Working from home is becoming more common in the modern workplace, and future-focused companies must start preparing for this transition if they haven’t already.
Many companies have offered a work-from-home or hybrid option for years, a lifesaver to working parents, caregivers, and those who prefer a flexible lifestyle. Due to social distancing regulations, more and more businesses are moving toward a hybrid or fully remote work week, with 70% of workers globally working from home at least one day per week.
Whether you are transitioning back into the office after a long year of social distancing or adopting a fully remote model, you may be wondering: how do I motivate my employees who are working from home? How can I help my remote workers feel valued while maintaining a steady level of productivity? Let’s explore a few ideas to help your remote employees socially distance in style.
1. Prioritize Communication
Communication is key to a thriving business, and it can be difficult for employees working from home. Be sure to prioritize communication with remote workers by including them in conference calls, checking on their progress, and taking a genuine interest in their professional and personal life. Since you don’t see them in the office, it’s important to be sure they are satisfied with their work and feel comfortable reaching out to coworkers.
A great way to enhance team communication is to host interactive events that allow employees to bond and collaborate. For example, consider hosting an online murder mystery or escape room game. You may ask, “What is a virtual escape room?” It involves the same concept where a group or groups race the clock to escape a locked room, except you play on a platform like Zoom. Improving company communication through team-building activities is vital for happy employees and a business to stay successful.
2. Show Them You Care
A little goes a long way when it comes to making your employees feel seen and valued. Consider sending small tokens of your appreciation to your remote workers through snail mail.
Delight your employees and encourage healthy practices by sending your work-from-home staff a branded promotional product like a face mask featuring the company’s logo. After they’re finished working from home, employees can go out in style in a company face mask that makes them feel appreciated and advertises your brand!
3. Recognize A Job Well Done
Companies cannot thrive without the input and hard work of their employees. Show your remote staff you care by implementing an employee recognition program. Help remote staff feel like a part of the team even though they’re not in the office by praising and acknowledging a job well done. It can be hard to keep tabs on those working from home, and studies show that employees perform to a higher standard when they perceive they are valued.
4. Establish Trust
There is a fine line between making sure your remote employees are staying on track and driving them away with incessant micromanaging. There has to be a certain level of trust between you and your employees working from home.
Consider establishing certain times of day to maintain contact, such as a short phone call each morning or weekly check-in via Zoom. This will allow you to monitor productivity while giving your employees the space they need to complete their work. Fostering and building trust will motivate your remote employees and foster positive and healthy communication.
5. Equip Them For Success
When your work-from-home employees have the tools they need to succeed, they are more content and efficient. Ask your remote workers if they feel like they are set up for success even though they’re away from the office. This includes access to a working laptop, high-speed internet, access to important files and information, and the ability to communicate with team members and managed effectively through direct messaging tools.
While managing employees working from home can be overwhelming, the transition to remote working is inevitable. Working from home is more difficult than it seems, and your employees need to be equipped for success so they can continue producing, sticking to deadlines, and meeting expectations. Make your life easier by establishing trust, prioritizing communication, showing your remote employees you care, and always recognizing a job well done.
