Companies worldwide are starting to adopt the policy of allowing workers to work remotely. Global Workplace Analytics found that when workers are provided with various workspace options, they are better able to meet the needs of their jobs in both the office and when working remotely.
Although remote work has many advantages, making the switch can be challenging. It’s important to respect how people think and work and to create clear boundaries between work and free time.
Managers and team leaders should remember these recommendations to build a happy and productive remote workplace for everyone and assist staff with tools to support remote work.
Trust Is Paramount
Employees who work from home should never feel like they have to validate their time and effort. This is especially crucial for employees who spend most of their time outside the workplace, such as parents and caretakers, even if they may be working the same hours as their in-office counterparts.
While managers accustomed to the office setting may struggle to connect with their remote staff, it is essential to build trust. Invest in getting to know your remote workers personally to better understand and empathize with their needs.
Keep in mind that the adaptability of remote work schedules is not always negative. Data demonstrates that when remote employees are allowed to set their hours, they are more productive.
Engaging remote workers do not entail categorizing them in the same ways as in-house employees. To foster a productive remote work culture, providing employees with the autonomy they need and the trust they deserve is important.
Invest In Remote Workers Through Tech And Training
Remote employees require dependable high-speed internet, mobile phones with hotspots, virtual private networks, ergonomic office chairs and top-notch gear. Make a firm promise that they will access these benefits to the same extent as your on-site staff.
Make sure your whole team has access to reliable messaging and video conferencing services, whether in-house or remote. If video conferencing is a regular part of your business, make sure all of your meeting spaces have the same access to the necessary technology so that distant employees are never left out.
Offering remote workers extensive training on privacy and security is crucial. Remote employees can work from home or from a public location like a coffee shop or a coworking space; nevertheless, they should be aware of the need to take meetings with classified info to a more private location.
Finally, managers are also included in the scope of this training investment. Ensure that all your company’s managers have received proper training in handling remote and distributed teams. This promotes a culture of remote inclusion and helps to even out any prejudices that certain supervisors may have toward remote employees. As a result, everyone on your team will have the same access to remote work options as they see fit.
Advocate For Your Remote Workers
Working remotely makes it easy to feel invisible in group settings, including business meetings, social gatherings, and even with superiors. Don’t give up hope just yet! Create a welcoming atmosphere for remote employees, from after-hours activities to weekly staff meetings.
Designating a remote advocate who can keep an eye on chat and the teleconference line or screen is one approach to ensure remote workers feel included and heard in meetings.
Your remote workers will feel more included if they know they may “raise their hand” to catch the attention of their advocate. In-office employees may benefit from remote advocacy by learning to incorporate pauses and check-in procedures into meetings to ensure that all participants, whether physically present or not, can contribute.
Finally, remember that even remote employees like being appreciated for their efforts. Promote staff success stories through internal announcements. Staff members who work from home or in the office may all share in the glory of an organization’s digital channels for employee recognition. Recognizing the achievements of both in-office and remote employees is essential for maintaining morale and productivity.
Emphasize The Need For Self-Care
Burnout is alarmingly high because of the enormous to-do lists, competing goals, and the difficulties of living through a pandemic. According to a recent survey published in the Harvard Business Review, 85% of respondents reported a reduction in their happiness levels.
Employees would do well to make self-care a top priority in light of all this stress, but employers would do well to make it the standard. The key is for leaders to do their part in building an atmosphere that encourages people to take care of themselves by providing healthy food options, opportunities for physical activity, and time off away from their home office desks when needed.
About the Author/s
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.
