The informal (and sometimes impersonal) nature of managing a remote team of employees can have negative impacts on employee engagement and overall job satisfaction. As much of the US workforce is currently working from home due to COVID-19, it’s essential that companies consider best practices for fostering team engagement. This article will cover how to best engage remote employees by identifying key topics of conversation and questions to ask your remote workforce.
Ask Employees About Individual Gains and Losses
It’s natural for humans to want to acknowledge their personal achievements and discuss job successes. Companies that employ a remote workforce must provide their team with a weekly opportunity to share what has gone right and what hasn’t. Conversing about losses and challenges is important, too, because it helps pinpoint aspects that are not working and provides the opportunity to remedy weaknesses early on. It’s important that wins and losses, both significant and minor, are shared. Recognition for even small achievements shows staff that they are appreciated and that their hard work behind the scenes is not going unnoticed.
Check in With Your Team
Being proactive about the mental health and well being of your staff is crucial. Ask about how they are finding their new workspace, ensure they have everything they need, and discuss motivation and energy levels. Touching base with your workforce regularly is especially important regarding a remote workforce because managers can no longer simply walk by the desk of an employee in the office to see how they are doing. Checking in is an effective way to keep communication lines open and nurture engagement.
Ask for Feedback
The transition from office to home has been smoother for some companies than others. Needless to say, each organization continues to navigate individual challenges associated with making the shift. This is why it is so important to regularly discuss with your team what is going well and what isn’t. For many, this transition will be very much trial-and-error. Requesting regular feedback about communication methods or the effectiveness of collaborative online platforms will help your organization to improve the efficiency of its daily operations, as well as show employees that their opinions are valued and considered.
Ensure That Goals Are Aligned
In order for your team to work productively and efficiently, they must be crystal clear on what is expected of them. Frequently ask your staff if they have any questions or confusion about their job. It’s important to explicitly ask to ensure that all issues are addressed, and nothing is swept under the rug. Schedule regular meetings to discuss timelines, deadlines, and progress toward specific goals. Employees are more likely to remain engaged if they have a clear purpose. For a business to operate smoothly, everyone needs to be on the same page.
Emphasize the Importance of Breaks
During each correspondence with team members, take the time to remind them of the importance of regular breaks in their workday. It’s important for this reminder to come from a manager or superior, because it helps to reinforce that breaks are an acceptable part of the workday. They do not make you lazy, but instead keep you from becoming over-extended and are encouraged to cultivate a healthy and productive lifestyle. Employees who feel unappreciated are less likely to be engaged or satisfied with their work. Emphasizing the importance of breaks shows your employees that you aren’t primarily focused on the company’s bottom line.
Find Out What Your Employees Enjoy Most
If you take the time to discuss the aspects of an employee’s day that he or she finds to be most gratifying, you will gain a better understanding of what motivates them. Humans often reap better results when they are doing something that they enjoy. We are also more likely to be motivated and engaged while performing jobs that come naturally or are exciting for us. With this knowledge, managers can allocate tasks to team members strategically. Considering the aspects of the role that remote workers enjoy most is beneficial for employers and employees alike. In essence, employees will find their work to be more motivating and rewarding, and employers will realize a more dedicated and engaged workforce.
Get to Know Your Staff
The workplace often feels like an environment that is strictly for business and professional matters. This phenomenon is emphasized even more for remote work, as the physical contact and office comradery is lost. Make sure that you are regularly engaging with remote team members on topics outside of work, as well. Ask about your employees’ families, hobbies, and weekend activities. Getting to know your staff on a personal level will establish improved relationships and virtual office comradery. A great way to kick things off is a virtual happy hour after work on Fridays.
COVID-19 has caused every organization throughout the US to adapt to a temporary ‘new normal’. As your company navigates the challenges associated with a changing workforce, be mindful of those people who are responsible for your company’s success. Nurturing employee engagement and looking out for your staff is essential to the continued success of your business.
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