelines.
- Provide Regular Feedback
Workers who telecommute sometimes feel unsure whether their work is up to par or if they need to improve on things. To avoid this, help them out by providing constructive criticism.
Take some time to evaluate each person’s work, then set aside time speak with them about their performance. This allows them the chance to evolve and also ensures you’re providing a high-quality product.
Your face-to-face meetings are the perfect opportunity to give feedback.
- Keep Their Career Goals in Mind
You remote staff produces work for you on a regular basis and is the backbone of your operation. However, they’re individuals with their own career goals. It’s easy to forget this when you don’t see them on a regular basis.
Make sure you provide opportunities for them to learn new skills and hone their talents. You should also offer promotions and give remote workers the chance to move around within the company.
Make Managing Remote Employees Easy
Your off-site staff is just as important as employees you see on a daily basis. Make sure they have the management support they need to do their jobs the best way they know how.
Integrate these tips on managing remote employees into your operational process and enjoy continued growth.
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