The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented changes for many industries, as such, many employees will continue to work remotely post-COVID-19.
For some employees, working from home is business as usual. For others, this may be their first time. Working remotely may seem exciting at first, but it can lose its lustre over time, resulting in disengaged employees.
Here are five ways your can help keep employees engaged when working remotely:
- Prioritize Communication
- Set Clear Expectations
- Recognize Good Work
- Encourage Work-Life Balance
- Demonstrate A Collaborative Culture
Prioritize Communication
Remote employees can often feel like they’re left out of the loop. As such, managers need to communicate daily. Be sure to communicate any important company news as it presents itself, too. Remember that communication is a two-way street, and be sure to listen to any concerns that employees may have. Remote employees may start to feel isolated, so it’s important to remind them that they’re not alone, especially during these uncertain times.
Set Clear Expectations
Be sure to communicate the expectations of your employees while they work from home. Employees who are aware of what your expectations are will be more motivated to meet them. If you want employees to be online for specific hours of the day, communicate that. If you want a daily report of what they are working on, be sure to ask.
Recognize Good Work
Recognizing and rewarding employees for their hard work is a key factor in boosting engagement among your telecommuting employees. Employee recognition can take many different forms, but the main goal is to incentivize continued productivity and dedication from your employees.
6 Ways to Recognize Your Remote Employees
Encourage Work-Life Balance
Remote employees may have difficulty establishing a healthy work-life balance. Because there may not be a physical separation between their workspace and their personal space, employees may feel like they need to be available for work 24/7, which can lead to unnecessary stress and, eventually, burnout. Suggest that employees work their normal hours and then step away from their computer until it’s time to start work the next day.
Demonstrate a Collaborative Culture
Employees tend to be more engaged when they feel like they’re part of a team. When they’re working from home, it can be hard for them to buy into that mentality.
As a manager, it’s your responsibility to make sure that employees understand that even though you may not be in the office together, you’re all working together toward the same common goal.
Consider sending out regular communications reminding that you’re there to help them meet any deadlines or provide any assistance while they work from home.
