We are currently living in a time where more and more people are working from home or working remotely in some capacity to help cope with the current global COVID-19 pandemic. That being said, it can be exceedingly difficult for any workforce to change over from an in-person model to a remote model without some hiccups along the way. Knowing what to do to help smooth out the process can make a big difference, and here are 7 tips that might be just what you need.
1. Communication-
The first and most important element of remote work. You should make sure that there are ways for you to communicate with your team at all times, that they can always contact you, and that they can contact one another as well. Communication can help make it easier for questions to be answered, for problems to be resolved, and for the team to know that just because you do not face to face, you are still able to keep that workplace communication going.
2. Automate-
Another helpful tip is to automate what can be automated as it will help to reduce the stress by trying to complete day to day menial tasks that might pop up. This could be an automated system for clocking in when they do start working, an automated program that allows them to see what work needs to be done. More options do help make doing simple things even simpler and even easier to manage overall.
This means that your workforce will be able to do what they can without having to worry about keeping track of their work or what they are doing. Time and attendance software is a great resource.
3. Ease of Access-
While most households do have computers and internet at home, as an employer, you must ensure that your workers have the tools they need to get their work done and access the work that does need to be completed. If you have workers that do not have computers or internet, offer them the tools that they need so that they can get their work done and so that they can be a productive part of the team without having to worry about what they are going to do.
4. Set Clear Expectations-
When it comes to transitioning from an in-person model where people are watched and held accountable to an at-home or remote model where they may be able to slack off, it can be hard. You must set a clear set of rules, expectations, and overall goals right out of the gate and make sure that everyone is being held accountable. Being held accountable will help your workers stay productive and be doing the things they need to do.
5. Check-in Often-
Although you may be tempted to let your team do whatever they need to do and go about your day, it is much better to check in often and to check to see what is going on and what might be happening on your team. You should check-in, often, and maybe without warning, so that your team stays on their toes and knows that you are always there to help solve problems and to help them get their work done.
6. Offer Incentives-
Working on a remote team can be so difficult, and allowing your team to have incentives can truly help them feel better about what they are doing and feel that they are doing a good job. Offering incentives will also help your team stay on topic, work well, and push to do well even though they may not be used to the remote work set up. Offering incentives will also bring the team together as they work toward common goals, and they work toward the same rewards.
7. Offer Encouragement and Be Supportive-
Lastly, we are all struggling with this pandemic, and it can be so hard to change from something that we are used to doing every day to a completely new model of work. Taking the time to offer encouragement, to off support and to help your workers feel that they are doing a good job and that you are aware that they are trying their best can go a long way.
No matter what sort of remote set up you have, a mobile workforce can be so hard to work with, and it can be super stressful to manage. If you are working with a mobile workforce, you should take the time to pay attention, to try and make the most of your workers, and to make sure you are adapting where you can.
