4 Tips For Managing Remote Employees

More than ever, companies are shifting their business models to include more remote employees. Whether it’s the pandemic, a cost effective method, or to increase job satisfaction, a remote workforce is here for the long haul.

It’s one thing to be a remote worker, it’s another to manage them! So how do you effectively lead from a distance, while still supporting growth and success? Keep reading to see how.

1. Communicate daily and often.

One of the top challenges of working remotely is a feeling of isolation, especially if the switch out of the office is recent. To encourage connection and morale, managers should have regular check-ins with each employee every day. So what does that look like?

It can be as simple as a quick phone call, a regular video meeting or even a chat on your company’s app to let your staff know you are there for them.

Depending on the size of the company, pick a communication method that is sustainable. For example, if you have hundreds of employees, one-on-one reach outs wouldn’t make sense. Instead, try a different communication method such as sending out a daily email in the morning full of updates and encouragement or have the leadership beneath you be in charge of more personalized check-ins. 

2. Offer opportunities for social interaction.

Employees need to connect with their manager as well as their fellow peers to continue a good sense of job satisfaction. While they can’t walk down the hall to chat with a coworker, a manager can still offer ways for everyone to connect on a personal level.

Companies can offer virtual gatherings and parties where everyone can participate from their own “workplace” and chat non-work related topics. Or managers can also offer time before or after video calls to catch up on each other’s personal lives.

As long as your employees can connect with each other on topics outside of their job, it’s a win-win.

3. Be flexible.

As companies evolve in managing remote employees, flexibility is at the heart of change. Employees are finding themselves working in a new environment and many are just not conducive to getting their job done in the same way.

As a manager, it’s important to understand that employees are now managing their work and home life simultaneously, with a slew of other issues at the same time. Be flexible when it comes to meeting times, deadlines, and response times.

Research has shown that remote workers are actually very productive––your employees may just need some time getting used to it! 

4. Celebrate Successes

It’s easy for employees to feel unseen when they don’t work in an office, so celebrating successes is key to maintaining morale. As a manager, it’s important to regularly recognize workers’ efforts.

Recognizing an employee can be an all-staff email, shout-out on a video call, or small gifts as rewards. The important part is that your staff feels seen and praised for a job well done. Here are 4 simple ways to invest in your employees.

Honoring hard work not only instills a sense of pride in your staff but it also serves as a means to reinforce the types of work you’d like to see as a manager.

A remote workforce can be a challenge, but managers can rise to the occasion. With a commitment to maintaining communication and morale, leaders can continue to successfully support their employees. We know that as a leader you have a lot of responsibility and even more on your plate than usual! We want to give you the tools, resources, and support through our digital membership platform! Learn more here.